Tia Ucich, Joel Vaiangina, Shani Caldwell and Josh Bloxham have committed to the Joondalup Wolves ahead of the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 West season.
Ucich, a 5’7” guard, joined the Wolves last season where she helped lead the women’s program to a 2021 Grand Final appearance.
Her experience in big-time games, as well as leadership and defensive ability, were major contributing factors to the team’s achievements.
When asked about signing with the Wolves Tia said: "I’m very happy to be part of the Wolfpack for 2022.
"We lost some incredibly talented women to retirement/moves this year, but I know this will give the younger girls an opportunity to learn and grow at a faster pace- and I’m really excited to watch that unfold.
"And with Marcus (Wong- women's head coach) now finally in the state, what an opportunity we have as a unit to learn from- and be led by- him."
New NBL1 Women’s Head Coach Marcus Wong had this to say about the return of Ucich: "I’m excited to have Tia back this year.
"She is a natural leader, and her work ethic rubs off on everyone around her.
"She has a great ability to pressure the ball up the floor and lead the team from the point and I think she will have a real impact in 2022."
Vaiangina is back for his third season with the Wolves albeit his first season being cut short due to COVID-19.
Vaiangina signed with the Wolves in 2020 but unfortunately had to go home on the eve of the season.
He then returned in 2021 for the inaugural NBL1 season and will again be a part of the pack in 2022.
Vaiangina had this to say about his return in 2022: "I’m really excited for the redemption of last season."
"There’s still a bad taste from the disappointment of missing the finals but re-signing with the Wolves means another shot at the title.
"We’ve added key pieces to the group, so I’m excited to see how we go this year.
"My development is going great and being with the Wolves I’ve got everything I need to get to the next level."
New NBL1 Men’s Head Coach David Morrell had this to say about signing Vaiagina: "Joel is a much-needed signing for us.
"He fills a roster need, and he isn’t the type of player that is easy to find.
"Defensively he is versatile – he can move his feet on the perimeter, and he can rim protect with his length and athleticism.
"Offensively he’s a vertical stretch guy in pick and roll and as a cutter that can really put pressure on the interior of a defence.
"Joel is still young, he had a good year last year, but he has a chance to hopefully be better this year as he continues to develop."
This will be Caldwell's first season in the NBL1 West competition.
However, her basketball experience and time with the Wolfpack go way back.
Not only is she a Wolfpack Life Member and previous Wolfpack SBL captaincy holder who has been a part of the Wolfpack since U16s, Caldwell is also a multiple SBL All-Star and former WNBL player.
A fan-favorite and a true value to the Wolves on and off the court, Caldwell’s return is to be greatly celebrated.
When asked about her return to basketball with the Wolves, Caldwell said: "I am really excited to be hitting the floor in 2022 for my first NBL1 season with the Wolfpack.
"Returning after having my second child, it brings a whole new meaning to being back doing what I love.
"I'm excited to reconnect with the club, fans, new coach, Marcus, and all the girls this year.
"I've missed what is essentially my second home and I am excited I get my two boys to watch Mum run out in the #22 again!"
Wong had this to say about the signing of Caldwell: "It is fantastic to be able to bring someone of Shani’s experience and association with the Wolves back into the program this year.
"She is a born leader and her experience from WNBL and NBL1 level will be invaluable as we enter the season with a young group.
"She has already shown she is willing to do the hard work to be ready to go by game 1 and is taking the younger players under her wing.
"We know with Shani that not only are we getting a good basketball player, but we are getting a good person to help build our team culture and environment."
Bloxham joins the Wolves with three years of experience playing for the New Zealand Tall Blacks national team, four years playing for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL and a decade of success mixed in between in the New Zealand NBL with the Nelson Giants and Super City Rangers.
The Wolfpack gets a huge boost from adding this talented 6'2" point guard to the squad for 2022.
"Josh is a big-time signing for us that we are extremely excited about," coach Morrell said.
"He solidifies our point guard spot for the season and gives us a guy that has experience at the highest levels.
"He can be a leader for us with his ability on the floor, his basketball intelligence, and his character; where he can be a driver of all the good things we want our culture to be about here at Joondalup.
"On the defensive end, he’ll set the tone for us with his intelligence and grit.
"On offense, he’ll set the table for us and get our whole team in rhythm; he can play in pick and roll, he can shoot, he makes things easy for his teammates with his vision and playmaking, and he competes.
"I think the Wolves fans are going to enjoy watching him when April comes around."
When asked about signing with the Wolves, Josh said: "I’m excited to join the Wolves and play alongside a talented pack of hoopers and great bunch of guys.
"The team is an easy fit with the players and the coaches and staff have been friendly and welcoming.
"But, more importantly, on the court, we are working together and competing to get better every day, which I love.
"I’m looking forward to when the season tips off and we can show everyone what we are all about!"
View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.
Feature image taken by Sports Imagery
