Richards signs with WNBA’s Washington Mystics
Sydney Flames’ Didi Richards announced on Friday that the next stop on her basketball journey would be with WNBA franchise, the Washington Mystics.
Richards, who will join the US side in April following conclusion of the WNBL season, believes the Mystics are a great fit for her.
“It was a tough juggle between New York and Washington, as of my ties to the former – it was a home away from home for me,” said Richards, who recently was named the WNBL’s Player of Round 12.
“But Washington just felt more applied to carrying my momentum from this WNBL season in the WNBA, as they presented their plans and the opportunity that comes with it for me.
“They have high hopes for me, which was really exciting to hear and made my decision easier.
“I just felt it was the best decision for me at this stage of my basketball career.”
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— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) February 1, 2024
This will mark the Baylor alum’s second stint in the WNBA, after being drafted in 2021 with the Liberty and spending two seasons there.
Injuries temporarily derailed her fledging career but the 24-year-old has regained her confidence and form during her stint with the Hoops Capital club.
“I could harp on for days about how huge of a part the Flames have played in my career,” said Flame #216 Richards, who is averaging 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in WNBL24.
“The whole club has been amazing, in particular, physios Dave [Hillard] and Mike [Phipps] and the attention they’ve given to the rehab of my achilles.
“It’s a standard I’m going to maintain for the rest of my career – I now know there are going to be good and bad days and that’s all part of the process.
“The other that deserves a huge amount of credit is Guy [Molloy].
“He is such a detailed orientated coach, who’s keen on player development – which was exactly what I needed after sitting out the past few seasons.
“The time he’s put into my game, while also implementing on offence that would allow me to thrive and highlight my versatility on and off the ball and across a number of positions, has helped get me looked at by WNBA teams and for that, I’m forever grateful.
“I can’t thank them all enough.”
Flames CEO Chris Pongrass explained how excited the harbour city-based club was for the Texas-born wing.
“We are thrilled for Didi to have the opportunity to make it back to the WNBA,” Pongrass said.
“Didi is known as an elite defender, but she has proven this year that she is very much a two-way player that impacts both ends of the floor.
“The energy, positivity and toughness she brings is unmatched, and know that she will take this with her to Washington.”
READ MORE: HOOPS CAPITAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE LAUREN JACKSON’S IMPACT ON NSW BASKETBALL
This news reiterates the Hoops Capital club’s connection to the WNBA, with Cayla George being part of the 2023 Las Vegas Aces championship-winning side and the Los Angeles Sparks drafting young gun Shaneice Swain with the 14th pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.
Adding to that, Sydney Kings coach Fleur McIntyre recently signed on as an assistant general manager role with the Phoenix Mercury.
“The Flames look to be a breeding ground of local and international talent, to help our players and coaches achieve bigger and better things – Didi is proof of this after the remarkable season she has put together in Sydney,” said Pongrass, whose club has hosted numerous WNBA scouts during the WNBL24 season.
Next up for the Flames is their showdown with Southside on Sunday, February 18 at Qudos Bank Arena, which will also act as a special ‘Thank You’ Lauren Jackson game.
Tickets to that fixture are now available here.