THE Lady Braves’ American import LaSondra Barrett has landed and is ready to make her mark on the 2014 SEABL season.
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The 24-year-old said she is excited about getting on the court on Saturday night and putting on the Braves jersey for the first time.
“I am a team player,” Barrett said.
“I think it is important to have a good positive attitude.
“Being a good teammate is the main thing I want to bring to the team, everything else will fall into place.”
Barrett, was drafted at number 10 in the 2012 WNBA draft playing with the Washington Mystics during her first professional season.
She then went on to play a season in Israel.
Barrett, who played with US college powerhouse Louisiana State University, said she was focused on the season ahead.
“I take each week as it comes but obviously the goal is to win the championship,” she said.
“As an import you are enhancing the team, you are not the main attraction.
“There are some great shooters here, they have size and can run.
“Australia have some good ballers here.”
Barrett said she had a good first impression of the city.
“I have heard good things about Bendigo,” she said.
“Seeing all the banners at the stadium and knowing Bendigo is a basketball town, I have a good feeling."
Lady Braves head coach Jonathan Goodman said it was huge to have someone with the skillset of Barrett join the team.
“It is an exciting time for the Braves and for women’s basketball,” he said.
“We are extremely fortunate to have her.”
During the WNBL season, Barrett had a two month stint with the Sydney Uni Flames.
It was there she met Lady Braves reigning MVP Lauren King.
“Lauren (King) said the Braves were looking for a player and asked me if I was interested,” she said.
“I know Kelsey Griffin through a mutual friend she spoke highly about Bendigo and after that I wanted to come here and make it happen.”
Barrett said Australian basketballers were as good as she had seen anywhere in the world.
“When you play in Europe, Americans kind of dominate the team whereas the girls in Australia are really good,” she said.
Barrett will make her Braves debut on Saturday night when Bendigo hosts Frankston. Tip-off is at 6pm.
