The Canberra Capitals' charge towards the WNBL finals has been dealt a seismic blow, with Opals star Sara Blicavs making a shock exit from the club to pursue a major opportunity overseas.
A Mutual Agreement for a Major Opportunity
In an announcement that stunned the Australian basketball community, the Capitals confirmed on Tuesday that a 'mutual agreement' had been reached for Blicavs's immediate release. The 32-year-old forward is set to take up what the club described as a 'significant overseas opportunity'.
The Capitals organisation, while disappointed, expressed public support for her decision. 'While the club would have loved Sara to continue with the Capitals, we recognise the importance of the opportunity presented and fully support her decision,' a club statement read. 'Sara has been a valued member of the Capitals program... We wish her every success in this next chapter.'
'A Very Hard Decision' for the Veteran Star
Blicavs, who will turn 33 this year, explained her reasoning in an emotional video message to fans. She described the choice to leave Canberra as a 'very hard decision' but one dictated by the stage of her career.
'I'm very sad to be leaving you all,' Blicavs said. 'It was a very hard decision but I think with me being 33 this year, where I'm at in my career, I had to take these opportunities because they don't come around all that often.'
She heaped praise on the Capitals setup, calling it 'the most professional club I've ever been a part of' and thanking the team, staff, coach Paul Goriss, and the 'sensational' Canberra fans for their support.
Injury Crisis Worsens for Finals-Bound Capitals
Blicavs's departure exacerbates an existing injury crisis for the Capitals at the worst possible time. The veteran had been sidelined for the past three games with a knee issue but was on track to return for this Saturday's crucial clash with the Sydney Flames.
The squad is already without captain Jade Melbourne, who is recovering from surgery on a broken hand and is expected to be out for at least another month. Blicavs's exit now robs coach Paul Goriss of a key pillar for the entire run home to the finals.
Her on-court contribution this season has been substantial, averaging nearly 13 points, five rebounds, and a steal per game. Her presence was pivotal in the Capitals' strong form, which has them sitting in fourth place on the WNBL ladder with just eight regular-season games remaining.
The news comes off the back of a weekend high, where the Capitals scored an unbelievable upset over the Perth Lynx courtesy of a viral half-court buzzer-beater from Nyadiew Puoch. The club now faces the immense challenge of regrouping without one of its leaders as it fights to secure its first finals berth since the 2021-22 season.
