Liz Cambage's absence from next year's FIBA Women's World Cup has been confirmed with the Australian basketball star left out of the Opals squad announced on Monday.
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Cambage declared on Sunday she had "zero" interest in representing Australia and her wish has been granted.
A 24-player squad will head to Serbia in February, with the goal of a podium finish on home soil in September 2022.
The squad consists of players from the Tokyo Olympics including Jenna O'Hea, Marianna Tolo, Bec Allen and Ezi Magbegor as well as players from their bronze medal finish in the Asia Cup in September.
Veteran Sami Whitcomb, who was an Asia Cup All-Star five recipient and dual WNBA champion at Seattle Storm, is part of the charge.
Born and raised in America, Whitcomb took up Australian citizenship in 2018.
"Playing in a World Cup in Australia is everything, it doesn't get any better than this," the 33-year-old said.
"It's such an honour to suit up in the green and gold and while you make the squad it doesn't guarantee making the team, so for now I'll keep my head down and keep working my butt off."
Coach Sandy Brondello said she was looking forward to getting the squad together to start proper preparations for the tournament.
"I am really excited about the talent we have in Australian basketball and the squad that we as coaches have put together for 2022 is a great mix of experience and youth," Brondello said.
"I was particularly excited by some of the performances from the younger players in the Asia Cup post the Olympics who were given a taste of international basketball and there will be opportunities for those who work hard and make the most of their opportunities throughout the upcoming WNBL competition."
Cambage was reprimanded by BA last month after an investigation into a physical and verbal altercation she had with Nigeria players during a warm-up game before the Tokyo Games.
The star centre pulled out of Australia's Olympic campaign in the days after the Nigeria practice game due to mental health concerns, revealing she'd been having panic attacks about going into the Games bubble.
The world No.2-ranked Opals struggled after Cambage's late withdrawal, losing their quarter-final in Tokyo.
Australia squad: Rebecca Allen, Zitina Aokuso, Sara Blicavs, Rebecca Cole, Keely Froling, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Shyla Heal, Tessa Lavey, Eziyoda Magbegor, Tess Madgen, Jade Melbourne, Leilani Mitchell, Lauren Nicholson, Jenna O'Hea, Maddison Rocci, Lauren Scherf, Alex Sharp, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace, Abbey Wehrung, Sami Whitcomb.
Australian Associated Press
