It’s been three years since future Opal, Bonnie Deas has lived at home. But before she starts her collegiate career in Arkansas, the 18-year-old will get to play in front of friends and family with the NBL1 South’s Frankston Blues.
Over the past three years, Deas has lived in both Canberra and Sydney, and spent multiple years in the ACT with the Centre of Excellence, while also travelling the world representing the country in multiple tournaments. At the end of 2024, she made the move to Sydney to play for the WNBL’s Flames.
Speaking with NBL1 Media, Deas explained how excited she is to finally be back home for a few months.
“I honestly can't wait. It's been nearly three years since I lived with my family and got to play with a Frankston Blues jersey on,” she said.
“It's going to mean the world just to be living at home, spending quality time with family and friends before I head off. I'm just so, so excited.”
As a Blues junior, Deas was surrounded by professional athletes during the SEABL and early NBL1 years, stating it was critical to building her work ethic. Being coached by Steph Reid, Deas will now take on the responsibility as a mentor and coach – much like Reid did for her many years ago.
“The Blues have always been really good at getting the juniors at games and getting them involved with the SEABL and the NBL1 teams,” she said.
“I had many players look up to, like Steph Reid, it was really good to just watch her play and see how hard she works.
“It's actually crazy that I'm now not a junior player. I'm a senior player now, that actually baffles me. It's pretty special, I want to inspire the next generation coming through and be a good role model.”
In her 14 games with the Flames, Deas has played alongside and against some of the all-time greats. With mentorship with Cayla George, and the daunting experience of guarding Sami Whitcomb – Deas says playing for the Flames has been a fantastic learning experience.
“The girls have just been incredible in helping me, especially Cayla George and Celeste Taylor. Celeste is always helping me out and telling me what I could have done better and what I've done well,” she said.
“It’s been great to compete against some of the league's most seasoned veterans, getting to go out against Sami and play alongside Cayla, it's just been incredible and I'm really glad I got to do a season of WNBL before I head off to college.”
As her season with the Razorbacks is looming, Deas is excited to play in one of the most competitive conferences – going against teams like LSU, Texas, Kentucky and Florida. Heading into the season, Deas has two main goals.
“I really want to come back after college and be able to come off pick and rolls confidently and shoot the ball at a high percentage,” she said.
“I also want to get into the Opals camps and become an Opal. They're my biggest goals.”
The NBL1 South tips off on March 29th. Stay up-to-date with all the latest signings via the Roster Tracker here.
