The Ballarat Miners have announced the signing of Australian Opal Jade Melbourne for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season.
Melbourne on Tuesday was announced in the Opals squad that will head to the training camp in Sydney from 31 January- 4 February in preparation for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.
Melbourne made her debut for the Opals in September at the FIBA Asia Cup averaging 7.9 minutes and 3.2 points a game with the teaming bringing home a bronze medal.
Hailing from Traralgon in Country Victoria Melbourne is excited to join the Miners saying: "I’m a Vic Country girl and the idea of teaming up with Herbie and staying within the country set up and joining the Miners family is something I couldn’t say no to.
"I’m such a competitive person, I can’t wait for us to build a great team and push for an NBL1 South Championship."
Ballarat Miners Chair Cameron Moore said: "Jade is a great young athlete who has progressed through the Basketball Victoria Country pathway, whilst not a homegrown Ballarat player we love to be able to support all Country Victoria athletes as they get better and help them strive to achieve their goals.
"Jade is not just a quality player but a great role model for our junior basketballers, we can’t wait for our community to embrace her both on and off the court."
Head coach of the Miners women David Herbert said: "Jade is an exciting addition to the Ballarat Miners NBL1 South women’s program this year.
"At such a young age she shows maturity above and beyond her years and will be a fantastic role model for young players in the Ballarat region.
"Over the past 12 months Jade has been named in the U19 FIBA World All-Star 5, earned a FIBA U19 World Cup silver medal, gained Opals selection and was an integral part of the Opals recent success at the Asia Cup.
"Jade has the world at her feet right now and was heavily recruited throughout the country to play NBL1, we are so lucky to gain her services for the upcoming season."
Melbourne is currently in Ballarat playing for the UC Capitals as a part of the WNBL Regional Festival.
On Wednesday night Melbourne played 20:18 minutes, scored 10 points and had 3 rebounds.
She will return to Selkirk Stadium on Friday night when the UC Capitals take on Southside Flyers.
Herbert added: "I encourage all of the Miners fans to head to Selkirk Stadium to have a first-hand look at Jade playing in the WNBL for Canberra against the Southside Flyers on Friday night. It will be the first chance to cheer on our newest recruit."
The signing of Melbourne adds to the re-signings of Kristy Rinaldi, Annie Collins and Millie Cracknell for 2022.
