Flames unveil second import Morris for WNBL25 season
The Sydney Flames are thrilled to unveil their second import for the fast-approaching WNBL25 season is Yemiyah Morris.
The United States centre, who stands at 198cm, joins the Hoops Capital club on a one-year deal and completes Molloy’s roster for the 2024-25 campaign – after original signing Didi Richards was ruled out for the season through injury.
Morris joins Cayla George, Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain, Celeste Taylor, Emma Clarke, Sherrie Calleia, Mikaela Ruef, Bonnie Deas and Isabella Brancatisano in the squad.
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“One of the biggest attractions to signing with the Flames was the great players I’ll get to play alongside because I want to be a sponge and learn as much as I can,” said Morris.
“In particular, someone like Cayla George, who had great success with the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA and is a legend of Australian hoops, is someone I’m really looking forward to working with.
“For that reason, I thought Sydney was the best spot for my career, as I continue to grow as a player.”
Born in California, Morris went to play for Cochise College Douglas Campus and West Virginia University before graduating in 2022 at Mississippi State University.
Following that, the now 25-year-old has had stints in the Czech Republic, Greece, Israel, Turkey and the United States.
“I’m aiming to bring my defensive ability and energy – on and off the court – to Sydney,” the 6’6 centre said – who hopes to average a double-double in WNBL25.
“[On top of that] I’d like to use this experience in Sydney to expand my game, including increasing the range of my jump shot and overall skills with the ball.
“If I do these, I’m confident our team can achieve the goals we want to this season.”
While Molloy was sad to see Richards ruled out through injury, he’s excited for Morris to join his talented playing group.
“I took this as an opportunity to reshape our roster a little,” Molloy said.
“Didi was a unicorn of a player and we created a role for her to excel in – not to mention she loved playing here in Sydney.
“But Miyah [Yemiyah] gives a completely different look, as elite bigs like her are hard to find in this league, especially a deep rolling, rim-protecting one like her.
“Sometimes last year, against some of the big frontlines, we got exposed because we chose to go for a more mobile line-up.
“But now, players like Cayla and Mikaela will be given the opportunity to capitalise on their perimeter skills at the four, as they all have high IQs, can shoot, make sharp passes and compliment a low-post big – which gives our offence another dimension.”
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With his squad locked in for his second campaign in the Hoops Capital, Molloy is excited about how this squad will build on last season.
“Continuity is such a priority for me and with so many pieces returning from last season, I’m confident we’re in a really good spot for this year,” he said.
“We have a really nice balance across the board and I couldn’t be happier with the squad we have assembled.”
The Flames tip-off their 2024-25 season with a double-header at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, November 3 – taking on the UC Capitals from 1.45pm AEDT before the Kings battle Tasmania from 4.15pm.