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COLLEEN Planeta has been ripping up the Big V competition for three years with Hume City and now she has her eyes on the WNBL with MAC Adelaide Lightning.

“I’m really excited about it,” she said of the prospect of playing for Chris Lucas in the start-from-scratch program that once was the envy of the nation.

Planeta’s mother back home in Arizona, was not quite as thrilled, Colleen having said – a few times now – “this is my last year”.

“She’s sick of hearing it,” the popular 27-year-old forward said.

Having enjoyed a stellar college career at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, the 188cm Planeta played professionally for Eunikos (Greece), Barcelos (Portugal) and TV Saarlouis Royals (Germany).

HUME CITY'S FINEST: Colleen Planeta is a two-time Big V MVP.

But Australia had captured her imagination and when her agent found her the gig with Broadmeadows-based Hume City Broncos in the Big V competition, she was rapt.

Even moreso when she arrived and met the players, coaches and staff.

“Honestly, I’ve been so lucky with the teams and coaches I have had,” she said.

“I love it here. I only planned to be here and playing for one season.”

Planeta is in her third, with a Big V championship and two league MVP awards under her belt from her first two seasons.

With two sisters and a brother, everyone grew up playing basketball.

“Dad was a coach and as soon as we could walk he put a basketball in our hands,” Planeta said.

Her brother was drafted to play minor league baseball but ended up back with basketball while the sport has opened the doors to the world for Colleen.

Turning 28 on September 3, Planeta is hoping for a double-celebration because that’s also the date for the Big V Final.

COLLEEN PLANETA: She plays 'D' too.

After a short holiday with teammates in New Zealand, she will hit Adelaide for the 2016-17 WNBL season, joining four-time Olympian Laura Hodges, American playmaking guard Samantha Logic, 2016 Betty Watson Rookie of the Year Alex Ciabattoni and Lightning regular Jess Good.

“Colleen has a great basketball IQ and a lot of the tools for success at WNBL level,” Lucas said.

“Importantly too, she brings the type of personality we want and need to foster the culture at the club.”

A season in the WNBL and then it will be time to go home. Perhaps.