Australians have a long and proud history in the WNBA, the premier female basketball competition in the world. That long and proud history just got stronger. This week, Australia’s Liz Cambage was selected second overall in the annual WNBA draft.
It’s a fantastic achievement for the 19 year old, who is enjoying a sensational month. She recently won the WNBL title with the Bulleen Boomers, and was also named the WNBL MVP for the 2010-11 season.
And now she’s going to the ‘Big Show’.
The news got even better later in the day, when Cambage’s Bulleen teammate, Rachel Jarry, was also drafted, taken at number 18 by the Atlanta Dream.
They take the total number of Australian’s to play in the WNBA to nineteen, a truly fantastic achievement, yet not totally surprising considering the performances of the Opals over the last 11 years.
Cambage is listed at standing 6’8”, but anyone who thinks her talent is simply being blessed with height is sorely mistaken. She is an exceptional athlete, and regularly dunks the ball – something practically unheard of in the women’s game.
She also has fantastic fundamentals, a willingness to learn, and doesn’t mind getting physical with opponents.
Combine her energetic and outgoing personality with her potent mix of natural athletic gifts, and there is no question that she is destined to be a superstar on-and-off the court in America. Indeed, it’s pretty hard to see the Yanks not warming to her.
Many believe she will soon challenge another Australian, Lauren Jackson, as the best player in the world.
Considering Jackson’s success and achievements throughout her career, it’s a big call. But it underlines the potential Cambage has.
Jackson has won gold at the World Championships, WNBA and WNBL titles, WNBA and WNBL MVP awards, and countless other achievements.
The Olympic gold medal remains the one gap in Jackson’s distinguished career.
And whilst she’s proud of her three Olympic silver medals, the gold remains Jackson’s burning desire.
It was her childhood dream, but so far the Americans have resolutely stood in her way. In 2012, she‘ll get possibly her last chance to rectify that situation.
Cambage’s ascension to stardom can only help Jackson and the Opals in their quest to finally capture gold.
And if Cambage does help Jackson topple the Americans in London next year, I’m sure Jackson will be more than happy to ‘pass the torch’ to her young Australian teammate.
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