Basketball NSW is proud to recognise and celebrate a significant milestone for the state, with two NSW Country athletes selected in today’s Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft.
Saffron Shiels (Newcastle Falcons) and Amelia Hassett (Cootamundra Cougars) were both selected, marking an important achievement for athletes emerging from Country New South Wales.
Shiels was selected with pick No. 26 by expansion franchise Toronto Tempo, while Hassett was later taken at pick No. 35 by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Both athletes have progressed through the Basketball NSW pathway, representing NSW Country at National Championships and highlighting the strength of regional development pathways.
Basketball NSW, General Manager of Performance Pathways, Brett Coxsedge, acknowledged the significance of the moment for the athletes and the wider basketball community.
“Today is a special day for NSW basketball with two country girls being drafted into the WNBA. This is a true testament to the hard work that both Saffron and Amelia have put in over the years,” said Coxsedge.
“It shows that our regional athletes who have come through our pathway, have been provided with the opportunity to learn how to work hard & improve as a basketball player & person, despite logistical challenges they face. They have shown us that our goals & dreams are achievable through years of a hard work ethic & dedication to the sport they both fell in love with from a young age.”
The selections of Hassett and Shiels reinforce the growing influence of Australian talent in the international game, while also showcasing the strength of grassroots and high-performance pathways within NSW.
Basketball NSW congratulates Amelia and Saffron on their incredible achievements and looks forward to following their careers as they take the next step on the world stage.