'Brisbane Bombshells' Part II
TweetYEAH, there was another reason the new WNBL club in Brisbane could have gone for "Bombshells" as its nickname - the signing of Opals playmaker and dual-WNBA champion Erin Phillips.
The new team, to be coached by former Sydney Kings and South Dragons coach Shane Heal, has been pursuing Phillips for months and she has held out, hoping for positive news from Adelaide Lightning.
But, as recorded in the previous story, there isn't much to report yet for Lightning which really has blown a golden opportunity to sign the state's "golden girl".
Instead the blonde bombshell, who has won WNBA championships with Indiana Fever in 2012 and Phoenix Mercury in 2014, plus a WNBL title with Adelaide Lightning in 2008, has had to take the offer at hand.
It is terrific news for the WNBL and for the new club and gives them a genuine star to build around.
Can't help but wonder whether Opals coach Brendan Joyce had a hand in this too, given his friendship with Heal and strong coach/player relationship with Phillips.
But for saddened Adelaide fans, they have no-one to blame - literally. Because, as of yet, the Lightning still have no public persona.
Another South Aussie, WNBL Champion Cayla Francis, also has signed in Queensland, retained by the champion Townsville Fire today.