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FRESH from a third WNBL championship, Kelly Wilson is already eyeing a SEABL one with Bendigo Lady Braves.
The star point guard has re-signed with the Lady Braves for a fourth consecutive season and is amazed by the influx of talent in new coach Megan Moody’s short reign at the top.
Names like Wilson’s close friend and two-time WNBL championship teammate Gabe Richards, Bendigo Spirit 2017-18 season MVP Nadeen Payne and Ash Karaitiana.
Wilson, a veteran of more than 300 WNBL games and more than 220 in the SEABL, said there was certainly a buzz around the team despite the official start of pre-season not arriving until next week.
“It’s always dependant on how a team gels together, but with the players we have recruited, I think we are all looking forward to getting on the court next week and seeing what we can do,” she said.
The 33-year-old said the new season would take on special significance after being reunited with Richards.
The duo were former Victoria Country team-mates as juniors and long-time team-mates at the Spirit where they won a pair of championships in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
They also won a SEABL championship together with Knox Raiders in 2014, but have not played basketball together since Wilson’s last season with the Spirit in 2015-16.
However, they were netball team-mates at Golden Square in 2017
“It’s well known I love playing with Gabe, we started playing together when were really young and have been in a lot of big matches together,” Wilson said.
“Having her back made my decision to re-sign even easier.
“Having her back made my decision to re-sign even easier. I think having her back on court is going to be something special for both of us.”
Wilson, whose 300th WNBL game arrived during the 2011-18 finals, said a decision on whether she suited up for a 17th season in the national league was still a ways away
“Right now I’m just happy to be back in Bendigo and excited to be suiting up for the Lady Braves and looking forward to round one,” she said.