Nyadiew Puoch looks to build on strong first season with the UC Caps
The University of Canberra Capitals and Nyadiew Puoch are running it back for another season, with the rising star looking to build off a breakout 24/25 campaign which saw her average career highs in every major statistical category.
Puoch who signed with Canberra last off-season after two years with the Southside Flyers was a pillar of consistency for the Capitals as she started all 21 games and averaged 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 44% from the field.
“Nards will be a big part of what we do next season. Last year, once she got comfortable with our team and the system, we saw her confidence grow and her numbers reflected that,” said coach Paul Goriss.
“Moving forward, we expect her to grow more as a three-point shooter and really use her length and athleticism to be one of the league’s premier defensive stoppers.”
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Puoch will be one of the franchise’s cornerstones this season as it aims to end a three-season playoff drought.
“I’m glad to be back. Last season was good, but we have some unfinished business and I’m looking forward to getting back on court and helping to lead this team back to playing finals basketball,” she said.
“I think with a year under Goz and playing with Jade, all the pieces we will add and the momentum we finished last season with, it will be a fun and exciting season ahead.”
Puoch has spent the off-season back in Victoria, signing up to play another season of NBL1 with the Dandenong Rangers. She is currently working her way back from a sprained ankle she suffered in their NBL1 opener, and was recently selected to represent the Opals at the upcoming Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand, where she will be coached by Goriss.
“It’s a great honour getting selected to put on the green and gold. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to represent Australia at the junior level, and to get selected to the senior team is such a blessing.”
“It was good to learn from all the great players and the coaching staff during camp, and I look forward to competing alongside them soon,” she said.
Nards and the rest of the Opals will compete in the Trans-Tasman Throwdown from 7-11 May. She will also be vying for a roster spot for the upcoming 2025 Women’s FIBA Asia Cup in July.
The AUS v NZL Trans-Tasman Throwdown series starts in Adelaide on Wednesday 7 May, before heading to the Sunshine Coast on Friday 9 May and finishing up in Hamilton, New Zealand on Sunday 11 May. You can catch all the action live and free on 9 and 9Now.