STAR IMPORTS READY TO FIRE
Mincy, Wiese primed for huge campaign
FIRED UP HOME GAME GUIDE
THE Townsville Fire’s American connections say they already feel right at home in Australia’s WNBL. Imports Laurin Mincy ( left) and Sydney Wiese ( right) are among the team’s new faces as the Fire looks to reclaim the championship. They will take the court together for the first time tonight after Wiese’s whirlwind introduction to the team, arriving from the US late last week.
THE Townsville Fire’s American connections say they already feel right at home in Australia’s WNBL.
Imports Laurin Mincy and Sydney Wiese are among the new faces on the Fire’s roster this season as the club looks to reclaim the championship.
Both Mincy and Wiese have WNBA experience — Wiese was part of the Los Angeles Sparks squad which lost 3- 2 in this month’s finals series — but playing in Australia is unfamiliar territory.
Mincy admitted she didn’t know much about the league before joining the Fire, but she hasn’t missed a beat in the opening rounds with 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
The 25- year- old guard has been in Townsville since the first day of the preseason and she credited the club’s professional environment for helping her get back to her best form after six months away from basketball.
“When I got here, I wasn’t too sure what to expect as far as the league, but it’s very competitive and very physical,” Mincy said. “My team mates have been pretty welcoming and very informative when it comes to certain players and scouts so I’m enjoying it so far.
“I had about six months off before I got here so coming in my conditioning was a little slower, but as I went through week- by- week I’ve gotten better and I feel pretty good.
“I was telling coach that it reminds me so much of my training at college as far as the resources and the type of training and getting the ‘ indies’ ( in- dividual sessions) every day.
“It’s very professional and I think this is a great spot to be.”
There are a few differences between the WNBL and basketball in the United States and Mincy described fitness as the biggest factor in the nonstop Australian league.
“One thing that’s pretty different from playing over in the US is the media time- outs. There’s no media time- out automatically here so you have to be in shape,” she said.
“Our strength and condition guy has done a great job of getting us in that right mindset and shape to be able to go continuously. That’s one of the main things that has helped us win these first two games.
“I’m getting used to the style of play here. I think different teams have different styles of play, but from what I’ve seen most teams like to get up and back.
“The coach asked me to come in and be a presence defensively and I’ve taken on that role as well as making some key shots for us to win games.”
Wiese hasn’t had the chance to make in impact on the court yet, but the 22- yearold sharpshooter will suit up for her debut tonight as the Fire host the Sydney Flames at Townsville Stadium.
The former Oregon State college star has had a whirlwind week as she learns her new team’s playbook, but she said the rare sight of rain in Townsville had helped her feel more at home.
“I love it. It’s nice to see the rain. I went to school in Oregon and they’re known for rain all the time. I’m in my house here,” Wiese said.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of a really competitive and fired up league.”
Mincy said the Fire’s passionate fans had made it easy to feel comfortable on the court and she was banking on that support as they come up against the defending champion Flames. “The crowd here the other night was wonderful … I just thought, ‘ this is amazing, this is awesome’,” Mincy said. “It’s like a sixth man on the court. It gives you a boost and confidence. I think the crowd is a prominent part in us winning this season.”
THE COACH ASKED ME TO COME IN AND BE A PRESENCE DEFENSIVELY AND I’VE TAKEN ON THAT ROLE AS WELL AS MAKING SOME KEY SHOTS FOR US TO WIN GAMES TOWNSVILLE FIRE US IMPORT LAURIN MINCY