Former Capital inks deal with United
GEELONG United Basketball has added a touch of championship experience to its side with the signing of former University of Canberra Capitals player Gemma Potter.
Potter joins Geelong United’s maiden WNBL side now she has concluded her NBL1 South season with the Diamond Valley Eagles.
She averaged 19.1 points, 3.2 assists and 7.0 rebounds for the 2024 season.
Potter said joining Geelong for the 2024/25 season was an opportunity to make the coming campaign about more than basketball.
“It’s a very exciting and rewarding experience that I cannot wait to start,” she said.
“Having a chance to shape a club from the ground up isn’t something that comes around often, so I’m really looking forward to getting to work with the girls, and to be a part of something special for both women’s sport and the Geelong community.
“I’ve obviously played against head coach Chris Lucas in previous WNBL seasons, but now I’m looking forward to being on his side of the bench for this upcoming season in Geelong and the development that he’ll be able to help bring to me and my game.”
Looking ahead to the coming WNBL season, Gemma’s winning mindset, which helped led her to a WNBL championship with the Capitals in 2019/20, has given her similar aspirations for this season.
“Finals and a championship is something probably every athlete aspires for, and I’m quite a competitive person so that’ll always be in the back of my mind,” she said.
“But more than that, the opportunity to establish the pathway for younger female athletes in the community is something that’s going to be quite prevalent through not only my, but the team’s actions.
“With the squad Chris is putting together, we’re going to be able to establish great team values and culture, which will hopefully draw everyone in to want to be a part of something special.”
Lucas said he saw a lot of potential in Gemma and would make her a pivotal part of the rotation.
To become a founding member of Geelong United’s WNBL side, head to geelongunitedbasketball.com.au/membership