Shelley Earns Asia Cup Spot

Nebraska's Jaz Shelley earned a spot on the Australian National Team for the upcoming Asia Cup, the Opals announced on Sept. 1.

Shelley, a 5-9 sophomore guard from Moe (pronounced MO-ee), Australia, is entering her first season as a Husker in 2021-22 after transferring into the Nebraska program from Oregon. She was to the 23-player Australian Senior National Team in 2020 and has represented Australia in international competitions at her age group since 2015. At the 2017 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, Shelley averaged 10.6 points and 3.6 assists. At the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship, Shelley helped Australia to the team gold for the first time in history, including a game-high 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists in a semifinal upset of the United States.

Shelley is the only current U.S. collegiate player to earn a spot on the Australian National Team roster for the Asia Cup. She trained with the Huskers in Lincoln throughout the summer of 2021, and was on campus for the start of fall semester classes in Lincoln on Aug. 23.

Head Coach Paul Gorris and Assistant Coach Kristen Veal from the Women's Centre of Excellence will lead the Opals at the Asia Cup. The 12-player Australian roster is scheduled to compete in pool play with China, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines in Group B of the tournament set for Amman, Jordan (Sept. 27-Oct. 3).

Australia Roster (2021 Asia Cup)
Sami Whitcomb (New York Liberty, WNBA)
Rebecca Allen (New York Liberty, WNBA/Valencia, Spain)
Maddison Rocci (Southside Flyers, WNBL)
Jaz Shelley (Nebraska)
Tiana Mangakahia (Northside, NBL1/Dynamo, Russia)
Lauren Nicholson (JCU Townsville Fire, WNBL)
Kristy Wallace (Melbourne Tigers, NBL1)
Alexandra Sharp (Perth Lynx, WNBL)
Darcee Garbin (Perth Lynx, WNBL)
Keely Froling (Bryden Lawyers Sydney Uni Flames, WNBL)
Zitina Aokuso (JCU Townsville Fire, WNBL)
Lauren Scherf (Perth Lynx, WNBL)
Reserves
Abbey Wehrung (Adelaide Lightning, WNBL)
Jade Melbourne (Canberra Capitals, WNBL)