"This is a great team. This is the proudest moment of my coaching career," said Joyce, who was in charge of the Opals 18 months ago. 

Head coach Brendan Joyce, stalwarts Penny Taylor and Erin Phillips displayed a notable Aussie camaraderie in giving out praise and honor after the Opals went back to the podium at FIBA's premier event for women's basketball by grabbing the third place at the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women last Sunday.

All credit goes to Penny and Erin for the remarkable leadership they showed on the floor right through the tournament. - Joyce

"This is a bronze worth its weight in gold. It may sound a little clichéd, but I mean it."

"This is a great team. This may sound as clichéd, but again this is a real team."

The players in return recognized the success to the strategy and system Joyce had set in.

The youngsters in the team really rose to the occasion each time. -Phillips

"I think this is the best defensive teams that Australia has ever put together. All credit to Brendan for that," said Phillips.

"This is a really fit team capable of playing high tempo basketball."

Phillips was also part of the Australia team that tasted vicotyr in getting the title at the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I just told (point guard Tessa) Lavey: 'For me it's another medal. But I'm very lucky to win this medal with you girls.' That's how much this means to me," she went on.

Taylor added in her interview that she was blessed to add to her 2006 gold medal.

I am really proud of the team. We had to really handle some big changes. - Taylor

"This team has been the most together and happy as a team more than any other team. We had adversity staring in the face right through," Taylor said.

"There's a lot of talent coming in. I'm so proud of them. I think Brendan has put together a fantastic system, especially in defense," she added.

(Source: 2014 FIBA for Women Official Website)