WNBL 2022: Basketball legend Michele Timms names her mid-season award winners

The bolter in the Opals' qualifying squad is dreaming of a home World Cup after completing a stunning ride from years of injury pain to the national team.

This time last year, Kristy Wallace was months away from returning to basketball after four knee surgeries in three years.

This week, she will represent Australia at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Serbia.

The 26-year-old Southside Flyer was the bolter in the 12-player team picked after camp in Sydney last week.

Wallace said she showed up to a meeting with coach Sandy Brondello expecting to miss the cut.

“There were lots of tears. I’ve been on a journey and it’s so nice to have a new perspective about basketball and life. For a long time, I couldn’t see the positives but I wouldn’t be who I am without the injuries.

“To be part of a group that could potentially be the same for the World Cup in September on home soil, I’m speechless and it really is a dream come true.”

Brondello said Wallace brought something different to the Opals.

“I like her athleticism, defence, she’s a big guard. We want to be a great defensive team and she loves that side of the ball.”

Kristy Wallace has been one of the revelations of the WNBL campaign.

WNBL MID-SEASON AWARDS

Basketball legend Michele Timms names her WNBL mid-season award winners …

Anneli Maley has had a huge impact for Bendigo.

MVP

Anneli Maley, Bendigo Spirit

Name a player who’s had more of an extraordinary impact than Maley. What she brings, the energy level and her rebounding is phenomenal and now she’s added offence to her bow.

ROBYN MAHER DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Steph Reid, Townsville Fire

It might be the point guard in me but the way she dogs the ball, I l just love it. It’s old school, she gets up and is causing guards around the league grief. She has pride in locking up her defender, she’s hard-nosed and plays the way I love. Special mention, Britt Sykes (Canberra).

YOUNG GUN

Kristy Wallace, Southside Flyers

“From a kid that’s suffered so much and had every right to give the game away to bursting off the bench for Southside and adding so much energy, it’s just fantastic for her.”

MOST IMPROVED

Anneli Maley, Bendigo Spirit

She’s worked extremely hard on her game and now she’s not only become probably the greatest offensive rebounder Australia’s had to being an offensive threat as well.

Funda Nakkasoglu has stepped up to fill a big void for Sydney.

FUNDA FIRES

Sydney guard Funda Nakkasoglu has grabbed her opportunity with both hands.

With co-captain Lauren Mansfield injured and star Shyla Heal away with the Opals, the 26-year-old year-old stepped up with 17 points last round and 14 at the weekend.

Nakkasoglu made her WNBL debut 9 years ago for Bulleen under legendary coach Tom Maher, went to college and played in Europe before returning home in 2020.

“I had to familiarise myself with WNBL last season but it set me up. I think that gave me a lot of confidence as has training with Loz (Mansfield) and Shy (Heal),” she said.

“When your number is called you need to be ready and to step up especially when you’ve been preaching ‘next man up’ mentality.

“If I get thrown out there, I’d rather be aggressive and turn the ball over than work it around and not do what’s asked of me because I’m nervous.”

Izzy Wright says Melbourne Boomers are only going to get better.

THREE POINTERS

With Melbourne Boomers spark plug Izzy Wright

1. I’m confident we haven’t reached our full potential yet. We have all the pieces of the puzzle but are just working out how we can fit them together perfectly.

2. I work full time as a senior analyst at MaxCap Group. When I’m not juggling my white-collar finance job, I pride myself on being a blue-collar battler on court.

3. I love being part of a team, working together to achieve something and also having 10 teammates that think I’m the funniest person alive.