Miners add WNBA draft pick

The Ballarat Miners have announced Jaz Shelley has signed with the club for the remainder of the 2024 NBL1 South season.

She was recently selected by the Phoenix Mercury with the 29th overall pick in the WNBA Draft, joining Nyadiew Puoch and Isobel Borlase as NBL1 players currently contracted by WNBA teams.  

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Country Victoria product has been a star of the state for many years, later signing with the Melbourne Boomers and being named the 2018/19 WNBL Rookie of the Year.

Joining fellow star Chloe Bibby, Shelley said she's excited to the Miners. 

“I’m so excited to be back playing basketball in Australia again and even more thrilled to be able to come and play for the Ballarat Miners. I couldn’t think of a better coaching staff and group of girls to start this new journey with," Shelley said.

Jaz is very familiar with the NBL1 competition, last playing in 2019 for the Geelong Supercats where she averaged 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in the league's first season -- finishing as runners-up to Kilsyth. 

In 2021 Shelley transferred from Oregon to Nebraska, where she immediately assumed a leading role and made an all-round impact. Shelley opted to return for a fifth year (granted due to the pandemic) where she averaged 13.4 points, 5.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 4.3 rebounds per game, whilst also earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team after setting Huskers' tournament records for points, assists and made three-pointers.

She finished her career fourth in Nebraska history in made three-pointers and as of 2024, was the only player to have recorded two triple-doubles. 

Head coach Kennedy Kereama said that Shelley's experience will be critical to Ballarat's success in the second half of the season.

"I am very excited to welcome Jaz Shelley to the Ballarat Miners program! Having previously worked with Jaz in a number of settings, I've been a witness to her exceptional character, high basketball IQ, strong work ethic and drive to continually improve," he said.

"After coming off a very successful college career at Nebraska, being drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA, and her previous experience representing Australia, Jaz brings a wealth of talent, leadership, offensive firepower, versatility, and experience to our team. 

"I am really looking forward to working with Jaz again at this pivotal stage of her basketball journey and look forward to welcoming her to our team, club, and community.” 

The Miners have a double-header weekend ahead of them, hosting the Knox Raiders on Saturday and then the Diamond Valley Eagles on Sunday. Watch both games live via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.