By Rani Hodges for NBL1.com.au
NBL1 East Sutherland Sharks youngster Aliza Fabbro has hailed the impact Lauren Nicholson and Steph Reid have had on her basketball journey.
Fabbro played for the Townsville Flames in NBL1 North last season before making the change and heading to the East with the Sharks for the upcoming season.
The Sutherland guard also plays in the WNBL with superstar teammates Lauren Nicholson and Steph Reid at Townsville Fire and has been at the club since 2019. Fabbro and Nicholson’s friendship will continue in NBL1, with both players suiting up for the Sharks, while Reid will remain in Townsville during the NBL1 North season.
Fabbro spoke on the impact both Nicholson and Reid have had on her “game” and the significant influence they have on her professionalism in the sport.
“Lauren and Steph have had a very big impact on my game,” Fabbro said.
“The way they approach the game…I take little bits of their game because you can just see they do what works for them consistently.”
A name that wouldn’t go unnoticed for Fabbro in shaping her as a player is Fire head coach, NBL1 North women's and WNBL Coach of the Year Shannon Seebohm.
“He is just amazing, he has helped me develop and he is so invested in every single one of his players,” Fabbro said.
“I have developed so much as a player under him, but as a person as well because he is just incredible.”
Nicholson won the 2019 NBL1 MVP award and was the Defensive Player of the Year in the WNBL in 2018/19 and the past NBL1 East season. Fabbro explained moving to a new team with a familiar face will make the transition easier.
“Moving there is a big step but having Lauren in the city does help a lot,” she said.
“I’m just excited to play basketball with her, have some fun and hopefully get a championship.”
Fabbro and Reid have played together for years in Townsville and Fabbro has emphasised how much she has learnt from her.
“Playing with Steph Reid is amazing, she is the best point guard I’ve ever played with,” Fabbro said.
“She just puts you under her wing. Even in the game, if you make mistakes, she’s the first one to go, hey, head up don’t worry about it.
“She is an awesome teammate; she is a phenomenal basketball player. Being able to play with her for multiple seasons is a blessing and I’ve learned so much from her.”
Fabbro helped lead the Flames last season to a championship but assures her move to NBL1 East has not been easy.
The 20-year-old was a Townsville junior that will find herself in a new environment with the Sharks this season. Fabbro spoke on the opportunity she decided to take to further develop her growth beside Nicholson.
“To be able to get a senior championship with them was unreal,” Fabbro said.
“I just wanted to follow my gut and I’m really excited to get down there and play in the East Conference. It was no real reason why I’m making the move, it was just an awesome opportunity and I wanted to take it.”
While Fabbro and Nicholson are deep into the hunt for a WNBL championship, the NBL1 East starts Saturday,
Sutherland’s season starts at home against Nicole Munger's Newcastle Falcons from 5pm AEDT, Live & Free on Kayo Freebies here.
