FOR the first time in eight seasons, Bendigo Spirit will be without star point guard Kelly Wilson.
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The Spirit's two-time Women's National Basketball League championship has informed the club she will not be playing at Bendigo Stadium next season.
Wilson, who debuted for the Australian Opals during 2015, led the WNBL in assists last season.
She has been a mainstay in the line-up since arriving from the Townsville Fire in time for the 2008-09 season.
Spirit coach Simon Pritchard this morning paid tribute to Wilson's contribution to the club and city.
“Everyone who knows, meets or works with Kelly is full of respect for her,” he said in a statement released by the club.
“She is a tough competitor and a hard worker. She was often at the court hours before anyone else, running through plays and working on her shot.
“There is no doubt we will miss her on the court next season, and I know the fans will miss her. They love her and she loves them.
“Whatever she chooses to do next year, we all wish her luck and success.”
The 31 year old notched up her 300th WNBL game last season, and debuted for the Opals.
She was a part of the Spirit's back-to-back championship teams in 2012-13 and 2013-14, and a part of the 2014-15 team which finished runners-up to Townsville.
Wilson debuted in the WNBL in 2002-03, spending one season with the Australian Institute of Sport before moving to Sydney.
She joined Townsville in 2005, where she played three seasons.
Wilson averaged 11.4 points per game and a league-high 5.5 assists during 2015-16.
The 31-year-old is captaining the Bendigo Lady Braves in the South East Australian Basketball League and is averaging a team-high 22.8 points, league-high six rebounds and 6.3 rebounds per game.
The point guard lives in Bendigo and is a teacher at Bendigo South East College.
Pritchard said Kelly’s absence opened up opportunities for the club and for existing players.
“It’s a chance for Kerryn Harrington to continue her strong contribution to the team and for the club to introduce a fresh face,” he said.
The Advertiser is seeking comment from Kelly Wilson.
More to come