The WNBA’s new tremendous crew Las Vegas Aces simply obtained much more stacked with the addition of Australian Opals’ star Cayla George.
Hot on the heels of basketball nice Candace Parker’s shock unveiling, the Aces have inked World Cup bronze medallist George to a one-year deal.
Vegas, together with numerous different WNBA golf equipment, chased the 33-year-old after her match-winning performances on the Sydney event and George is happy to return to the large league with new child Pearl and husband Kailou in tow.
The SA-born tall is about to play a serious function in one of many most-stacked groups in WNBA historical past, alongside Parker, twin league MVP A’ja Wilson, All-WNBA first crew gun Kelsey Plum and final yr’s WNBA finals MVP Chelsea Gray.
“The Aces liked what I was about at the World Cup on and off the court, they liked what I brought culturally to a group,” George mentioned.
“Their first question was ‘is this something you even want to do’ and they said ‘here’s what we see for you’.
“I’d never been approached like that by a team from the WNBA.
“I’m so overwhelmed with excitement for it and the opportunity to play on a super team and have a chance to win a WNBA championship.”
It’s a reunion — of kinds — with a childhood hero in Parker, who she met greater than a decade in the past on the AIS.
“I’ve looked up to her and she’s been one of the greatest for a very long time,” George mentioned of her legendary new teammate.
“I met her as a 17-year-old when the USA team was playing some Opals games at the AIS Arena.
“I’ll definitely show her the photo I’ve got with her.
“She’s got her young son and her daughter there so we’ll have a bit of a baby creche at the Aces.”
George has backed up her rose gold World Cup efforts, dominating the WNBL with the reigning champion Melbourne Boomers, within the hunt for her fifth league title.
Her numbers in a aspect that has occupied a top-two spot for a lot of the season, are MVP-worthy:
> Third within the WNBL in scoring at 18.6 per recreation
> Second in rebounds at 11.9 and three-point makes at 2.6 per recreation
> Top 10 in assists (4.7), steals (1.8), blocks (0.8) and free throw proportion (85.7)
The Aces get a battle-hardened star with top (193cm) who can do all of it — rating the ball, shoot the three, rebound, defend and lead.
George beforehand spent three seasons within the WNBA with Dallas and Phoenix, the final of these in 2018. She says she feels better-equipped now, for the rigours of the large present and is relishing the chance to be taught beneath grasp coach Beccy Hammon.
“I’ve added a few things on the court and I’m more settled in a lot of ways,” she mentioned.
“Pearl gives me a lot of perspective in life — my life is all about her now, so it certainly gives a fresher mindset and I’m playing a bit freer and not over thinking as much.
“I’m a full veteran now and I have a lot more experience — two world cups and an Olympics since then.
“I’m turning 34 years old and I’m probably feeling the best, mentally and physically, I’ve ever felt in my life.
“As soon as you turn 30, everyone’s like ‘are you going to retire’ and I was like ‘yeah, I’m not quite ready for that conversation’.
“I feel like I can bring a lot (to the WNBA) and, mentally, I’m looking forward to going over there and showing I can compete in that league.”
George mentioned when it got here to Kailou and Pearl, it was one in, all in, however her 4 canine — Coco, Caesar, Havana and Stanley — should keep dwelling along with her mum in Cairns and accept walks with Boomers teammate Penina Davidson, who will spend the low season enjoying with the Dolphins.
“The thought of being away from the dogs is probably the hardest thing, but we’ll be all right,” George laughed.
Originally revealed as Opal Cayla George to return to WNBA with Las Vegas Aces
Source: www.news.com.au
