Taylah joins new league

Warragul’s Taylah Giliam has been named as a marquee player for her team in the new AND1 Premier League basketball competition which will kick off at the Frankston Basketball Centre.

With her NBL1 season at the Sandringham Sabres cancelled, Taylah was hoping to find a competition that allowed her to continue to grow as a basketballer. That’s when her best friend reached out to her about playing in the new domestic league.

“My best friend was the captain and she asked if I wanted to play. I’m really looking forward to playing and having some fun out there,” she said.

Each team has two marquee players, with a further four being drafted to join the captain, making up a squad of seven.

During the shutdown, Taylah said she’s continued to work on her game, with the ultimate goal of making the WNBL.

“It’s been a bit difficult the change of routine, but I think I’ve adapted well. I’ve been doing my own training alongside my partner Ben so that’s been good,” she said. “Ultimately, I want to make the WNBL one day, so that’s why playing is really important,” she added.

The teams are made up of players from across the NBL1 competition and beyond, with Taylah playing with and against many players she’s gotten to know over her journey.

A twist in the league will see free agency and a trading period open from July 1 which could see the league shaken up before the first tip off game on July 21, providing there are no restrictions added by the state government.

Overall, Taylah is just looking forward to being back on the court.

“It will be great to play with and go against people I know. It’s going to be a really good standard and that’s basically the whole point of doing it, is to get going again,” she said.

Both the men’s and women’s AND1 Premier League competitions can be followed by visiting the Facebook page.