Melbourne digs in as an Opal Miner

AUSTRALIAN Opal basketballer Jade Melbourne has signed with the Ballarat Miners.

Originally from Traralgon, the 19-year-old, 178-centimetre-tall guard is currently with the University of Canberra Capitals in the WNBL, but will play with the Miners for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season.

“I’m a Vic country girl and the idea of teaming up with [David Herbert], staying within the country set-up and joining the Miners family is something I couldn’t say no to,” Melbourne said.

“I’m such a competitive person, I can’t wait for us to build a great team and push for an NBL1 South Championship.”

Head coach of the Miners women David Herbert said Melbourne’s an “exciting addition to the program.”

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Ballarat Miners chair Cameron Moore said Melbourne has so much to offer to the city’s broader sporting culture.

“Jade is not only 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,” he said.

The NBL1 South season is scheduled to get underway in April.