Geelong United Basketball (GUB) is pleased to announce the first import player signing for our inaugural WNBL season, Haley Jones.
The 6 foot 1 WNBA forward/guard was selected by the Atlanta Dream with pick number 6 in the 2023 WNBA draft, and will join Geelong United straight off the back of the current WNBA season – “I’m so excited to be a part of Geelong’s inaugural team,” Haley said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play overseas and get to experience another country, especially learning underneath an amazing coach.”
This will be the first stint in a league outside of the USA for the former NCAA Champion (2021), and looking ahead, Haley is keen to get amongst a slightly different style of basketball – “Getting to play the Aussie way, and picking up little things from all the amazing players in Australia and just growing my game – I know the WNBL is an amazing league with great competition, so that was a great starting point,” said Hayley. “But then getting to talk with coach Chris (Lucas) really sent it over the edge. Talking about the winning culture that he’s always created on every team that he’s had, and the player development that’s going to come along with it and the role that he sees me playing.”
Geelong United Head Coach, Chris Lucas views Haley’s signing as an exciting one not only for Geelong United, but also the league itself – “Haley’s IQ at both ends of the floor is tremendous,” said Chris. “She can play multiple positions, defend multiple positions, and is a rebounding guard that can generate the break.”
But along with her contributions on the floor, Chris sees Haley being a great addition to the culture he’s looking to create within the team – “Haley’s personality was a big tick for me,” he said. “You look at what she’s accomplished already through a stellar college career, then her transition into the WNBA – I just think she’s going to bring fantastic leadership to the program.”
Speaking on her expectations for the upcoming season, Haley is ready for the challenge set before her with a team entering its first season – “It’s really about setting the standard for years to come,” she said. “Having it be a winning culture, one with genuine relationships between player to player, player to staff, one of just being a hard-working team who’s going to outwork everybody else. So really just setting the standard for the future, and for people wanting to come and join the culture at Geelong.”
Please join us in welcoming the newest addition to our WNBL roster, Haley Jones.
And don’t forget, if you want to see her and the team live in action this coming season, Originals Memberships are now available, but only for founding members – Get early access by becoming a founding member here!
