Two ex-Australian Opals are eager to hit the court for the Sunshine Coast Phoenix in the upcoming NBL1 North competition.
Townsville Fire legend Rachael McCully and former Dandenong Rangers star Kathleen MacLeod recently signed with the Buderim-based outfit.
McCully boasts 324 games at national league level, including leading the Fire to a title in 2015 and being adjudged the competition’s defensive player of the year in 2010 and 2011.
She was also a regular for the Opals between 2010 to 2015.
The 39-year-old was eager to play well for the Phoenix.
“The opportunity to play with former Australian teammates and be a mentor to the next generation of Sunshine Coast players were major motivations for me returning to play at this level,” she said.
“It’s an exciting time for the game in Queensland and I look forward to being part of the Phoenix program and the new NBL1 North competition in season 2021.”
Coach Darren Browne was delighted to welcome her.
“She has played at the highest level and has a competitive streak that will have a positive influence on the team,” he said.
“Her backcourt pairing with Kathleen will provide the team with tremendous stability and give both Rachael and Kathleen various scoring opportunities, based on how our opponents defend us.
“Rachael has a reputation as a quality defender, and we look forward to her leading the way on that side of the ball”.
Meanwhile, MacLeod said she has a great feeling about the upcoming season.
“I am very excited to be returning to basketball for the upcoming NBL1 season and I feel fortunate to have this opportunity with the Phoenix,” she said.
“The club and everyone involved has been so welcoming, and I have a great vibe about this team and the season ahead.”
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The 36-year-old was part of the bronze medal-winning Opals’ squad at the 2012 Olympics and is a five-time national league All-Star, who won with Dandenong in 2011/2012.
She’s also played in France and Hungary, with Reze Nantes and powerhouse MKB Sopron.
MacLeod last played for Dandenong during the 2014-15 national league season, before focusing on her growing young family.
They recently moved to the Sunshine Coast and is she is set to play a leading role in assisting the next generation of Phoenix players.
The coach was thrilled to have MacLeod in the club’s ranks.
“Her basketball resume is world class and speaks for itself,” he said.
“We are looking forward to having Kathleen in the backcourt guiding the team, creating plays, and making her teammates better.
“Her basketball IQ will stand us in good stead when we are in tough situations.”
Captain motivated after signing on
Amy Browne, their captain from last season, recently re-signed to lead the team again.
The local product and former Queensland junior representative returned was the team’s top scorer (18.5ppg) and rebounder (9.7 rpg) in 2020.
Browne has experience in the US College system (Newberry, Arizona Western and California Baptist) and boasts a three-year stint with Manchester in the British Basketball League.
She played her first state league game with the Maroochydore Clippers 16 years ago and was the competition’s youth player of the year in 2008.
She’s still motivated.
“I am really looking forward to the upcoming NBL1 season, as we have some quality senior players joining the team.” she said.
“They will bring invaluable experience and leadership that will undoubtably raise our team to the next level. Coupled with four very talented juniors in the squad I’m excited to get on the court with the team.”
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The coach welcomed her back.
“Amy has been a key player for this team for many seasons, and this year will be no exception,” he said.
“Amy should be able to play more of her natural offensive game this year, as other key signings should give her the opportunity to move and play more off the ball and have some open looks in her preferred spots.
“Her ability to defend multiple positions will allow us to play different line ups throughout the game.
“Her quiet leadership demeanour has a calming influence on the floor, and we will be looking for Amy and her other senior teammates to guide us when things get tough.”
The Phoenix also boast a state league men’s team.
The NBL1 North, which is essentially Queensland’s premier competition, includes another Sunshine Coast club, University of the Sunshine Coast Rip City.
The season gets underway on May 13, when the two clubs clash in a local derby at Sippy Downs (women from 6pm and men from 8pm). They will be live-streamed as the competition’s match of the round.
