Poland’s Skobel to remedy women’s roster challenges

THE ranks of the Geelong United Supercats women’s side has been bolstered by the addition of Polish national player Agnieszka Skobel for the rest of the NBL1 South campaign.

The 34-year-old shooting guard has consistently represented Poland since 2009, most recently competing at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket qualifiers.

Skobel averaged 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game as Poland competed in Group D, narrowly missing out on qualifying for this year’s EuroBasket tournament.

Skobel arrived at the start of last week on Monday fresh from the Polish national league season, where she averaged 12.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.5 steals for Poznan.

“They can expect 100 per cent effort from me; I always fight for each ball,” she said.

“I’m excited to see the league and learn something different.

“I’m feeling a little bit of stress, but it’s a positive stress.”

Skobel has wide-ranging experience playing in several European competitions in Germany, Belgium, and Hungary.

“When the team wins, the atmosphere is better, so it’s the perfect time to join the team,” she said.

“Hopefully it’s just the beginning and we’ll win more and more.”

Head coach Matt Paton said Skobel’s experience and versatility would become a valuable asset over the course of the rest of the season, describing her as a player that would leave nothing on the court come the final buzzer.

“When looking at her film, her ability to swing through multiple positions on the court, and very efficient ball usage – whether it be with ball in hand or away from the ball making smart decisions – stood out,” he said.

“That level of experience and composure, especially when we’re putting a pretty new group together, that helps us expedite that chemistry we need to perform well.”

Geelong United hosts Mt Gambier this Saturday (May 6) before travelling to Diamond Valley to take on the Eagles on Sunday (May 7).