Ezi Magbegor, who played for our Eagles Women’s squad for the SEABL competition, came into the Eagles Nest earlier this week to accept her award for Youth Player Of The Year from our CEO, Ross Wignell. We had a chat to Ezi about her 2018 season, the Australian Opals camp and her upcoming season with the WNBL powerhouse, The Melbourne Boomers. 

 

So Ezi, thanks for having a chat with us today! If we were to look at your SEABL season as a whole for 2018, how do you feel like you improved as a player? 

I feel like i did improve. In the past, i have been coached by Zoe in the junior state teams, so she really knew my playing style and knew the areas i really needed to work on and develop. I personally worked a lot of the fundamental skills and being so tall and big, i needed to be able to compete physically.

 

What do you think the highlights of the SEABL season were for you and the group? 

I think it was when we managed to get out of the losing streak during the mid season. Specifically, the games where we stuck it out and kept in it. That was really a great feeling and helped everyone bring in a very positive attitude that led to a finals run. All the coaching staff were really supportive during the losing streak, and we never lost our hunger to win. 

 

How was your time recently in Canberra at the Opals training camp? 

It was great! There were only 12 of us, obviously a lot of the girls are currently over in the states playing in the WNBA, but it was a really competitive camp. Going against girls like Alex Bunton who just got back from injury and Alanna Smith, it was great being able to compete with the bigs who have plenty of experience. I am really looking forward to going away with the team September 4th.

 

Whats your preparation at the moment for the WNBL season? 

Well to be honest, it has been a bit disrupted with national camps and overseas trips, but once we all get together and get the preseason started in September, that will give us a lot of time to gel. 

 

Do you have any words of advice for players who want to make the SEABL team or even the WNBL?

You really need to focus on “knowing your weaknesses.” In order to do this, your relationship with your coaching staff is really important. Make sure you are always reaching out to coaches and taking as much advice from them as possible. Also, don’t forget to look at your strengths and work to make them even better. 

 

In late September, Ezi will represent the Australian Opals at the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Spain!