The reason why Flames recruit chose Sydney

The Sydney Flames have undergone a big revamp going into the highly anticipated WNBL27 Season.

The Harbour City-based club have added Australian Opals duo, Ally Wilson and Issie Bourne, in two of the signings of the off-season.

But one move that has flown under the radar for some is the recruitment of Jaz Shelley from Geelong.

“I'm at a time in my career where I really need to develop and get better as a player, physically and mentally,” Shelley said to basketball.com.au.

“A change was going to be the best for me, [and] to be able to align with someone like Renae [Garlepp] was super important. It was something that was going to help me long-term and help me reach my goals of playing for the Opals and going to the WNBA.”

Shelley's move to Sydney first saw her sign with NBL1 East club, Norths Bears, before penning a deal with the Flames.

The commonality between those two clubs is coach Renae Garlepp, who Shelley knows is the right person to take her game to the next level.

“She (Garlepp) already had this plan and vision for me. It was really cool to align with her and have that feeling of a coach who really wants to help you personally,” Shelley added.

“I really appreciated how much effort she put into wanting to develop my game. I've seen so much growth in my game already and have loved playing under Renae, so it was a no-brainer to go the Sydney route with the WNBL.”

The Flames open their WNBL27 Season against the Southside Melbourne Flyers on Friday, October 16 at the State Basketball Centre, tipping off at 7pm AEDT, live on 9Now and ESPN via Disney+.

Read more >> 'Shelley drills': Why WNBA draftee Jaz moved to Sydney