BASKETBALL

EXPORTS

By TOM HAYES

 

TRARALGON basketball export Jade Melbourne has agreed to sign-on with WNBL side University of Canberra Capitals for season 2025/26.

This will extend Melbourne’s stay at the Capitals to six years, since joining in 2021.

During the 2024/25 season, Melbourne averaged 15.7 points per game (sixth highest in WNBL), 6.8 assists per game (highest in WNBL), and two steals per game (third highest in WNBL).

The 2024/25 season was a memorable one, as Melbourne won her third-straight Capitals MVP, as well as earning the WNBL Fan MVP for the second year running and inclusion in the All-WNBL Second team honours.

Melbourne mentioned her desire to bring success to Canberra is what keeps her coming back, during the Capitals’ contract announcement.

“Canberra loves winning. We get to look at nine banners at the end of the court at every game, every practice, and that’s the thing that keeps me coming back,” she said.

“I want to add to that. I’ve been here for five years, I absolutely love it here, I love the franchise, the people involved, the community, the fans.

“Getting back to the finals is something that drives me every day and that is what keeps me around – I want to be part of the 10th banner.”

On the same day (Thursday, February 27), it was also announced that Melbourne was included in the Australian Seven Consulting Opals squad, heading into its April training camp.

The camp, from April 7 to 11, will be the first time the program has reunited since winning bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Melbourne is one of the nine Olympians in the 21-player squad, while three players earnt their first Opals’ selection.

Opals coach Sandy Brondello will lead the camp in Melbourne.

“This really kick starts the year for us and allows us to have a look at who’s coming through, evaluate who we’ve got,” she said.

“We’re in a good spot; they deserve to be here, and I’m excited about the young talent.

“The biggest thing for the Opals is having contact with our core and best players who compete right around the world.”

The Opals will compete against the New Zealand Tall Ferns from May 7 to 11 for the Trans-Tasman Throwdown in Adelaide, the Sunshine Coast, and Hamilton, while the men’s sides will take on one another during the event.

Melbourne will be set to return to Washington for her third season in the WNBA shortly after the Trans-Tasman Throwdown, with the season beginning on May 16.

The Mystics have three draft picks within the top six selections for the 2025 WNBA Draft (Picks 3, 4, and 6). The draft is scheduled for April 14.