The Bendigo Braves have added Kate Oliver to the roster for the 2021 NBL1 South season.
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The 6'4 player brings a strong skill set to the Braves after years of experience playing with Australian teams, AIS, college basketball in the US and time in the WNBL with the Sydney Uni Flames and Melbourne Boomers.
Most recently she's been playing in the United Kingdom in the Women's British Basketball League where she captained the Leicester Riders to back-to-back championships, secured league MVP three times and the MVP of the WBBL Cup.
Oliver averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals per game in the 2020/21 season and for the fifth consecutive time was a member of the WBBL All-Star Five.
Now back in her native Australia after gaining plenty of experience overseas, Oliver couldn't be more enthusiastic about hitting the court with the Braves.
"The Biggest thing is to get to a place where I can enjoy playing which then creates the motivation to continue expanding my skill set and work harder in the gym which will make me a better player overall," Oliver said.
"I can contribute on the court in many different ways including scoring, using my size to create plays around the basket and stretching the floor."
Oliver is no stranger to the Braves as she previously worked with coach Mark Alabakov while at the Boomers and has played with and against several of the 2021 roster.
"What she's achieved in individual and team success is testament to her focus, diligence and the continued maturation of her game," Alabakov said.
"Having the courage to take her game to the other side of the world, begin making a name for herself from scratch - and doing so, resoundingly - is something that can't be understated in how impressive it is.
"Her veteran experience, post presence, ability to shoot the three and being yet another perfect cultural fit for the program makes me excited to get to work with her and our team this season. Players and people like Kate Oliver don't grow on trees - I'd like to see her have a Basketball home here for some time."
The Braves will make the trip across the border to South Australia to take on the Mount Gambier Pioneers for the season-opener on Saturday April 17.
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