Family affair: Puoch sisters team up at Capitals

The University of Canberra Capitals announced on Wednesday the commitment of Australian forward, Manuela “Manny” Puoch, for the WNBL27 and WNBL28 seasons, pending League approval.

Puoch, who joins older sister Nyadiew "Nards" Puoch on the roster, arrives in Canberra with an impressive basketball résumé already to her name.

She made her international debut with the Australian Gems in 2025, helping her side claim the silver medal at the 2025 FIBA Under 19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

"With timing ticking on what my development pathway was going to look like, I found that the Canberra Caps were the best fit and a place where I would have the opportunity to showcase what I have in front of one of the best fan bases in the League," Puoch said.

"I'm super excited to continue growing my game this season with the Canberra staff, meet my teammates and call myself a Cap alongside my big sis."

Capitals Head Coach Paul Goriss said Puoch had been a priority target during the free agency period.

"Manny is someone we targeted early in free agency, and while it looked like she was headed to College in the US, there was an abrupt turn, and we quickly moved to snare her signature," Goriss said.

"Manny is a versatile forward who is physical, has a great nose for the ball for rebounding and has an excellent feel for the game with a high IQ.

“Manny is a great passer and playmaker, combined with her ability to shoot the three, space the floor and play inside, which makes her a versatile addition to our front court. I believe she is only starting to scratch the surface of what she is capable of in the WNBL."

The 20-year-old’s performances on the international stage further cemented her reputation as one of Australia's most exciting young prospects, and contributed to her selection in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty with the 41st pick.

"Her being drafted in the WNBA by New York shows she has potential and a bright future," Goriss said.

Currently starring with the Dandenong Rangers in the NBL1 South competition, averaging 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, Puoch continues to elevate her game against experienced senior opposition.

"After speaking with Manny, we both knew this was a good fit and opportunity for her next WNBL destination,” Goriss said.

“She understands there is work to be done before pre-season starts, and we have already spoken about and targeted those areas for Manny to work on right now.

"It's also a great family story to have Nards and Manny play together at the Caps."

Capitals Executive General Manager, Christy Collier-Hill, said the club was delighted to secure Puoch on a two-year deal.

"We're thrilled to welcome such an exciting young star of Australian basketball to the Caps program," Collier-Hill said.

"Watching her evolution over the last two years in the WNBL has been really exciting, and we're looking forward to seeing that progress even further in Caps colours.

"We've got a terrific development program here, and with such a high ceiling, where she could get to is really exciting.

"We're also thrilled to have the sister duo of Nards and Manny on the Caps roster, set to cause havoc for opposition defences this season."

Puoch is the seventh player on the Caps’ WNBL27 roster, joining sister Nyadiew Puoch, Isa Brancatisano, Sharne Robati, Amy Atwell, Isabel Palmer and Charlotte Whittaker.