Suzy Batkovic Greatest to have played
ONE of our favourite pastimes as Australians is to discuss the merits of our sporting heroes and to determine just who is the greatest of all- time.
Over the years, I’ve heard it all from Jordan to LeBron; Maradona to Pele; Federer to Nadal; and so on and so forth.
In more recent times, I’ve heard this bandied around the Chemist Warehouse WNBL as well, and while it is humbling to be mentioned in this conversation, the outcome will always be subjective, which is part of the fun. What I do know, how- ever, is I have been fortunate to play with – and against – some of the greatest players in WNBL history.
Therefore, as I close in on the all- time scoring record ( editor’s note: Suzy needs 19 points to surpass Rachael Sporn as the greatest ever scorer in WNBL) I’ve decided to shine a light on some of these amazing players. These include:
Rachael Sporn: What a player and what an athlete. I was so fortunate to play with Rachael for the Opals at the back- end her career. While she may be the nicest person in the world off the court – in fact, I know she is – she was such a competitor on the floor with a real blue- collar work ethic.
Lauren Jackson: For me, Loz truly is the GOAT of Australian basketball. I was fortunate enough to commence my career playing alongside her for NSW Country and then at the AIS. I then had the good fortune of playing with her at three Olympics and in the WNBA and I’ve never seen a better player.
Trish Fallon: While Rach- ael and Loz’s games were based on competitiveness, Trish’s was built on grace. She never looked flustered – she was always cool, calm and collected – and everyone else appeared to play in slow motion in comparison to Trish.
Belinda Snell: I first met Snelly at the AIS – she was a year below my peer group – and we quickly formed a winning connection. Throughout her career, she’s been one of the best – if not the best – shooter in WNBL history who always wanted the ball in her hands in the big moments.
Kristi Harrower: While most people will remember Kristi as an on- court general – her basketball IQ was through the roof and she would make a fantastic coach but she was also a deceptively good scorer.
She played bigger than she was and could knock down the three, but she also had this impossible floater to defend and would make crafty lay- ups that would drive you insane.
Michele Timms: As a rookie in the WNBL, no one intimidated me more than Timmsy. She was a legend of the league – she still is – but she was such a hard- nosed competitor.
Robyn Maher: They don’t come any tougher than Robyn Maher when it comes to the WNBL. Another fierce competitor, who had a number of strings to her bow, and a genuine on- court presence.
To be mentioned among these players is truly humbling, and the WNBL is so very fortunate to have the next wave of superstars coming through our ranks.