Maroon Gems: QLD duo's Green and Gold dreams

• Monique Bobongie (Mackay) and Prasayus Notoa (Logan) will both feature for the Gems at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Czechia from July 12-20
• Both had their first taste of the WNBL with the UC Capitals and Townsville Fire last season
• Bobongie and Notoa are starring for the Meteorettes and Thunder in the NBL1 North

Inspired by their first taste of the WNBL, Queensland duo Monique Bobongie and Prasayus Notoa are ready to switch Maroon for Green and Gold as they prepare to show why they are two of the rising Gems of Australian basketball at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Czechia next month.

Bobongie and Notoa were both named Australian Gems, coached by former WNBL star Renae Garlepp, to compete at the tournament from July 12-20 alongside fellow young guns in Sitaya Fagan, Bonnie Deas, Sienna Harvey, Ruby Perkins and more.

Both have represented Australia at major international tournaments before and are dominating in the NBL1 North with the Mackay Meteorettes and the Logan Thunder.

Bobongie is averaging 20.2 points, 3.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game after returning home to play for the 5-1 Meteorettes while Notoa is averaging 15.3 points, seven rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Thunder, who are also 5-1 for the season.

But despite impressive seasons at the semi-professional level, it was their experiences in the WNBL, which has helped take their games to the next level.

In Bobongie's case, the Mackay product played big minutes for Paul Goriss' young Capitals side — even starting many of those games — while Notoa had the opportunity to do pre-season training and spend time during the season with the WNBL runners-up the Townsville Fire.

"For my first WNBL season, I had a great experience as I got to play my style of basketball but learning from the best and seeing how they see the game and use their physicality is just a different level," Bobongie, who has re-signed with the Capitals, said.

Notoa said learning under five-time WNBL Coach of the Year Shannon Seebohm gave her a different perspective on the game.

"Being with the Fire during their preseason and WNBL season has taught me heaps, especially being coached under Shannon," she said.

"The way he sees the court is just insane, and I think I’ve developed a lot after spending time with them, thanks to the girls and coaching staff."

Having recently dropped a 37-point game in the NBL1, Bobongie shared how much it meant to her to be back home playing for her home club after several seasons at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, while also praising some of the mentors who helped make her dream of representing Australia possible.

"I absolutely love playing back at home the community and team is great and I’m grateful I get to play under Ross Jensen again but also getting to play in front of my family nearly every week is very special to me as well," the dynamic combo guard said.

"As far as the people who helped me get here, firstly my family play a big part in my journey because nothing could be possible without them and their sacrifices, but also coaches Ross Jensen, Rob Grieve, Joel Khalu and David Herbert have had a big impact on my development."

Known as a jack of all trades throughout her junior career, playing every position from point guard to centre and helping lead Queensland's under-20 women's side to the National Championships grand final in February, Notoa's big improvement has come from the three-point line, shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc.

Her improved shooting makes her a nightmare to guard when you combine her passing ability, her size and knack for attacking the basket.

"Lately I’ve been focusing on my mid-range game. I don’t really shoot them, but adding that to my game would help me for sure, and as for the threes, I’ve been getting up shots when I can, because I know I struggled with that last year. But seeing them sink, gives me a bit more confidence to shoot them when I’m open," Notoa said.

The pair also spoke about how much it meant to them to don the green and gold at a World Cup.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity of making another Australian team, it’s such an honour because I’m not just representing my country I’m also representing my family and culture which is really special to me," Bobongie said.

"I can’t quite remember when I thought playing for Australia might have become areal possibility but I’ve always wanted to achieve more and it might have been under-16ss where I thought these achievements were possible."

Notoa said playing for the Gems meant "everything".

"Especially at the world stage. The hard work behind the scenes, finally paying off, and to be able to represent my country and family is a huge honour and blessing," she said.

But a tough task awaits the Gems in Europe, where they will face Mali, Brazil and France in the Group Phase. However both were confident in the group they had for the tournament.

"I think we have a strong side with a great bunch of girls, and our goals at the moment are probably just learning how to play with each other and being relentless on the defensive end," Bobongie said.

While Notoa said she learnt about the increased physicality on the international stage when she played at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup but believed in her team's potential to "take out the tournament".

"I think our Gems team is really good... We’re a very versatile bunch who can play and defend multiple positions, and I think that is one of our strengths heading into this tournament," she said.