BASKETBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

A MONTH out from the NBL1 South season commencing, Moe’s Jaz Shelley and Geelong United have sensationally parted ways.

The announcement came from the basketball club on February 20 that a mutual decision was reached that the Geelong captain would immediately cease her commitments.

Shelley’s future remains uncertain with affiliate WNBL franchise Geelong Venom, where she served as co-captain last season.

In a club statement, Geelong said that the decision followed respectful and ongoing discussions between the two parties, with alignment on supporting the 25-year-old’s next steps and acknowledging her significant impact on the community.

“I want to thank Geelong United for the chance to be a part of an amazing group of girls and the opportunities provided to me both on and off the court over the past two years,” Shelley said.

“I leave Geelong with memories that will last a lifetime, including last year’s undefeated regular season, many new friendships and the opportunity to immerse myself in this incredible community.”

All of this comes after United announced that Shelley had recommitted to the club for the 2026 season, which only happened on January 19.

The Geelong Advertiser revealed that the Moe star participated in a training session with NBL1 North club Gold Coast Rollers before the announcement came of her departure with United.

The Rollers management did not know of Shelley’s appearance, and with the Gold Coast team finalised ahead of the season, Shelley will not be signed there.

In her two years with Geelong, not only has Shelley developed into a quality starting guard in the WNBL, she has also dominated at NBL1 level, taking out league MVP (Most Valuable Player) honours in her conference.

United are coming off a Grand Final appearance in the NBL1 South, falling to Knox by 20 points however, Shelley top-scored with 19 points.

Shelley had also dedicated her time through Geelong’s VJBL (Victorian Junior Basketball League) pathways, including coaching an Under 14 girls side last season.

United also stated that Shelley made substantial contributions at a community level, such as school engagements and other grassroots opportunities.

“On behalf of the Geelong United basketball community, I’d like to thank Jaz for her valuable contribution on and off the court over the last two years,” Geelong United Basketball Chief Executive, Mark Neeld said.

“Her level of play, professionalism and leadership has made an impact on us all. We wish Jaz the very best for her future endeavours and we will be supporting her from afar.”

Many saddened fans took to social media throwing love at Shelley, with young supporters heralding her as their favourite player and a true role model.

She is also believed to be a popular teammate, especially in a tight-knit Venom squad.

Shelley took out Defensive Player of the Year for the Venom after completing her second WNBL season – a year in which she showed great improvement as a starting-calibre point guard.

The league leader in steals (2.5 per game) improved in every major statistical category, averaging 13 points, four rebounds and four assists in 23 games played.

The Venom started the 2025/26 season strong, but floundered to a win-loss record of 7-16 to finish third-bottom on the ladder.

Following the conclusion of the season, head coach Chris Lucas departed the club after two years at the helm.

Shelley was one of Geelong’s big fish ahead of its inaugural WNBL season for 2024/25, and in fact, the Moe export was the club’s first player signing in its history.

It came off the back of a successful five-year collegiate career for both the University of Oregon and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, before she was cut by WNBA franchise Phoenix Mercury less than a month after they’d drafted her 29th overall.

Shelley had previously played for Geelong (then Supercats) during the 2019 season before heading to the US.

A week on from splitting with United, Shelley took to Instagram, highlighting her work out with Venom teammate Lilly Rotunno at Everydai Performance, a basketball training facility located in Burleigh Heads, Queensland.

The NBL1 South season begins for Geelong on March 28 against Kilsyth.