The Brydens Sydney Uni Flames have secured the key mid-season signing of former US college star and USA U19 World Championship gold medallist LaSondra Barrett.
Barrett, who played four successful seasons with Louisiana State College (LSU) in the US South Eastern Conference (SEC) before graduating at the end of 2011, arrived in Sydney on Tuesday morning and spoke of her excitement at joining a Flames squad sitting just outside the WNBL’s top four.
“It feels great to be playing for the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames in the WNBL,” said the 188cm forward.
“It’s an honour to be a part of this organisation and to represent Sydney Uni. I’m excited to get this opportunity and can’t wait to play my first game this weekend.”
Barrett’s first game will be against the second placed Dandenong on Saturday afternoon, before backing up on the next day against the table-topping Bendigo Spirit. Both games are in Victoria.
Barrett spoke passionately about her 126 appearances for LSU between 2008 and 2012.
“My four years at LSU were some of the best years of my life,” explained Barrett, who is one of only two players in her school’s history to tally over 1,500 points, 200 assists, 800 rebounds and 100 steals.
“I learned so many lessons on and off the court and it was great playing beside some of the best athletes in the country. “
After being drafted in 2012 at pick number 10 (First Round) in the WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics, Barrett soon found her way to Israel where she played for Ramat Hasharon in the 2012-13 Israeli Female Basketball Premier League.
Barrett averaged 6.3 points and 5 assists with Ramat Hasharon and explains her time in Israel as a valuable learning experience.
“Israel was a good experience because I played against other good American basketballers and it improved my game because I had to compete every game,” said Barrett.
“There was so much competition.”
Barrett is confident that she has made the right basketball decision in heading to the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames.
“My game is very versatile, so I’m confident that I can adjust my style to the way that the Flames play and the WNBL in general,” explained Barrett.
“I just want to win and contribute to the Flames any way that I can.”
Flames Head Coach Karen Dalton said she was looking forward to working with the 23 year old straight away, saying “We have some work to do ahead of a tough weekend in Victoria and LaSondra will be a valuable addition to the roster.”
“I’m excited about having her in the squad.”
The sixth-placed Brydens Sydney Uni Flames will continue their push for a top-four position when they take on the WNBL’s top two teams – Dandenong and Bendigo – this weekend.
Click here to see the full 2013/14 WNBL season schedule.
