By George, Marlins have Nina on roster
MELBOURNE Boomers player Penina “Nina” Davidson needed little convincing from teammate Cayla George to hit up the tropics and join the Cairns Dolphins for the upcoming season.
The 26-year-old has already established an impressive playing career, having represented New Zealand in two FIBA Oceania Championships, two Olympic qualifiers and two FIBA Asia Cups.
This is not her first foray in the Far North, with Davidson playing WNBL in the region during the hub of 2020.
“I’ve really loved Cairns every time I have visited,” the 190cm tall forward said.
“It didn’t take much convincing once Cayla planted the seed in my head to come to the Dolphins.
“They are doing some exciting things with their women’s program, and it’s cool to be part of this new era for them.”
Davidson also played for the highly touted University of California Golden Bears in division one college basketball.
As she prepares for another Asia Cup appearance in 2022 with the Tall Ferns, Davidson said being able to fine tune her form in the Far North with George would be most advantageous.
As well as helping to increase women’s basketball’s profile in the Far North, Davidson – like George – was eager to see Cairns join the WNBL.
“I’ve always thought the WNBL needs way more teams; there’s just too much talent in Australia alone,” she said.
“Whatever helps push for another WNBL (team), and hopefully would be a push for spots, which is a bonus.”
Davidson will be a solid addition defensively to the Dolphins, having averaged three steals per game for the Boomers in the WNBL.
Dolphins coach Myra Donkin said with two Boomers on the team, she was liking how her roster was shaping up, as she guides the side back to relevance for its NBL1 campaign.
“Nina is such a big coup for us,” she said. “She’s a great athlete that will bring so much depth to our roster.
“She’s so experienced that it’s easy to forget she’s only 26 and could have a massive impact on the NBL1 North competition.”