Alice Kunek ruled out of FIBA’s 3×3 Olympic Qualifier due to injury

On Sunday January 12, Kunek was injured in the final minute of the Sydney Uni Flames v Townsville Fire game and on Thursday, it was confirmed that she would require surgery.

It is expected that Kunek will be sidelined for 12-16 weeks, a rehab period that will allow Kunek time to prepare for selection for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, if the 3×3 team qualify in March.

“Of course, it’s so disappointing to have to miss out on not only the remainder of the WNBL season but the 3×3 Olympic Qualifier in March,” said Kunek.

“I have full faith in the team, and I know they will be focused and determined to qualify for the Olympics. I will be cheering them on from the sidelines, with the aim to be back with them ahead of Tokyo.”

Kunek has represented Australia at both the 2019 FIBA 3×3 World Cup and the 2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, where the team won gold.

3×3 Women’s Head Coach Dave Biwer said the exclusion of Kunek from the Olympic qualifier is extremely disappointing.

“Alice has been such an integral part of the 3×3 teams at both the World Cup and the Asia Cup, so we will definitely miss her,” said Biwer.

“We will support Alice throughout her rehab period, and we look forward to hopefully seeing her back out on court representing the women’s 3×3 in Tokyo.”

Australian Women’s 3×3 star Alice Kunek has suffered an elbow injury and will no longer be available for selection for FIBA’s 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) to be held in India from March 18 – 22, 2020.

Basketball Australia

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