US import Amanda Wayment back and more determined than ever as she joins the Goldfields Giants in her second season

US import Amanda Wayment is onboard for a second year with the Northern Star Resources Goldfields Giants ahead of the 2023 NBL1 West season. 

Wayment re-joins the Giants following two seasons playing for the Auckland Dream in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) in 2020 and 2021 and a four year college career at the highly recognised NCAA Division 1 school Brigham Young University in Utah. 

At 185cm, the forward/centre will be one of the centrepieces of the team in their second NBL1 level season.  

Able to contribute at both ends of the court, Wayment brings an all-round game with her for the Giants to build around, providing scoring, rebounding, interior defence and shot blocking, and she is relishing the opportunity to play with Giants women once again. 

Wayment said saying she is excited for the season ahead of her is an understatement. 

“I’ve set some high goals for myself and this team and I’m keen to get out there and put it to test,” she said. 

“We are going to look a lot different this year with new faces and strengths but one thing all of us girls want is to get to work and make it to playoffs and improve from last season which is very achievable.” 

The player said while spending the offseason back home in Utah, the weight room has been her “best friend”. 

“Being physical is a huge part of my game so I wanted to make sure I improved even further in that area,” she said. 

“Also training at the high elevation at home was massive so I can be ready to go endurance wise with the quick turnaround to games when I arrive. 

“It was awful running in the snow though. 

“Basketball wise I’ve been pushing myself to improve on my outside range and get more consistent out on the perimeter. 

“With more height on the team this year I can really challenge myself and have more looks in different areas of the floor.” 

Wayment joined the team in preseason training last week and is already back into her old rhythm.