WNBL free agency: Flames sign former college star while Lightning also welcome back star import

The Sydney Flames have found their replacement for injured star import Didi Richards, while Adelaide Lightning welcome back their star import. All the latest WNBL FREE AGENCY news.

After star WNBA import Didi Richards was ruled out for the upcoming WNBL season with injury, the Sydney Flames have signed their second import, former college star Yemiyah Morris to round out their roster.

Taking her post-college career all over Europe and back to the United States, WNBL25 will be Morris’ first Australian experience, and the 6’6 center is excited to learn from one of the league’s best.

“One of the biggest attractions to signing with the Flames was the great players I’ll get to play alongside because I want to be a sponge and learn as much as I can,” said Morris.

“In particular, someone like Cayla George, who had great success with the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA and is a legend of Australian hoops, is someone I’m really looking forward to working with.

Yemiyah Morris is headed to the Sydney Flames. Picture: Supplied

“For that reason, I thought Sydney was the best spot for my career, as I continue to grow as a player.”

The 25-year-old 2024 EuroCup campaign saw her average 5.6 points and 6.0 rebounds across three games, with her defensive abilities what attracted Flames coach Guy Molloy to her recruitment.

“I took this as an opportunity to reshape our roster a little,” Molloy said.

“Didi was a unicorn of a player and we created a role for her to excel in.”

“But Miyah [Yemiyah] gives a completely different look, as elite bigs like her are hard to find in this league, especially a deep rolling, rim-protecting one like her.

“I’d like to use this experience in Sydney to expand my game, including increasing the range of my jump shot and overall skills with the ball,” Morris said.

Adelaide Lightning have also stocked their import talent, re-signing WNBA Chicago Sky forward, Brianna Turner for WNBL25.

Defensive star Brianna Turner returns to the Lightning for WNBL25. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Turner returns to the Lightning for her third WNBL season, after taking the league by storm last season.

The star defensive import topped the rebound count league wide last season and was among the best in all defensive categories, averaged 13.8 rebounds across the season.

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Originally published as WNBL free agency: Flames sign former college star while Lightning also welcome back star import