Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor headline a preliminary 24-strong Australian women’s basketball squad for the London Olympics.

The Opals’ Games preparation begins with a selection camp in March and then moves into the official pre-Olympic training camp in May at the AIS.

The final Olympic squad of 12 will be named in late June.

Coach Carrie Graf said that although there is a core group of players who are likely to make up much of the London Olympic team, there are a number of spots up for grabs.

“We’re getting to the pointy end of things now and it’s about the 2012 campaign and who can force their way into the group and who can help us in the process,” Graf said.

Squad: Suzy Batkovic, Abby Bishop, Elizabeth Cambage, Rohanee Cox, Rachael Flanagan, Cayla Francis, Kristi Harrower, Laura Hodges, Natalie Hurst, Lauren Jackson, Rachel Jarry, Kathleen Macleod, Jenna O’Hea, Elyse Penaluna, Erin Phillips, Alicia Poto, Samantha Richards, Jennifer Screen, Belinda Snell, Penny Taylor, Marianna Tolo, Kristen Veal, Carly Wilson, Hanna Zavecz.