BASKETBALL: Mackay-born Marianna Tolo has been selected for the Australian Opals upcoming Asia Cup campaign in India later this month.

Tolo had a stellar season for the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL, with the centre averaging 18.32 points, 8.64 rebounds and 2.32 assists, earning her national team selection.

Australia has normally qualified through Oceania on their path to the World Cup, however a switch to Asia will see the Opals play more games, with more spots to qualify.

The top-four placed teams at the Asia Cup will progress through to the 2018 World Cup in Spain.

Tolo represented Queensland throughout junior national champion- ships and said they were a big part of helping her to reach the heights she has.

"It was really important to play at the nationals,” she said.

"It was vital to get in the eyes of selectors at the AIS, and also to have the chance to compete against the best players from all across Australia in your age group.

"Seeing how well you could perform against the best, as well as being involved in tournament play, were really great to help my development.”

Tolo was a part of the 2016 Opals team that bowed out of the Rio Olympics in devastating fashion, however new coach Sandy Brondello has told the team to put that behind them.

"It was heartbreaking, but Sandy has told us to put in the past,” Tolo said.

"We know that we have to move forward from that.”

The way forward is the Asia Cup, and despite Australia being considered red-hot favourites to take out the title, Tolo isn't taking her opposition lightly.

"Playing at the national level is always tough, no matter who the opposition is,” she said.

"Asian teams are traditionally very fast, and like to play an up-tempo style of basketball.

"Japan are in our pool, and they almost beat us at the Olympics.”

On a personal level, Tolo said she is looking to use her 196-centimetre frame to her advantage.

"During the tournament I'll need to keep up with the quicker players on the court,” she said.

"I know that I will need to try and stay out of foul trouble as well.

"Hopefully I can get a number of inside looks and really take advantage of my height, especially in the paint.”

The Australian Opals Asia Cup campaign begins on 23 July when they take on Korea, before remaining pool games against the Philippines and Japan.