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Because the WNBA offseason is longer than the actual season, players have the chance to develop and play elsewhere to improve their game. Many use the time well, playing in Unrivaled or Athletes Unlimited in the States. Many others, however, head overseas for work.
In addition to the number of WNBA players competing in Europe in EuroLeague Women, EuroCup Women and other country-specific leagues, over a dozen WNBA players are participating in Australia’s WNBL, and after two weeks of games, here are five players who have taken most advantage of their opportunities Down Under:
Mackenzie Holmes (Geelong Venom)
Mackenzie Holmes hasn’t seen much playing time in the WNBA over the past couple of years. She was recovering from knee surgery in 2024 and didn’t make her WNBA debut until this past season. Holmes played in just 10 games and played more than 10 minutes in only one game.
Playing in the WNBL with Geelong is a great way for her to get more reps and test her body against professional competition.
In her three games, she’s been fantastic, averaging 27.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She is leading the league in scoring and is second in rebounds. If she keeps this up, she’ll be one of the best players in Australia this year.
Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning)
Steph Talbot is on the other side of the spectrum compared to Holmes. She’s not a young player looking for playing time. Instead, she’s a veteran staying in playing shape by playing in her home country’s league.
As a member of the Lightning, Talbot is averaging 13.5 points, 7.0 assists and 7.5 rebounds. She has played well and has a complete game, but it hasn’t yet resulted in wins for her team. The Lightning have lost their first two games this season.
Still, if she keeps playing this well, the wins will come for Adelaide.
Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals)
Every year during Jade Melbourne’s WNBA career, she’s taken steps forward in terms of her production on the court. Playing in the WNBL, she’s averaging 12.5 points and seven assists across two games. Also a native Australian, her 15-point performance in the season opener for the Capitals helped the team beat the Southside Melbourne Flyers, 80-71.
The Capitals have started the year 1-1, so they have some work to do so they can climb up the standings ladder. However, with Melbourne scoring and distributing the ball this well, they should have a strong year.
Sania Feagin (Adelaide Lightning)
Sania Feagin didn’t get much run during her rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Sparks, making the WNBL a perfect place for her to hone her craft. As a big, she can get plenty of reps with the Lightning.
She’s averaging 12.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, and with Talbot also on the roster, hopefully she can continue to learn from a veteran about how to grow and develop as a professional.
Brianna Turner (Perth Lynx)
Brianna Turner has been great for the Lynx. She’s been an elite rim protector, averaging 2.5 blocks per game, the second most in the WNBL. Turner is also averaging two steals along with 11.5 points and 8.5 boards per game.
WNBL play doesn’t necessarily translate to WNBA production, but it’s great to see all of these performing well while competing in Australia. As the season continues, we’ll check back on them, along with other WNBA players, to see how they are doing with their respective WNBL teams.
