The return of Lauren Jackson to the nation’s capital is a major coup for the WNBL and could catapult Canberra back into finals contention after a down season for the proud club. The role players around Jackson could hold the key.
Canberra Capitals
Website: www.canberracapitals.com.au
Home Stadium: AIS Arena
WNBL Championships: 7 – 1999/2000, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10
2011/12 Record: 9-13 8th
Major Player Movement
Ins: Lauren Jackson (Europe), Samantha Norwood (West Coast Waves)
Outs: Marianna Tolo (Europe), Molly Lewis (Adelaide)
Squad (at Sept 6): Abbey Davis, Tessa Lavey, Alice Coddington, Carly Wilson, Casey Samuels, Nicole Hunt, Jessica Bibby, Alexandra Bunton, Mikaela Dombkins, Lauren Jackson, Samantha Norwood, Michelle Cosier, Brigitte Ardossi.
Star Player: Carly Wilson
Was the player coach Carrie Graf would turn to do a defensive job or spark the offense, Wilson was one of the Caps most consistent players and will greatly benefit playing off the likes of Jackson.
New Face: Lauren Jackson
A new face of sorts, Jackson returns to the Caps on the back of another stellar Olympic campaign and will be looked upon to carry much of the offensive load of the departed Marianna Tolo. A multiple WNBL MVP, Jackson knows what it takes to succeed at this level.
Keys to Success: The return date of Jackson from her WNBA commitments will dictate when the Caps season really gets underway. This accompanied by the key contributions of their role players will help spread the scoring load and ease the burden on Jackson.
Prediction: We forget after a 1-7 start the Capitals went 8-6 to close out the season. If they can get Jackson back early a berth in the WNBL finals could well be on the cards.
First Five:
v Sydney (A)
v Townsville (A)
v Logan (A)
v Bulleen (H)
v Townsville (H)
CLICK HERE to download 2012/13 WNBL Fixture.
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