Geelong United sign WNBA talent

GEELONG United has unveiled Haley Jones as its first import player ahead of the club’s inaugural WNBL season.

At six-foot-one, Jones is a WNBA forward/guard and was selected by the Atlanta Dream at pick number 6 in the 2023 WNBA draft.

She will join Geelong United following the conclusion of the present WNBA season.

“I’m so excited to be a part of Geelong’s inaugural team,” Jones said.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play overseas and get to experience another country, especially learning underneath an amazing coach.

“Getting to play the Aussie way and picking up little things from all the amazing players in Australia and just growing my game.

“I know the WNBL is an amazing league with great competition, so that was a great starting point, but then getting to talk with coach Chris [Lucas] really sent it over the edge.”

This will be the first stint in a league outside of the USA for Jones, a NCAA Champion in 2021.

Geelong United head coach Chris Lucas said Haley’s signing was exciting.

“Haley’s IQ at both ends of the floor is tremendous.

“She can play multiple positions, defend multiple positions, and is a rebounding guard that can generate the break.

“Haley’s personality was a big tick for me. You look at what she’s accomplished already through a stellar college career, then her transition into the WNBA – I just think she’s going to bring fantastic leadership to the program.”

Jones said being part of a team in its debut season was “really about setting the standard for years to come”.

“Having it be a winning culture, one with genuine relationships between player to player, player to staff, one of just being a hard-working team who’s going to outwork everybody else. So, really just setting the standard for the future, and for people wanting to come and join the culture at Geelong.”

Geelong United has two spots available in its 2024-25 campaign roster.