EXPECT the Bendigo Braves to have one of the NBL1's most explosive backcourts in 2021.
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After making it to the semi-finals in the last season played in 2019, the Braves have made a pair of moves to shore up their backcourt, with the latest coming with the signing of WNBL star Abbey Wehrung.
The 24-year-old, who hails from Korweinguboora - near Daylesford - joins Australian Opals star Tess Madgen as women's head coach Mark Alabakov's first two signings for the new season, which tips-off for the Braves with an April 18 road clash against Mount Gambier Pioneers.
Wehrung had previously committed to the Braves last season before COVID-19 intervened.
But the dynamic shooting guard was only too pleased to recommit to the Braves and continue her basketball association with Bendigo, which began with her two-season stint with the WNBL's Spirit in 2018-19.
"I'm really excited to be back here, I feel we have put together a pretty high-calibre team that will be really competitive," Wehrung said.
"Mark has done a really good job recruiting, now I'm really excited to get into it.
"It's a bit like a second home, Bendigo. Home is just down the road, so it's nice to be close to home and still play.
"I was really excited for last season, but COVID put an end to that. That's only made me keener for this season."
Wehrung, a gold medal winner as a junior with Australia's under-16 team at the FIBA Oceania Championships, is coming off an excellent season in the WNBL with Adelaide Lightning.
She appeared in 12 of 13 games for the Lightning and averaged 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
The 2020 hub season was her seventh in the national league.
While the Lightning missed a place in the finals, Wehrung was happy with how her season panned out.
"It was good to just get out and play - (Lightning coach) Chris Lucas had a free playing style that really suited my game. They were a great team to be around," she said.
"I got some great support from the coaching staff - it was a really good environment.
"Obviously the hub was full on, but it was great that we got to play."
Wehrung is most excited at the prospect of her pairing with fellow guard Madgen.
"I feel we will complement each other pretty well on court and I'm really excited to learn things from her," she said.
"She is super-experienced and just such a smart player and very handy to have on our side.
"I feel our team can really put up a challenge for finals and be a contender."
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