Exciting talent to stick with Fire Zitina centre of attention
THE Townsville Fire believe Zitina Aokuso can be the future of the club after the athletic centre agreed to a twoyear extension with the reigning WNBL champions.
Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most exciting basketball prospects, Aokuso will remain in Fire colours until at least 2020 and looms as the eventual replacement for captain Suzy Batkovic.
Aokuso only played limited minutes off the bench in her rookie season, but she showed her immense talent at every opportunity, with her first points in the WNBL coming from a daring post move on Opals superstar Liz Cambage.
Fire coach Claudia Brassard admitted Aokuso still had plenty to learn as a professional athlete, but said she believed Townsville was the best place for the 19- year- old, working alongside six- time WNBL MVP Batkovic.
“I think that jump from being a kid to a professional athlete was tough for her, but we saw how good she can be and how much potential she does have,” Brassard said.
“All the girls last year were really good at helping her out and making sure she understood what she needed to be doing to make sure that she was performing at her best.
“While Suzy is rough and tough on her sometimes, she also takes her under her wing and teaches her all these little tips and tricks.
“Learning under Suzy is perfect for her. Suzy is near the end of her career so hopefully that spot becomes hers.”
Aokuso will spend the WNBL off- season playing for her hometown Logan Thunder in the QBL and Brassard backed her to play a much greater role in the Fire’s title defence.
“We’re looking for her to have a bit more of an impact and I think she can do that, especially on the defence end,” Brassard said.
“She’s a super athletic kid so if she can get those rebounds and sprint down the other end she might get herself some layups. Last year was a big learning curve for her so she’ll be better this year.”
The Fire are hopeful that point guard Mikhaela Donnelly is also close to signing a new deal, joining Aokuso, Batkovic, Darcee Garbin, Micaela Cocks, and Tess Madgen on the roster for next season, but veteran Mia Murray is contemplating a year off from basketball.
“She’s still weighing up some options and seeing what’s the best thing for her and her family so we’ll have to wait that one out,” Brassard said.
“If she does decide to not play this season then it certainly leaves a big hole for us to fill, not just basketball- wise, but team culture- wise.”