US import Wiese working to peak form
TOWNSVILLE Fire import Sydney Wiese says she is not fazed by her whirlwind arrival to North Queensland – in fact she is relishing it.
Wiese arrived in Townsville from the US on Thursday afternoon, with Fire coach Claudia Brassard choosing not to play her in last night’s win over Canberra.
The minutes are expected to flow in coming weeks as Wiese begins fitting into the Fire’s systems and structures, but for now she’s happy to work her way in.
“The girls here, they know how to play,” Wiese said.
“Even when I was watching practice, they have a lot of good shooters and a lot of good basketball players led by Suzy ( Batkovic). And Cayla ( George) is coming off a WNBL season so we have a good team and I’m excited to fit in as best as I can and see what my role is.”
Wiese was involved in the WNBA grand final series for the Los Angeles Sparks and played in last week’s fifth and deciding game, which was won by the Minnesota Lynx.
She comes to Townsville with a reputation of being a sharpshooter, nailing an impressive 42.6 per cent from beyond the three- point line in her final season of college basketball for Oregon State.
While her form suggests she will soon become a key plank in the Fire’s championship charge, Wiese stressed that she would need time to hit form.
“I just want to fit in the best that I can. I’m not trying to hold the team back in any way,” she said.
“Our goal is to win a championship, so whatever my role is going to be, I’m willing to do it. I just have to keep working, keep improving.
“I love being around really awesome players and – with me being the point guard – trying to put them in their sweet spot as well.
“I love to pass first and set people up, so whether that’s coming off picks or driving a lane and creating for other people, I can do that.”
Wiese also feels at home in Townsville, having been born and raised in Arizona.
“I love it … flying in and seeing the mountains, the palm trees and even a little bit of dirt doesn’t bother me,” she said.
“It reminds me of home, which is cool, and I’m used to the heat.”