The Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames have today put the finishing touch on an impressive 2012/13 WNBL playing roster, with the signing of American import April Sykes.
Sykes, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, will join fellow new Flames signings Sarah Graham, Ellie Manou, Michelle Joy and Tayla Roberts, once her commitments with the Sparks end at the completion of the WNBA playoffs.
Given her positional flexibility – she can play the small forward or power forward position – 22 year old Sykes is a valuable addition to the Flames roster. Sykes’s strengths lie in her perimeter shooting and passing game, as well as the ability to drive hard to the basket.
From Starkville, Mississippi, Sykes played basketball at East Oktibbeha County High School, before having a standout career with the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
Earlier this year the Sparks selected Sykes with their fourth pick of the third round (28th overall) in the WNBA draft. She has played an impressive 26 games so far this season and looks to be a good fit for the Flames in the WNBL.
In other news, Flames Academy Program representative Vanessa Panousis, who was Australia’s best player at the recent Under 17 World Championships, will also move into the Flames main player rotation.
The Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames first WNBL fixture of the 2012/13 season sees them take on Canberra at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre (SUSAC) on Friday October 6.
To get your ticket or sign up to a Flames membership click here.
