UC Capitals head coach Paul Goriss after returning from the WNBA. Photo: Tim Gavel.
The WNBL landscape has changed significantly for Paul Goriss as he returns to the UC Capitals as head coach.
When he hit the courts last week after he fulfilled his coaching commitments in the WNBA, Goriss immediately noticed the absence of a couple of key players who were the mainstays during those glory years.
“When I walked into the gym there was no Kelsey, no Kia, no Tolo,” Paul said.
Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin and Kelly Wilson will be suiting up for the Bendigo Spirit.
“It’s like going back to the AIS Centre of Excellence days. What this team is going to need is a lot of development, a lot of nurturing, a kick up the backside at times because they are young.
“They’ve got to learn very quickly and learn how to be professional players. For some of them, it’s the first time they will be getting minutes in the WNBL, so I’m super excited about the group we have put together.”
Goriss’s approach to the pre-season is a reflection of the age and inexperience of his team this season.
Goriss, though, appears to delight in the challenge faced by his new-look team, and he returns a more experienced mentor after three seasons as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Of course, he also has WNBL experience – and success. He led the Capitals to championships 2018/19 and 2019/20
UC Capitals head coach Paul Goriss at the first training session with his new-look team ahead of the 2024-25 WNBL season. Photo: Tim Gavel.
In his first session, 24 hours after flying in from the US, he made it clear who was in charge.
“I walked into the gym and started yelling, so I think they got a taste of what I’m like – high energy. I had two coffees as well, which probably helped.”
That energy has also been fuelled by the prospect of moulding a group of young players into a competitive outfit.
Centre of Excellence graduate Monique Bohongie is only 17 years of age, and Nyadiew Puoch, who comes to Canberra from the Southside Flyers, is only 20. WNBA player and Olympic bronze medalist Jade Melbourne is 21, Indiah Bowyer is 21, former Centre of Excellence graduate Chantel Horvat is 26, and former WNBA number one draft pick Charli Collier is 25 years old.
Collier has signed with the Capitals in a bid to get her WNBA career back on track after struggling to get momentum after being drafted by the Dallas Wings.
Pivotal to the UC Capitals’ success this season will be Jade Melbourne, fresh from a stint in the WNBA. Melbourne was one of the standout players in the WNBL last season.
But apart from Jade Melbourne, Capitals fans would be hard-pressed to identify more than a couple of the players. This is a far cry from the championship teams of the past, filled with well-known names and followed passionately by their Canberra fanbase.
Goriss will no doubt be pointing out the opportunity for this young group to create their own history.
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