Talbot was the star of the Opals' 86-65 win over Japan at Dandenong on Monday, top scoring with 20 points and producing nine rebounds and four assists.

The former WNBL rookie of the year was outstanding in her first season at the Capitals and there are hopes she can emerge as Australia's next big thing.

Her speed and multi-faceted games on both ends of the floor make her ideal for Joyce's up-tempo style.

The Opals are looking for fresh blood to replace the experienced core in the back end of their careers and Joyce has identified Talbot as one of the leading contenders.

Asked if the 21-year-old was potentially in his plans for Rio next year, Joyce said: "Absolutely, no doubt about it.

"It's been a process with Steph; she's still got some things to work on but on the tour to Europe and the World University Games she matched up really well on some very good players.

"She did a really good job on [Serbia's] Ana Dabovic, who was the MVP at the European Championships.

"Her speed is a big plus for how we play and she can defend a lot of different types of players."

Joyce said the biggest aspect of her game she's looking to improve is her composure.

"I think they're doing a good job with her at Canberra; they let her play through her mistakes," he said.

"The thing we're working on with her is being able to pull up and shoot on the dribble. She can be a bull at a gate and run over someone when she gets cuts off.

"When she does come to a stop she's going that fast she's unbalanced at the end of it, and that's where her turnovers come from.

She's an international '3-2' offensively but when she gets a rebound I tell her not to worry about throwing the ball to the point guard – she has that freedom.

"She's like a player I had at the [Wollongong] Hawks in Glen Saville. He was multi-skilled, he could dribble, shoot and pass, and that's where she is now.

"Steph's the prototype athlete."

Joyce said another Canberra Capital, Lauren Jackson, has been in good spirits at Opals training as she recovers from a sixth operation in 12 months to repair knee damage.

"She came to a couple of practice sessions to watch the girls, she looks really happy at the moment and in good shape considering she's not playing," Joyce said.

"She's going to start shooting and doing a bit of rehab, she'll stay in Melbourne and do some work there.

"I'm optimistic [she'll play Olympics], she's one of our best players ever and there's some positive signs there. I said to her you can't rush back; the last time she just came back too early.

"The only way she's going to make this thing now is to do her rehab properly."

The Opals play the second game of the Japan series in Frankston on Wednesday night.