As a new WNBA season is about to get underway, we follow the Jayco Australian Opals to see where they’re playing in 2015.
Rebecca Allen:
Team – New York Liberty
Seasons – On debut
Age – 22
Position – Forward
Season opener – Atlanta Dream, Friday June 5 @ Madison Square Garden
What you need to know – Makes the move to the WNBA after six seasons in the Wattle Valley WNBL where she was Defensive Player of the Year 2013/4. New York Liberty Senior Vice President of Business and Basketball Operations, Kristin Bernert said: Rebecca is a young player that we feel has a high ceiling.”
Tess Madgen:
Team – Phoenix Mercury
Seasons – On debut
Age – 24
Position – Guard
Season opener – San Antonio Stars, Friday June 5 @ US Airways Centre
What you need to know – Defending WNBA Championships winners Phoenix are without star player Diana Taurasi this season and so, the focus is on depth. Australian coach Sandy Brondello clearly likes to get her compatriots on the roster, with Madgen one of three Aussies in the line-up.
Abby Bishop:
Team – Seattle Storm
Seasons – 1
Age – 26
Position – Forward
Season Opener – Los Angeles Sparks, Saturday June 6 @ Key Arena
What you need to know – Bishop returns to the Storm having played her rookie season in 2010 when they won the Championship, the Australian on court for 16 games. Seattle will be looking for improvement in 2015 and Bishop is expected to play a key role in the team’s resurgence.
Marianna Tolo:
Team – LA Sparks
Seasons – On Debut
Age – 25
Position – Centre
Season Opener – Seattle Storm, Saturday June 6 @ Key Arena
What you need to know – Sparks lost in the Conference Semi-Finals to Phoenix last year. Will be without star Kristi Toliver for the start of the season but Tolo will be playing alongside fellow Australia, Erin Phillips. Tolo helped Australia to bronze at the 2014 FIBA World Championships. Has won two WNBL Championships with Canberra Capitals and made the WNBL All-Star five in 2011.
Cayla Francis:
Team – Phoenix Mercury
Seasons – On Debut
Age – 26
Position – Centre
Season Opener – San Antonio Stars, Friday June 5 @ US Airways Centre
What you need to know – A new recruit for the Mercury, it’s hoped that Francis can be the great all-rounder, much like former player, Tangela Smith. Playing alongside Mitchell and Madgen for the team that won the Championship last year. Member of the Opals since 2008. WNBL Rookie of the Year in 2007 for the AIS.
Leilani Mitchell:
Team – Phoenix Mercury
Seasons – 6
Age – 29
Position – Guard
Season Opener – San Antonio Stars, Friday June 5 @ US Airways Centre
What you need to know – WNBA Most Improved Player in 2010. Initially drafted by Phoenix, she played for New York Liberty from 2008-13 but is now playing for Phoenix after taking the 2014 season off. Averages 5.4 points in her WNBA career and has played in 17 playoff matches, averaging eight points. Made it to Conference Finals in in 2008, 2010 and Conference Semi-Finals in 2012, 2013.
Jenna O’Hea:
Team – Seattle Storm
Seasons – 4
Age – 27
Position – Guard
Season Opener – Los Angeles Sparks, Saturday June 6 @ Key Arena
What you need to know – Played for LA Sparks from 2011-13 and will be facing her old team in the season opener. Named in the WNBL All-Star five in 2010/11 and won bronze at the 2012 Olympics. Playing alongside Aussie Abby Bishop. Averaging 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in her WNBA career. Lost the Conference Finals in 2012 and Conference Semi-Finals in 2013.
Erin Phillips:
Team – Los Angeles Sparks
Seasons – 7
Age – 30
Position – Guard
Season Opener – Seattle Storm, Saturday June 6 @ Key Arena
What you need to know – Is expected to fill the hole left by star Kristi Toliver at the start of the season. Playing for her fourth team after Connecticut Sun (2006, 2008-09), Indiana Fever (2011-13), Phoenix Mercury (2014) and now LA Sparks. Averaging 6.6 points in 20 mins per game in WNBA career. Won Championship with the Fever in 2012, averaging 13.5 points. Won Silver for Australia at 2008 Olympics, Gold at 2006 World Championships and Bronze at 2014 World Championships.
*Lauren Jackson, Rachel Jarry and Elizabeth Cambage are recovering from injury. Penny Taylor has decided to sit out the season.
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.