WNBL 10/11 Discussion

[Mr bEn]

As far as signings go in world basketball they don’t come much bigger than Olaf Lange, who has signed on to coach the BDS Logan Thunder in the 2010/11 WNBL season.

With extensive coaching experience in Europe, including heading up the German Women’s National team, and winning EuroLeague Championships, Lange’s signing sets in motion the pathway towards a playoffs berth in the near future, possibly next season, for the young club.

Lange is currently Associate Head Coach with the San Antonio Silver Stars WNBA team, along with his Mackay born wife, Opals legend Sandy Brondello, who is the Head Coach.

“I’m looking forward to heading down to coach the Thunder. It’s exciting. The club has a lot of potential.” Lange said.

Brondello, who has won three Olympic medals with the Australian Opals and played in over 300 International games, will join Lange after her stint as Head Coach of San Antonio in the upcoming 2010 WNBA season.

BDS Thunder General Manager Mark Dalton said the signing of Lange would help the club take the next step toward a playoff berth in the near future. “Olaf brings the experience and the credentials to help us move forward as a club” he said. “We have learned a lot over the past two seasons in the WNBL, and we believe this appointment will help us compete with the top teams”.

2009/10 BDS Thunder Head Coach Jason Chainey will assume an assistant coaching role alongside Lange. He will be the “man on the ground” here in Australia whilst Lange finishes his duties with San Antonio in the U.S. “It’s great for the club. I am looking forward to working with Olaf and have no doubt this is going to help the team”. Chainey said.

[Squawky]

The WNBL Free Agent list was released today, the following Logan Thunder girls are now off contract:

Odette Andrew
Marta Dydek
Katie Harris
Rebecca Haynes
Megan Michael
Natalie Purcell
Cassie Smith
Holly Smith
Jessica Wallis
Kate Willey

Based upon this, the following girls are still under contract for next season:

Sarah Graham
Kristen Veal
Bianca Abbott
Suzie Bates
Emily Fryters

Head Coach: Olaf Lange
Ass. Coach: Jason Chainey

[My guess]

I think you will find with the new coaching staff that they will have two huge and mobile bigs. Most likley USA or even German imports. Maybe even Emma randall from Lady Spartans. They will also recruit a point guard within Australia not quite at Opal level but someone that they can work with.

They will have players from all over Australia wanting to come and work with them as I am guessing many would think a chance to get to the WNBA or at least get noticed.

They will also insist on players rocking up fit so girls get into the gym during off season. Players will be expected to train at least five times a week including gym. Not including individuals. Want to be the best, work the hardest was always Sandy's work ethic.

Team play will be up tempo so expect some of the smaller players to be told to look elsewhere as many are one dimentional. Veal may elect to play a role as a back up to new recruit guard. If that happens we will have a great chance at winning a championship.

[Unregistered]

.....and that's the word according to whom?

[Unregistered]

I think you will find with the new coaching staff that they will have two huge and mobile bigs. Most likley USA or even German imports. Maybe even Emma randall from Lady Spartans. They will also recruit a point guard within Australia not quite at Opal level but someone that they can work with.

They will have players from all over Australia wanting to come and work with them as I am guessing many would think a chance to get to the WNBA or at least get noticed.

They will also insist on players rocking up fit so girls get into the gym during off season. Players will be expected to train at least five times a week including gym. Not including individuals. Want to be the best, work the hardest was always Sandy's work ethic.

Team play will be up tempo so expect some of the smaller players to be told to look elsewhere as many are one dimentional. Veal may elect to play a role as a back up to new recruit guard. If that happens we will have a great chance at winning a championship.

As a spectator supporter for the inaugural and past season you could see some of the players werent very fit and couldnt last the full game even when subbed for a break. Would be great if they could recruit lean mean machines then the franchise might get more support and sponsorship.

[Unregistered]

adelaide paper claims that Renae Camino signed with Logan thunder. Rumor also about from Adelaide that Cayla Francis signed with Logan today.

[Unregistered]

thought the smith girls were a given, holly was competitive and cassie is a great kid when healthy. look forward to the full squad.

[Unregistered]

thought the smith girls were a given, holly was competitive and cassie is a great kid when healthy. look forward to the full squad.

So, if the rumuors are true, the Logan team will look something like the following:


Head Coach: Olaf Lange
Assistant: Jason Chainey
Assistant: Sandy Brondello

Renae camino
Emma Randell
Cayla Francis
Sarah Graham
Oddette Andrew
Kristen Veal
Natalie Purcell
Cassie Smith
Holly Smith
Bianca Abbott.

Decent looking team.

[Unregistered]

Is this a fact or mere speculation?

[Unregistered]

So, if the rumuors are true, the Logan team will look something like the following:


Head Coach: Olaf Lange
Assistant: Jason Chainey
Assistant: Sandy Brondello

Renae camino
Emma Randell
Cayla Francis
Sarah Graham
Oddette Andrew
Kristen Veal
Natalie Purcell
Cassie Smith
Holly Smith
Bianca Abbott.

Decent looking team.
Get your bet down with centrebet for the Championship while you can still get odds about. That mix of playing talent under a WNBA coach and Logan are going to Thunder!

[Squawky]

Thunder acquire triple treat of talented stars
19.05.10
In one fell swoop, the BDS Logan Thunder has gone from being WNBL battlers to playoff contenders.

In a huge coup for the club, the Thunder has secured the services of Adelaide duo Cayla Francis and Renae Camino.

And to complete the Thunder’s most successful recruitment drive, 2008 Australian Olympic silver medallist, Emma Randall, has also agreed to terms with the franchise for the 2010/2011 WNBL season.

Thunder general manager, Mark Dalton, was ecstatic with the three big-name signings.

“We’ve worked really hard to get ourselves to this position as far as our roster goes,” he said.

“It gives us some legitimate depth now and the opportunity to keep competing against the top teams.”

All three players have had a taste at international level, especially Randall who has played 79 games for the Opals and has just finished her season with French powerhouse club, Tarbes Gespe Bigorre.

While Camino, an athletic guard, was instrumental in Adelaide’s 2007/2008 WNBL championship and was crowned Most Valuable Player for the grand final.

The trio’s commitment to the Thunder comes less than two months after internationally renowned and current San Antonio WNBA associate coach, Olaf Lange agreed to lead the Thunder for the upcoming WNBL season.

The Thunder was confident Lange’s appointment would attract quality players to the club.

And assistant coach, Jason Chainey, said Camino, Francis and Randall were three of the best players going around.

“This is huge in terms of this being the club’s third year in the league and that we’re starting to attract high profile coaches and high profile players,” he said.

“We’ve got three of the best players in Australia at the moment now joining us, which will strengthen us to go from being a good team to now being a great team.”

Chainey added Lange was instrumental in acquiring all three players.

“He (Lange) was very proactive before he started his role in the WNBA season and was a pivotal part in getting these signings,” he said.

Francis, a powerful 192cm centre, said Camino and her were looking forward to playing for the Thunder.

“I’m very excited about joining Logan,” she said.

“I’m also good friends with Renae, so to go up there together is great.”

The 2007 Rookie of the Year said the chance to operate under Lange’s tutelage played a major part in her decision to head north.

“Just his credentials alone speak for itself,” the 21-year-old said of Lange.

“Him and Sandy (Brondello, Lange’s wife, who is expected to have a role with the Thunder) coach in WNBA so they’re very experienced.

“I’ve spoken to a few players who have been coached by Olaf in America and given him a good rap.

“I also love the city of Brisbane and love the Gold Coast, so I’m really looking forward to coming up.”

The Thunder’s roster for the 2010/2011 season is almost complete with sisters Holly and Cassie Smith and Odette Andrew all agreeing to stay with the club.

Which starting five players Lange will opt for will be his biggest dilemma, with skipper Kristen Veal, young gun Sarah Graham and forwards Biancia Abbott and Emily Fryters still contracted to the club.

While Thunder officials are confident New Zealand international Natalie Purcell will re-sign soon.

[Unregistered]

.....and that's the word according to whom?
Not certain...but I reckon someone whose very close to the action.