Jade Melbourne signs with the Seattle Storm

The NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year Jade Melbourne has been signed by the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. 

After being drafted by the Storm with the 33rd pick in the 2022 WNBA draft, Melbourne has officially been signed to play in Seattle this coming WNBA season.

After averaging 20.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Ballarat Miners last season, Melbourne went into the WNBL with a headstart. 

Opal, WNBA draft pick and #NBL1South star with Ballarat @jade_melbourne has been on a tear this season ? pic.twitter.com/i4adF6qRLv

— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 29, 2022

Coming off the third triple-double in the past 10 years, with the UC Capitals Melbourne is showing she's one of the best guards in the league at only 20 years old. For the season she is averaging 13.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.

Ian Knight: Owen Foxwell and Jade Melbourne being awarded 2022 NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year Award(s). 

Seattle’s coach Noelle Quinn had high praise for Melbourne’s talent and on-the-court mindset. 

“Jade is an exciting young talent with unlimited potential,” Quinn said. 

“She is an excellent passer and shot creator with defensive tenacity. We are thrilled about her future and can’t wait to see her in Seattle.”

In the Storm release, the NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year said she’s excited to finally make her WNBA debut. 

“I was so honoured when I was drafted by Seattle last year,” Melbourne said. 

“To be selected by such an awesome franchise with a very successful history was a dream come true. I’m thrilled to officially join the team and can’t wait to get over there, meet everyone and get the opportunity to represent the Storm.”

The NBL1 South starts on April 1, see the full fixture here.