Australian legend re-signs with Bendigo

Fetaure image via: Ian Knight Photography

Legend of the game Kelly Wilson has re-signed with the Bendigo Braves for the 2024 NBL1 South season. 

The 450-game WNBL veteran has been the face of Bendigo basketball for over a decade. The 40-year-old point guard will lead the charge once again for the National Champions.

Leading the women’s competition in assists at 10.2 per game, her impact on and off the court is undeniable.

After leading the Braves to a perfect 25-0 record in the NBL1 South, defeating the Waverley Falcons in the Grand Final – the Braves continued their undefeated streak in the National Finals claiming their first national title. 

Reigning NBL1 South Coach of the Year  Mark Alabakov said that he’s excited for Wilson to return for another run at the title. 

“She embodies what it is to be a Bendigo Brave. She’s high IQ, skilled in all areas, courageous, hard-working and puts the time in, during unseen hours, preparing her body and mind for elite competition…and she has proven longevity in all of those things,” he said. 

"Kelly's had an incredible career to date and continues to add to her legacy - playing better than ever, adding layers to her game, having the league’s Golden Hands award named in her likeness nationally and last season with our team was a big part of our campaign, the first in her career going undefeated.

"Kel and I are from the same era and share a perspective on the game grounded in things that have stood the test of time, but open to new ideas in the sport. From her experiences, she has so much wisdom to share and so many problem solving lenses to fit to situations.

"She’s the perfect blend of what it is to be a winner, and a walking billboard of what Bendigo Braves Women’s Basketball should always look like."

The Bendigo Braves start their season tomorrow night against the Ballarat Miners, streaming live from 6:00pm AEDT via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.