Basketball Ballarat confirmed on Friday the United States-based Chinese Taipei international had re-signed for 2017, with an option for another season.

Burke, 25, moved to Ballarat from WNBL club Bendigo Spirit and had an outstanding season – winning the Rush most valuable player award.

Burke, who returned to the US for the off-season, said although the season was disappointing not making finals, the players believed they had unfinished business.

Burke averaged 15.1 points and 12.4 rebounds a game, and was ranked third in the SEABL total rebounds with 272 and second with 39 blocks.

She was named in SEABL team of the week five times and player of the week once.

Basketball Ballarat chief executive officer Peter Eddy said Burke ranked among the best athletes, male or female, who had been in Ballarat’s elite program.

“Her values, commitment to excellence, work ethic and enthusiastic nature make her an invaluable role model for our younger players.

“Away from the game Joy presents as a very professional, caring individual who mixes and represents us well whether visiting a children’s reading session at the library or at a corporate function,” he said.

Basketball Ballarat elite teams director Emma DeRuiter said Burke had been a sensational brand ambassador.

Rush head coach David Flint said Burke’s level of professionalism and wanting the best for team was second to none.

“Now that Joy has signed on we can move our attention to re-signing other players and preparing for our 2017 campaign.”

Burke will shortly go to Taiwan, where her younger brother in setting up his professional basketball career, and then return to Ballarat early in the new year.