Chinese Taipei national basketballer Joy Burke will spend a fourth season with Ballarat Rush.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“I feel incredibly grateful to the Ballarat Basketball community for another opportunity to play for Rush,” Burke said.
“I’m looking forward to some of the exciting opportunities next season brings, with the new league and new stadium.”
She said she was also keen to work with former Australian Opals coach Brendan Joyce.
As well as returning as Miners coach, Joyce is Basketball Ballarat director of coaching.
Burke said Joyce’s experience spoke for itself, and he along with Rush coach Eric Hayes would help her game improve tremendously.
“Ultimately, I’ve decided to return for another season because I love the community, and I believe in the direction of the program under the leadership of Eric Hayes.
“We have unfinished business, and I can’t wait to see all we can accomplish together on and off the court next season,” she said.
Basketball Ballarat is yet to determine whether Burke will play under her Chinese name Hsi-Le Bao again, with the new Basketball Victoria elite league still finalising its import conditions.
Burke averaged 29 minutes a game last season, 14.1 points and 11.65 rebounds.
She was also the South East Australian Basketball Leagiue women’s leading rebounder with 233.
Hayes said retaining Burke was great for Rush.
“There aren’t many 196cm players in the competition, so she is a key player for us.”
Rush elite teams sub-committee Lynly Doherty said securing Burke had been a high priority.
“She is integral to not only our on court team, but to all the work she does in the community.”