BALLARAT’S Molly Mathews will spend a second season with Bendigo Spirit in the Women’s National Basketball League.
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Spirit has re-signed Mathews as a development player for 2016-17.
Bendigo head coach Simon Pritchard said the coming season would be a big one for the 187cm forward.
“It’s pleasing to have Molly back in a Spirit uniform.
“Last season she embraced all the values of Spirit. We welcome her back to put pressure on our main rotation,” he said.
The 21-year-old Mathews will one of three development players on a 15-strong roster, which features nine contracted members.
Pritchard has no doubt she will return bigger and better, having reaped the benefits of a strong season with Ballarat Rush in the South East Australian Basketball League.
Rush is coached by David Flint, who is also an assistant coach with Bendigo Spirit.
“Her role is to be assertive at training and use her physical skills to defend and provide competition.
“We are also seeking improvement, with the goal of securing a roster spot in 2017,” Pritchard said.
“Molly will no doubt be a role model for our young fans with her massive smile and determined outlook.”
Pritchard said development players were involved in all aspects of the Spirit program.
He said while she would not travel to interstate games, she would have the opportunity to play in all home fixtures and Victorian away games.
Mathews said she was looking forward to the WNBL season – viewing it as a challenge in her pursuit of a long-term WNBL career.
“It's just so great to be given the opportunity to go back,” she said.
It's just so great to be given the opportunity to go back.
- Molly Mathews
“I learnt a massive amount last season and am looking forward to building my knowledge and ability even further.”
Mathews has played in all Rush's 18 games in the SEABL women's east conference this season.
The forward, has not had a lot of minutes in the past month, is averaging 3.8 points and 2.4 rebounds a game.
She had a season-high 14 points in round one.
Mathews will suit up against Kilsyth Lady Cobras at Kilsyth on Saturday night.
Pritchard will get to see Mathews on court when he watches Rush take on Dandenong Rangers while he is in Ballarat to lead a coaching program later this month.
Pritchard will spend four days in Ballarat from next Wednesday working with SEABL, Big V youth league and junior players.
This will be the second time he has led coaching sessions of this type in Ballarat this year.
