Sydney Flames sign WNBA import Celeste Taylor on one-year deal

July 11, 2024 | Sydney Flames news

The Sydney Flames are thrilled to announce the signing of WNBA point guard Celeste Taylor on a one-year deal.

Taylor who was drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA24 draft, will join the Hoops Capital side alongside Cayla George, Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain and Emma Clarke for WNBL25.

A point guard with a defensive mindset marks the first free agent signing for the Flames, who will look to push deep into finals basketball.

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“I am looking forward to playing my first year in the WNBL and under Guy, learning and growing through his leadership,” Taylor said.

“I will be bringing a lot of energy excitement, defense, and leadership! I will bring another style of basketball with IQ, it will be a great time for all our fans that come out and watch us!”

Taylor is a young, distinguished player who boasts a diverse basketball resume to her name. Born in New York, Taylor became a starter as a freshman at Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School.

As a senior, she was named the New York Gatorade Player of the Year. Rated as a five-star recruit, Taylor committed to playing college basketball for Texas over offers from Stanford, Notre Dame, Ohio State and South Carolina.

Taylor was impressive as a sophomore, earning a transfer to Duke and being named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-ACC. Taylor transferred to Ohio State from Duke in her final year of college.

Coach Guy Molloy was thrilled to have Taylor’s signature ahead of the upcoming WNBL25 season.

‘We’re very excited to bring a dynamic young guard first and foremost, who boasts an outstanding college career with Duke and Texas”, Molloy said.

“Celeste is emerging on her professional journey, and she’s a player we’re really excited to mould into our squad. She’s a two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year who plays both ends of the court, as well as showing great pace and athleticism.

“We followed a large number of players, we watched a lot of her film from Duke and Ohio State. Her due diligence along with her young basketball talent – her addition to the Flames pumps me.”

READ MORE: Flames re-sign Emma Clarke on two-year deal