Launceston re-sign Keely Froling for 2023 NBL1

The Launceston Tornadoes have re-signed NBL1 South All-Star Five member Keely Froling for the 2023 NBL1 season, according to The Mercury. 

The Superteam Tornadoes with Froling, Kelsey Griffin and Mariana Tolo made it to the Preliminary Finals last season, falling short against the eventual NBL1 South champion the Ringwood Hawks. 

After averaging over 28 points, 14 rebounds and three assists per game, Froling has set her eyes on a championship for her Tasmanian club. 

“Definitely a championship (is the aim this year), that’s what we’re aiming for,” she told The Mercury. 

“I love playing for the Torns and I love it down here. It (re-signing) was a really easy decision for me. Sarah (Veale) [head coach] has been awesome for my development on and off the court, and I love the team.”

“It was a really disappointing finish last year, there was a lot of learning out of that and we’ll take that into this season for sure.”

Froling is confident in the local crop of talent from Tasmania being critical in their attempts to make a title run for the NBL1 South season, tipping off on April 1. 

“For us, it’s about our depth and making sure everyone is ready to play. We have some great local talent here like (guard) Micah Simpson who’s been playing WNBL with Bendigo. (It’s about) bringing those players in and giving them the confidence to play.

“Last year we lost players to college leading into finals, which really ended up hurting us. I think if we look at it (earlier season start) that way, it will be really beneficial.”

Froling says that her trio with Opal Marianna Tolo and Kelsey Griffin is still pending for 2023, but is hoping they return to try to win it all again. 

“We’d love Tolo and Kels to come back. I’m in their ear every day, but it’s a wait-and-see thing,” she said.

Head coach Veale says that the full package Froling brings on and off the court made it a no-brainer to bring Froling back for a third Tornadoes campaign.

“Keely is definitely the glue that holds the team together. We have built our whole team around Froles, so it was a no-brainer to go after her,” she said.

“Keely is the biggest competitor I’ve ever met, she leads by example in every aspect of the game.

“In offence, she’s our biggest scorer, she can score in multiple ways and is an exceptional defender and rebounder.

“But not only that, it’s how she mentors our young girls. When they see the way Keely is on and off the court, they aspire to be like that. She’s a coach’s dream, she does half my job.”

Keely is the fourth Froling to sign for the 2023 season, with father Shane coaching the Townsville Fire, brother Harry Froling with the Ipswich Force and Keely’s twin Alicia back with the Knox Raiders. 

Stay up to date with the NBL1 with the 2023 NBL1 Roster Tracker here.