Bonnie Deas reflects on World Cup success

• Bonnie Deas was named to the All-Star 5 at the U19 World Cup, averaging 12.3 points and 7.7 rebounds
• After overcoming multiple injuries, she earned valuable WNBL minutes with the Sydney Flames last season
• She will begin her college basketball career at Arkansas, aiming for a future with the Opals and WNBA

Bonnie Deas is quickly becoming one of Australia's most exciting basketball talents. Fresh off winning a silver medal with the Gems at the Under-19 World Cup in the Czech Republic, the young star is now preparing for her next challenge – college basketball with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

World Cup Glory

Deas was instrumental in the Gems' unexpected silver medal performance, averaging 12.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

Her outstanding play earned her All-Star 5 honours, cementing her status as one of the tournament's elite performers.

"It was an incredible experience," Deas shared. "We were projected to finish fifth at the start of the tournament, and to come away with second was incredible. We just played for each other."

That team-first mentality was evident throughout the tournament as the Gems exceeded all expectations. Despite having limited time together as a squad, they quickly built chemistry during their pre-tournament camp in Portugal.

"A lot of us girls hadn't played together before," Deas explained.

"We had a pre-nations tournament before the World Cup that really helped us build a culture and get close with everyone. From our first game at our pre-nations tournament to our last game, we grew so much."

Facing the Best

The tournament culminated in a gold medal game against basketball powerhouse USA.

While the Gems ultimately fell short, their silver medal represents one of the best results in Australian junior basketball history.

"We didn't want to change anything about our game plan," Deas said of facing the Americans.

"We just wanted to keep playing physical, keep playing for each other, moving the ball."The emotions following the final were complicated – the disappointment of losing mixed with the pride of winning silver."It's just such a mix of emotions," Deas admitted.

"You lose the final, and then it's still amazing that you came second, but you've just lost. I think after, probably the next day, is when it hit me and I was like, 'Wow, second, it's incredible.'"

Overcoming Adversity

Deas's path to World Cup success wasn't without challenges.

She battled several serious injuries, including problems with her quad, back, and ankle that sidelined her for months at a time. During her two years at the Centre of Excellence (2023-2024), she learned valuable lessons about managing her body and the mental side of rehabilitation.

"Especially in the lead-up to Worlds, I was also injured. That was really hard," Deas revealed.

"I think you just have to not compare yourself to other people. It's you versus you. You're on your own journey."

This perspective helped her stay focused on her development despite setbacks.

The medical staff at the Centre of Excellence played a crucial role in rebuilding her mechanics and teaching her how to properly manage her training load.

"They really rebuilt me – the way I ran, my back and all my injuries that I had," Deas explained. "

That was probably one of the biggest takeaways at the COE."

Professional Experience

Following her time at the Centre of Excellence, Deas signed an amateur contract with the Sydney Flames for the 2024-25 WNBL season.

She averaged around 15 minutes across 19 games, gaining valuable professional experience that will serve her well at the collegiate level.

"It was incredible. I loved my time in Sydney," Deas said.

"Obviously, it was very unexpected with all the injuries we had, but that created a lot of opportunities for me towards the back end of the season to be able to play more minutes and to start in the finals."

Under coach Guy Molloy, Deas refined her footwork, shooting technique, and understanding of spacing on the court.

These technical improvements complemented her natural strengths as a physical, defensive-minded player who thrives on hustle plays.

"I like to classify myself as a hustle player and just doing the little things like rebounding, getting the 50/50 ball," she said.

"I love defence as well. I love being that person that's assigned to the person that's the best player on the other team."

College Bound

In less than three weeks, Deas will begin her college basketball journey at Arkansas.

Despite receiving other offers, her connection with the Razorbacks program was immediate.

"I just fell in love with the Razorbacks. I loved the college, the campus, the coaching staff, the way they did things on court," Deas explained.

"For me, after my visits, it was a no-brainer with Arkansas."

She's looking forward to the structured environment college basketball provides, similar to what she experienced at the Centre of Excellence.

"I love routine, I love schedules, so I can't wait to get into that," she said.

Future Ambitions

While focused on her immediate college career, Deas has clear long-term goals that include playing in Europe, returning to the WNBL, making the WNBA, and representing the Australian Opals at the Olympics.

For now, she's continuing to work on slowing down her offensive game and improving her shooting consistency while maintaining the defensive intensity and physical play that have become her trademarks.

Her advice to younger players facing their own challenges reflects wisdom beyond her years: "Don't compare your journey to anyone else's. It's so different. It's you versus you. Just work hard on everything you do."

For the full interview, check out It's a Cole World with Bec Cole and Bonnie Deas in the video player above.