Sydney product Nicholson joins 150-game club

December 13, 2023 | Sydney Flames news

Sydney product Lauren Nicholson will join the 150-game WNBL game club on Wednesday night when her Flames hit the hardwood against Perth at the Bendat Basketball Centre.

After growing up in the harbour city and starting her hoops career at the Hoops Capital club, bringing up this milestone with the Flames is a special ‘full circle moment’ for the 30-year-old.

“[This is] a milestone that when I was younger would have never thought I would reach,” said Flame #132.

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“It’s pretty cool to reflect and think about the number of great games of basketball I have been a part of throughout nine seasons – it’s an honour to have played in the WNBL this long,

“Sydney is home and where it all started so I couldn’t think of a better place to be for my 150.

“One of the reasons I play basketball is the joy it brings to my family and friends, so being able to play 150 back in the Flames uniform in front of them is special to me and hopefully there are a few more seasons still to come.”

Born in Campbelltown before growing up and playing her junior basketball with Sutherland, Nicholson spent time with the Flames as an amateur player from 2009-2011 before attending St Mary’s College in the United States from 2012-2016.

Upon her return to Australia, she re-joined the Flames for one season and helped them win the WNBL17 championship.

This was followed by a three-year stint with the Adelaide Lightning (in which she won the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year) and three seasons with Townsville – which resulted in her guiding the Fire to their fourth title in WNBL23.

During this time, Nicholson has also been named to the All-WNBL Second Team twice (2020 and 2023) and has represented the Australian Opals at events as such the 2019 FIBA Asia Cup in India (bronze medal) and the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup in Jordan (bronze medal).

“I have the best support network in my friends and family who have been a part of this journey from the beginning,” said Nicholson, who has amassed 1,795 points, 473 rebounds, 280 assists and 140 steals in her career to date.

“It’s taken a fair few sacrifices but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Watch Lauren Nicholson’s interview with Fox Sports News via Sydney Flames’ YouTube channel above. While you’re there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

While the Flames head into the round seven fixture against the Lynx on the back of two straight road wins, against Adelaide and Canberra, Nicholson is expecting a tough fight against the fourth-placed Perth.

“They [Perth] are a fast-paced team that likes to run and shoot quick shots,” said the reigning WNBL player of the round.

“We need to be great defensively and play our style of basketball.

“If we can play a solid 40 minutes of basketball executing at both ends of the floor we should be able to get the  win.”

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Sports from 9.30pm AEDT.