Fit, determined Wilson confident she can Fire up
THE Townsville Fire are confident the “real” Kelly Wilson will stand up next season.
Wilson has re- signed for the Fire after enduring a disappointing 2016- 17 WNBL campaign that resulted in the former Australian Opals guard being sidelined for a major portion of games because of a broken leg.
When she was at her best the Fire got a glimpse of why Wilson arrived in Townsville as one of the WNBL’s most experienced and proven point guards, having won two league titles and averaged 11 points and five rebounds while at Bendigo.
Wilson — a schoolteacher away from basketball — contemplated retirement at season’s end, but Fire coach Claudia Brassard said those thoughts didn’t last long.
“I don’t think we saw the real Kelly Wilson last season,” she said.
“She’s fit and healthy now and ready to prove a point.
“Sitting on the sidelines was frustrating for her and she didn’t want to end her career that way, so we’re pleased that we could get her back and she has a lot to bring at both ends of the court.
“Having been here last year she knows how we need to get Suzy ( Batkovic) the ball and find Mia ( Murray).”
The Fire now have six players — Wilson, Batkovic, Murray, Cayla George, Micaela Cocks and Darcee Garbin — on their roster for next season.
Collectively they boast 13 championships and more than 1300 WNBL games between them.
“I really enjoyed my time here last season,” Wilson said.
“The Fire organisation, the fans and my teammates couldn’t have been more supportive and I am very grateful that I will be rejoining the Fire family.
“Townsville Stadium is an amazing place to play, the Fire supporters are passionate and create a great atmosphere that is second to none in the WNBL.
“I look forward to working with my teammates and coaching staff in the upcoming season, with the obvious aim of improving our efforts from last season.”
The Fire are now on the hunt for another point guard and may look overseas.
“Nat Novosel, Steph Cumming — we can’t get those players out of their clubs — so we’ll probably have to have a look overseas now for a shooting guard type,” Brassard said.
“There’s not too many shooting guards we’re familiar with in the league that are around, everyone seems to have picked them up already.
“I’d prefer someone who is familiar with the players, so we’ll have a look in SEABL and QBL and see what imports are in there and if they’re suitable.
“Otherwise it will have to be someone fresh.”
Brassard said Kayla Standish was unlikely to return next season given George’s retention, and the same goes for American import Amy Kame who is set to remain at home in the United States.