WHO TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2020 PART 3
With just seven days to go until the 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season tips off, WNBL.com.au continues to look at some of the powerhouse basketball talents across the league.
Adelaide Lightning
Heading into her second season with the Adelaide Lightning is 26-year old Stephanie Talbot. The 6’2” Forward had a stellar 2019-20 campaign with the Lightning where she was strong on both ends of the court averaging 13.8 points per game (PPG), 8.7 rebounds per game (RPG) and 4.9 assists per game (APG). Talbot, also named in the 2020 Chemist Warehouse Opals squad earlier this year, has a vast experience of the international competition having previously played in the WNBA, in Poland, and prestigious events across the globe with the Opals.
Brydens Sydney Uni Flames
At 5’7”, Lauren Mansfield has made the leap from Perth Lynx to Brydens Sydney Uni Flames for the 2020 season. The Point Guard posted an average of 9.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG and 4.5 APG during the 2019-20 WNBL season. The 30-year old has also made Australian Opals appearances in 2018 where she played with Opals team that competed in a four-nation tournament against China, Serbia and Argentina and also took the court with the team for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
Making her return to the Melbourne Boomers this season is 30-year old Tess Madgen. Following international stints in the WNBA and in Poland, Madgen returned to the Chemist Warehouse WNBL with the JCU Townsville Fire in 2018. The 6’0” Guard and current Opals squad member averaged a strong 12.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 3.6 APG with the Fire during the 2019-20 season. Madgen was also part of the 2018 Opals team that claimed the silver medal at the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Jayco Southside Flyers
Captain of the Southside Flyers and Australian Opals, 33-year old Jenna O’Hea is another star for fans to look out for in 2020. Following a wrist injury mid last season, O’Hea made her comeback in the Finals Series for the Flyers where they fell short against the UC Capitals. Despite the injury, O’Hea was influential during the season and was named in the 2019-20 WNBL All-Star First Team, averaging 13.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG and 3.9 APG.
JCU Townsville Fire
Scoring well with 6’0” Guard Lauren Nicholson is the JCU Townsville Fire. Nicholson has made the move from the Lightning after achieving a semi-final campaign with her former side last season. The 27-year old maintained a 43.6% shooting efficiency from the field during the 2019-20 WNBL competition, capped with an average of 14.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 2.2 APG. Nicholson is also a part of the current 2020 Australian Opals squad and played with the senior national team earlier this year in France that achieved 2021 Olympic qualification.
Perth Lynx
Sparking a WNBL return after a journey abroad playing in Italy is former WNBL Rookie of the Year (2015-16), Alex Ciabattoni. Having played in the Western Australia State Basketball League women’s competition in 2019, the 6’0” Guard maintained a 49.7% shooting efficiency topped with an average of 17.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 5 APG.
University of Canberra Capitals
Powerhouse Centre and co-captain of the reigning champions, Marianna Tolo, will also be back with the University of Canberra Capitals for the impending season. The 31-year old averaged 14.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG and accumulated a massive 40 blocks over the 2019-20 WNBL season. A member of the 2020 Australian Opals squad, Tolo has made consistent appearances with the senior national women’s team including the 2016 Rio Olympics, various FIBA World Championships, and the 2021 Olympic Qualifying tournament contested earlier this year in France.
Villawood Properties Bendigo Spirit
Returning to the court with the Villawood Properties Bendigo Spirit after being sidelined with a wrist injury last season is 24-year old Alicia Froling. The Small Forward has previously played WNBL stints in Townsville and with the Southern Methodist Mustangs during her college career in the US. Froling has also previously represented Australia in a number of junior teams, claiming bronze with the Gems at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship.
Don’t miss out on any of the action as the WNBL comes to North Queensland this Summer. Secure your tickets here.