Aokuso brings winning pedigree to Capitals

• ‍UC Capitals have signed Zitina Aokuso on a one-year deal
• Aokuso returns to Australia after a season in Turkey
• Aokuso is currently having a stand-out season in NBL1 West, averaging 21 pts and 11 rebs

The UC Capitals have secured a significant addition to their roster for the upcoming WNBL 2025/26 season with Australian Opal Zitina Aokuso committing to the Canberra-based club.

Standing at 193 cm, the 26-year-old big brings championship pedigree and international experience to a Capitals squad looking to make waves in the upcoming campaign.

Aokuso, a two-time WNBL champion with the Townsville Fire (2018 and 2023), represents a major frontcourt acquisition for head coach Paul Goriss, who previously worked with the talented centre during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup.

"I'm super excited to be joining the Capitals and to play under Goz once again," Aokuso said. "Coming back to the WNBL, I wanted to keep growing as a player and improving my skills and I know Goz can help me with those goals."

The signing addresses a clear need for the Capitals, who were seeking to bolster their frontcourt presence alongside their existing perimeter-oriented roster. Aokuso's ability to score in the low post, coupled with her athleticism and playmaking from the paint, provides the team with a versatile weapon who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Championship Pedigree and International Experience

Aokuso's basketball resume features impressive achievements at both the domestic and international levels. Her two WNBL championships with Townsville Fire demonstrate her ability to perform at the highest level of Australian women's basketball.

On the international stage, Aokuso earned her first call-up to the Opals for the 2021 FIBA Women's World Cup, where she helped Australia secure a bronze medal. Her international journey continues as she has recently been named in the Opals squad set to compete at this year's FIBA Women's World Cup in China.

This international experience has been valuable for Aokuso's development, exposing her to different styles of play and the highest level of competition. Her time with the national team has also allowed her to refine her skills and build confidence against world-class opposition.

The combination of her WNBL success and international experience makes Aokuso a proven winner who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. This winning mentality will be crucial for a Capitals team looking to climb the WNBL ladder in the upcoming season.

Following her success in the WNBL, Aokuso took her talents overseas to gain valuable experience in the competitive European basketball scene. She joined OGM Ormansport in Turkey, where she made an immediate impact in her first season abroad.

In 22 games with Ormansport, Aokuso posted impressive numbers, averaging 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. This experience against European competition has helped round out her game and exposed her to different playing styles and systems.

Coach Paul Goriss acknowledged the growth in Aokuso's game following her European stint: "She's matured a lot on and off the court, especially after spending a season in Europe, and she'll step into a big role where there's going to be a lot of expectations."

Reunion with Paul Goriss

Aokuso's decision to join the Capitals reunites her with head coach Paul Goriss, under whom she previously played during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup with the Australian Opals. This existing relationship was a key factor in her decision to sign with Canberra.

"I'm looking forward to providing leadership, bringing physicality and being a dominant presence on both ends of the court, helping the team win and make finals once again," Aokuso explained.

The familiarity between player and coach should facilitate a smooth transition as Aokuso integrates into the Capitals' system. Goriss's understanding of Aokuso's strengths and how to maximise her effectiveness will be crucial in helping her make an immediate impact.

Goriss expressed his enthusiasm about coaching Aokuso again: "Zitina is a gifted athlete with great IQ and basketball instincts, whose physicality and post presence will have an immediate impact for our team. She's a good scorer but also an excellent passer that makes her teammates better."

This mutual respect and understanding between Aokuso and Goriss provides a solid foundation for what both parties hope will be a successful partnership in the upcoming WNBL season.

Dominating in NBL1 West

While preparing for her return to the WNBL, Aokuso has been showcasing her all-around game in the NBL1 West competition with the Willetton Tigers. Her performances have been nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating her readiness to make an immediate impact upon her WNBL return.

In seven games with the Tigers, Aokuso has posted remarkable numbers, averaging 21.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, eight assists and 2.7 steals per game. These statistics highlight her versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

The dominance Aokuso has displayed in NBL1 West serves as a preview of what Capitals fans can expect in the upcoming WNBL season. Her ability to impact the game in various ways makes her a dangerous player who will be difficult for opponents to contain.

Fit with the Current Roster

Aokuso joins a promising Capitals roster that already includes Monique Bobongie, Jayda Clark, Jade Melbourne and Nyadiew Puoch for the 2025/26 season. Her skill set complements the existing players, particularly in how she can work in tandem with the team's perimeter threats.

Coach Goriss highlighted the potential partnership between Aokuso and Melbourne: "Her playmaking ability will make for a dynamic tandem with Jade in our system and I'm sure our fans will love the energy she brings."

This inside-outside combination could become a cornerstone of the Capitals' offense. Aokuso's presence in the paint will draw defensive attention, creating space for Melbourne and other perimeter players to operate. Conversely, when defenses focus on containing the Capitals' outside threats, Aokuso will have opportunities to dominate in the post.

See our full and updated WNBL roster tracker here.