​Jackson said Batkovic was the "Best player in Australia right now", and that her omission undermines the significance of the WNBL.

However, Canberra Capitals star signing Marianna Tolo and outgoing guard Stephanie Talbot are both ecstatic to be selected for their first Olympic Games.

Tolo has overcome the disappointment of missing out on selection for the London Games and recovered from her knee reconstruction in time to be handed her boarding pass to Rio.

"It's the best feeling in the world to know I'm getting to compete at the Olympics and I'm not sure it has really sunk in just yet.

"Coming back in Europe was great and it was amazing to have all the girls behind me and cheering me on."

The selectors have picked a relatively young squad, with seven of the 12 being Olympic debutants but the youngest member Talbot said the team is well balanced.

"There is definitely a few of us young ones in the team, but we've got some veterans like Laura [Hodges], Penny Taylor and Erin Phillips who have a lot of experience under their belts."

Speaking with The Canberra Times last month, Opals coach Brendan Joyce praised the professionalism of Tolo and the defensive prowess of Talbot.

"We always knew Marianna would make it back because she's one of the most dedicated players," he said. "If you look at Marianna right now you wouldn't have known she's come off an injury, she's one of the best conditioned athletes."

"Everyone talks about how we got to score against teams but we're not beating anyone unless we defend, and Steph Talbot has shown she can be a world-class defender and that's certainly what we've seen with Steph during these tours."

The squad will spend the next week training in Australia before heading to the US where Tolo said they will put their final touches on their preparation for Rio.

"We get to play Canada, France and the USA who are obviously some of the best teams that will be in Rio.

"It will be tough, great practice and give us the chance to work Penny (Taylor) and Erin (Phillips) back into the team."

Opals squad for Rio:

Laura Hodges, Elizabeth Cambage, Rachel Jarry, Erin Phillips, Penny Taylor, Marianna Tolo, Katie-Rae Ebzery, Natalie Burton, Tessa Lavey, Leilani Mitchell, Stephanie Talbot and Cayla George.