BASKETBALL

WNBL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

NOT to much surprise, Moe’s Jaz Shelley has signed up with WNBL club Sydney Flames, marking a new chapter in her professional basketball career.

After her shock exit from Geelong Venom (nee United), moving on as team captain and NBL1 Most Valuable Player (MVP), Shelley defected to Norths Bears just weeks out of the NBL1 East season.

The Bears have a strong connection to the Flames, which pointed towards Shelley’s signing with the WNBL team soon after.

The former WNBA draftee proclaimed her excitement in continuing her development at the highest level with the Flames.

“I’m really excited to be singing with the Sydney Flames (and) I look forward to further developing as a player, embracing the work ahead, and contributing to a strong team culture,” Shelley said.

Reneae Garlepp, who serves as head coach of both the Flames and Bears, articulated Shelley’s competitiveness and leadership that made her a key target for the WNBL franchise.

“We’re thrilled to have Jaz joining the Flames, she is a proven competitor who impacts the game at both ends of the floor,” Garlepp said.

“Her work ethic, toughness and ability to make those around her better make her a great fit for what we’re building.”

After a prolific five-year college career in the US with the University of Oregon and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Shelley was sensationally cut by WNBA franchise Phoenix Mercury less than a month after being drafted by them 29th overall in 2024.

Shelley then signed with Geelong United as the club’s first-ever player signing ahead of its inaugural season in 2024/25.

The Moe export took out Defensive Player of the Year honours for Geelong last season after leading the league in steals (2.5 per game), and improved in every major statistical category, averaging 13 points, four rebounds and four assists in 23 games played.

Shelley served as team captain of Geelong’s NBL1 South team, leading them to a grand final, and won the league MVP award, and was also co-captain of the NBL side last season.

Shelley now follows in the footsteps of fellow local export, Mirboo North’s Belinda Snell, who played north of a decade for different incarnations of the franchise and still holds the WNBL record for most points in a game when she dropped 54 for Sydney.

Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne is also just down the road from Shelley now as well, who upon returning from duties in the WNBA with Seattle Storm, plays in the ACT with the University of Canberra Capitals.