Caps add NBL1 standout

The UC Capitals announced on Monday the addition of NBL1 standout guard Caitlyn Jones for the WNBL27 season, pending League approval.

Jones, who will also have a role as the club's Community Coach, will begin her WNBL career in Canberra after years of working towards her dream of competing at the highest level of Australian basketball.

"Playing in the WNBL has been a dream of mine since I first picked up a ball, so to see that realised has been incredible and I'm extremely grateful to Goz [Paul Goriss] for the opportunity," Jones said.

"I've loved being in Canberra and playing NBL1 for Nat [Hurst], so I'm excited to continue to play in front of the awesome Canberra fans."

Growing up through the Western Australian basketball pathways, Jones went on to spend two years at the University of Idaho in the United States, before returning home where she has since amassed six seasons of NBL1 experience across both the West and East conferences.

Having just wrapped up the 2026 season with the Canberra Nationals under Caps assistant coach Nat Hurst, Jones was the team's leading scorer, averaging 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

Prior to this season, Jones lined up for Albury-Wodonga, while earning All-Star Five honours and finishing third in NBL1 East MVP voting.

During her outstanding 2025 campaign, she produced a string of dominant performances, including a 46-point game against the Sydney Comets and a 40-point, 11-assist, six-steal masterclass against Penrith.

Jones has balanced NBL1 seasons with playing professionally in Europe and has suited up for teams in Egypt, Luxembourg and most recently Germany.

Caps Head Coach Paul Goriss is looking forward to working with Jones, having kept her on his radar in recent years.

"Caitie gives us an experienced player who understands the physicality of a pro league and knows how to fulfil a role to her best ability after playing in Germany the last two years," Goriss siad.

"She is an incredible worker and teammate, has a great feel for the game, and the ability to score at all three levels - the WNBL will be a great challenge for her."

Caps Executive General Manager Christy Collier-Hill said the club has been impressed by Jones' commitment to basketball and the contribution she brings to every team.

"We're thrilled to have Caitie joining us at the Caps this season, she's been a stand-out for the Canberra Nationals in NBL1," Collier-Hill said.

"Having also played professionally overseas, she has a good understanding of being in an elite environment, and what it takes to succeed.

"She's worked really hard to get this WNBL opportunity, and we can't wait to see what she puts out on court for us this season."

Jones' mother, Julie Parker, was part of the inaugural Western Australia WNBL team, the WAIS Rockets and Caitie will soon make her WNBL dream a reality by following in her footsteps.

Through her extended role as a community coach, Jones will work alongside Hurst to deliver the Caps Community Program, including school holiday camps, school visits and development programs.

With less than one month to go until pre-season starts, Jones is already itching to bring her energetic and relentless style of play to the fans at AIS Arena.

"For those that haven't seen me you can expect a never say die attitude," she said.

"I love to bring a boost of energy to the game to turn or maintain the tide.

"I like to think of myself as a player with a strong work ethic, who loves to create for her teammates and knock down shots."

Jones is the ninth addition the Caps WNBL27 roster, joining Isa Brancatisano, Nyadiew Puoch, Nicole Munger, Sharne Robati, Charlotte Whittaker, Amy Atwell, Isabel Palmer, and Manuela Puoch.