Wizards sign Australian Opals star Tiana Mangakahia

The Northside Wizards have welcomed 5'6'' Australian Opals point guard Tiana Mangakahia following the completion of her stint overseas with the Phoenix Mercury. 

Mangakahia is coming off a program-changing career at Syracuse University where she became the sixth player in 'Cuse history to receive All America status. 

The Brisbane native earned WBCA Division 1 Coaches All America Honourable Mention and Associated Press (AP) Honourable Mention recognition after a record-setting junior season where she became the fastest player in program history to score 1000 points and the all-time leader in career assists. 

After a stellar fifth-year season in which Mangakahia led the 'Cuse to a second-round NCAA berth whilst leading the nation in assists per game, she was picked up by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. 

Wizards head coach Beck Stephens is looking forward to seeing what Mangakahia produces on-court this season. 

"I am thrilled to have her... she is one of the best players I have ever coached and she fits perfectly with our style of play," she said.

"I love her competitiveness and constant tenaciousness on both ends of the floor. 

"With her ability to create, mixed with our ability to spread the floor with shooters, it makes for an exciting brand of basketball." 

Norhside President Brett Anderson was equally excited about Mangakahia's signing. 

"The Northside Wizards are super excited to have Tiana join us," he said.

"Competing in the inaugural NBL1 North season is a major step forward for us, and we could not be happier having a player with Tiana's qualities and talent to lead our women's program.

"Everyone at the association is looking forward to what promises to be an exciting season of basketball of the highest standard."