Thompson impresses in WNBL debut

After dominating in the NBL1 for several seasons, Unique Thompson has made her WNBL debut in an impressive fashion. 

The 26-year-old centre made waves in the Australian basketball scene back in 2022, signing mid-season to support Lauren Jackson in her return to basketball with the NBL1 East’s Albury-Wodonga Bandits. In the NBL1, Thompson is a conference Champion, Finals MVP, two-time East All-Star Five member and most recently, the NBL1 North MVP.

With the backing of Australia’s greatest, Thompson finally achieved her WNBL dream after signing with the Sydney Flames in July this year.

Fast forward to her debut this past weekend, Thompson was a perfect fit, scoring 15 points and pulling down three rebounds on the road against Geelong–  impressing Head Coach Guy Molloy. 

“Unique’s been really solid, great hands, really good finisher,” he said. 

“She’s definitely adjusting to the type of defence we want to play, but I think that she’ll get a lot better. She’s a really gifted athlete, light on her feet and moves really well laterally. I think that she’ll get to a spot where she’s a pretty elite defender in this league.” 

Molloy explained that the team were hesitant to sign her, given she is an undersized centre at 6’3”. However, with her collegiate and overseas experience in Russia, Thompson assured Molley that she can play up in size and at this level – proving it this past Saturday.

Proving herself against the likes of Seattle Storm talent Mackenzie Holmes, Thompson’s next challenge will be WNBL all-time great Cayla George making her return to Sydney. 

Get your tickets to see Thompson’s Flames host the Southside Melbourne Flyers tomorrow night from 7pm AEDT at the Quaycentre here. 

If you can’t make the game, watch live on ESPN2.