Collins Selected To Australia World University Games Team

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Collins Selected To Australia World University Games Team
Freshman joins team looking for sixth straight medal at World University Games

June 18, 2015

AUSTRALIA (SMU WBB) - Stephanie Collins is one of 12 players selected to represent Australia at the 2015 World University Games in South Korea July 4-13, Basketball Australia announced. The Australians have medaled in each of the last five World University Games, which happen every two years.

Collins, a 6-5 center from Melbourne, Australia, joined the SMU women's basketball team after the fall semester, and played in 20 games with eight starts. She reached double figures in points twice, with a season-high 13 points at East Carolina. The freshman also had 25 blocks, which ranks fourth all-time at SMU among freshmen, including four in a game twice.

The selection to the national team gives Collins the opportunity to compete with players from the Women's National Basketball League in Australia, and while head coach Brendan Joyce eludes that the team is young, he has high expectations for his squad.

"We're aiming to be competitive and also provide a development opportunity for the players which will assist them in becoming Opals of the future. [But] our goal is to also win a medal," Joyce said.

The first game for the women will be on July 5 against Uganda before they play Brazil the following night and Chinese Taipei on July 7.

Collins is one of three players on the SMU roster with international experience representing Australia. Alicia and Keely Froling competed at the FIBA World Championships in their age group.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

This will be great experience for Stephanie!

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Collins had 3 rebounds in 12 minutes in Australia's 128-31 win over Uganda.

http://www.gwangju2015.com/IRS/eng/bk/engbk_basketball_results_women_w400_d_01.htm

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Australia is in the quarterfinals. They face Japan Thursday.