Batkovic on brink of points milestone
SUZY Batkovic is already the most decorated athlete in WNBL history and the Townsville Fire captain is on the verge of rewriting the record books in her farewell season.
Batkovic needs just 19 points to surpass Adelaide Lightning legend Rachael Sporn ( 5823 points) as the WNBL’s all- time leading scorer ahead of tonight’s clash with Bendigo at Townsville Stadium.
It would be another deserved accolade in an incredible career for Batkovic, who will retire at season’s end after more than 300 games, five championships, and six MVP awards.
The Fire star insisted she wasn’t thinking about the points record as she tries to lead her team to back- to- back wins for the first time this season. But with a season average of 20 points per game, the Fire only need Batkovic to do what she usually does to bring up the milestone tonight in front of her adoring home fans.
“I think for me it’s not about how many points I score,” Batkovic said.
“It is obviously pretty amazing ( to break the points record), but for me it’s about getting the wins on the board for the Fire.
“Winning three out of the last four is pretty incredible, but I’m greedy and I’d like another one to go out on.”
Batkovic acknowledged it would be nice to break Sporn’s record as she fondly recalled making her Olympic debut alongside the Australian basketball legend in Athens in 2014.
“I guess for me as a younger kid coming through the ranks I looked up to Rachael,” Batkovic said. “She was in my position and I probably didn’t realise I’d actually play with her representing my country.
“That was her last Olympics so that was special to be able to play alongside such a great basketballer.”
Even if Batkovic falls short of the points record tonight, it will still be a huge occasion for the Fire as they celebrate their Army connections with the annual Hoops for Troops round.
The Fire will wear special camouflage uniforms to pay their respects to the servicemen and women of Townsville and Batkovic said they were honoured to have that opportunity.
“What these guys do day in, day out is just amazing and to be able to wear the jersey with the Rising Sun is pretty incredible and such an honour,” she said.
Third Brigade Commander Brigadier Scott Winter was effusive in his praise of the Fire, describing Batkovic as a strong leadership example for young members of the defence force.
“We don’t let just anyone wear the Rising Sun badge and I get a particular sense of pride every time I see this team run out on the court,” he said.
“The way in which she ( Batkovic) brings the best out of the people around her is a factor that I point to when we’re building our teams here on the base.”
Tonight’s match against Bendigo tips off at 7pm at Townsville Stadium.
Defence members who present their ID will get free entry.