One of Australian basketball’s most decorated international players will return to the WNBL this Friday night when Belinda Snell takes the floor for Sydney Uni in it’s season opener against the AIS.
The dual Olympic silver medalist and 2006 World Championship star arrived in Sydney last Friday and jumped straight into training with her Southern Design Flames team-mates.
Ironically, her return to the WNBL will be against the AIS, where she started it all as a promising junior from Mirboo North in regional Victoria.
After forging a brilliant career in the EuroLeague and the WNBA, Snell returns to the WNBL this year as part of preparations for the 2012 London Olympics.
A versatile scorer and underrated defender, the Jayco Opals star has been one of the most successful Australian players to play in Europe with two final four appearances.
Flames coach Karen Dalton said it was a terrific bonus for the team and the WNBL to have the respected Snell back.
“Belinda is respected internationally not only for her ability and talent, but for the way she goes about her basketball,” she said.
“She will bring scoring to the table, but most importantly is a winner who will help our young players tremendously.”
Shell will reunite with long time Flames and Opals teammate Alicia Poto in Friday’s season opener against some of the rising talent of Australian basketball in the young AIS team.
Poto and Snell both started their careers under the guidance of respected AIS mentor Phil Brown in the 90’s.
Tip-off for the big clash at the Sydney Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre is 7pm and tickets are available at the door.
