Historic moment: WNBA Draft pick commits to Jewels

The Tasmania Jewels made a statement on Sunday by announcing the commitment of WNBA Draft pick Gianna Kneepkens, pending League approval.

The 15th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Kneepkens, who is enjoying a strong rookie season with the Connecticut Sun, becomes the Jewels’ first-ever import.

Her debut pro season follows a successful tenure in the United States’ college system, where she helped UCLA win the NCAA national championship.

While Kneepkens hasn’t been to Australia yet, the Minnesota-born star believes she will be a valuable asset to the Jewels’ maiden campaign.

“I’m not always the fastest or the strongest, but I like to put in the most work,” Kneepkens said.

“My strengths are shooting. I want to rebound. I want to defend hard. I want to win.”

Kneepkens credits thousands of hours of work and being the first in and last to leave the gym for her shooting ability.

“I was in the gym a lot, a tonne, I’m a big gym-rat,” she said.

“That’s definitely how I’ve gotten to where I am.

“When I’m able to get those runs up by myself, then when I’m in the game, I’ve already felt it, so I have the confidence to do it.

“I think confidence is even more important in basketball than the physical. 

"Just believing in yourself even if others don’t and not comparing your journey to others.

“Just putting your head down and working and truly believing that what you have is good enough, and to continue to be humble and get better has been huge in my career and a big part of being the basketball player you want to be.”

Jewels coach Claudia Brassard is thrilled to add the 23-year-old’s shooting exploits to her team’s exciting roster.

“We’re building a team that Tasmanian fans are going to love,” Brassard said.

“We have a roster of players who work hard and will play harder.

“We have something to prove as the new team on the block, and that hunger will fuel our competitiveness.

“Gianna is a tremendous shooter, and wait until you see our final import; she’s also brilliant. Quality players want to play for Tasmania, and that speaks volumes about us as a team, Tasmania as a home, and our incredible fans too.”

Kneepkens joins Steph Reid, Darcee Garbin, Keely Froling, Taylor Mole, Brooke Basham, Mia Jacobs, Katie Deeble and Ella Tofeano, as well as development players Andie Smith, Chloe Broomhall, Portia Chopping, Ava McDonald and Georgia Taylor on the Jewels’ WNBL27 roster.

The Jewels open their season against Geelong on October 15 at MyState Bank Arena.