Sami Whitcomb is on the cusp of a dream basketball double after being called into the Opals' World Cup squad for injured guard Leilani Mitchell.
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The naturalised Australian will make her national team debut at the tournament in Spain later this month but not before a potential WNBA title win with Seattle as early as Thursday.
Whitcomb was born in California but her sporting rise began in Perth, where she earned a contract with the WNBL's Lynx before signing with the Storm last season.
The Storm lead Washington 2-0 in the best-of-five series but the 30-year-old was able to celebrate for different reasons on Monday.
"Australia is my home and to now be a part of this amazing Opals team is beyond a dream," she said.
"You work your whole life for these opportunities so (coach Sandy Brondello's) call was pretty emotional for me.
Whitcomb became a citizen earlier this year and had been part of the world No.4 side's training squad.
However, only one naturalised player can play in teams during the World Cup, with Washington-born point guard Mitchell given the initial nod.
But, slowed by a foot problem at the back end of the WNBA season, the Phoenix Mercury star has made the call to withdraw and rehabilitate the injury.
Brondello is confident the Opals, powered by world-class forward Liz Cambage and drawn in a pool alongside Nigeria, Argentina and Turkey, won't be hobbled by Mitchell's absence.
"Sami is a dynamic scorer and will add another dimension to our team with her shooting ability and will to win," she said.
"Her experience playing in the WNBA finals will also be a valuable asset during the World Cup."
Bronze medallists at the 2014 tournament, the Opals are currently in Europe for warm-up games ahead of their campaign opener against Nigeria on September 22.
Australian Associated Press