Jones named MVP in Geelong United’s inaugural season

AMERICAN import Haley Jones became the inaugural winner of Geelong United’s Most Valuable Player award on Tuesday this week at Mount Duneed Estate.

The versatile 23-year-old basketballer played 21 games for United this season and knocked down 300 points.

“Coming here, I was really nervous. It was my first overseas gig,” the WNBA player said of joining the new WNBL club.

“I think in the past few seasons I have struggled with my love of the game and love of being in the gym.

“Being with these girls, and I tell them how much I love them all the time, but I really do.

“They helped me regain my passion for the game.”

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

Meanwhile, Elissa Brett won Defensive Player of the Year in her first WNBL season.

Hannah Hank claimed the Players’ Player award as voted by her teammates and vice-captain Jaz Shelley took out the People’s Choice Award as voted by the wider community.