New Capitals recruit Chantella Perera knew after the World University Games in Thailand last year that she wanted to play under Carrie Graf again.
So it wasn't a hard decision to pack up and come to Canberra to be part of the Capitals WNBL campaign when Graf called and asked.
Perera had her first training session with the Capitals yesterday and will move to Canberra this week.
''I loved her enthusiasm,'' Perera said.
''Her love for the game just rubs off instantly.
''She has that passion and makes me excited about playing and she has so much she can teach me about basketball.''
''I didn't really have to think much about it, after uni games I thought I'd love to have the chance to play under her again so when I got the call it was a pretty easy choice.''
Perera returned to Australia for the second half of last year's WNBL season after four years playing in California for Fresco State College.
She played just half a season for Dandenong but there were a number of WNBL clubs trying to secure her for this season.
Graf said Perera's impressive strengths included versatility and speed.
''I was just really impressed with her in the [university] games, her total package, but it's her athleticism that stands out,'' Graf said.
''She is super quick ... you can see the athletics background on court and she has great work ethic and great character and a great appetite for learning,'' Graf said.
''I think she is someone that can have a real impact in the WNBL.
''She has international athleticism and international work ethic so her growth as a player through this program is going to be interesting. She's going to be one to watch.''
Perera is likely to be a back-up point guard for Natalie Hurst as well as provide versatility through the centre for the Capitals this year.
''Chantella will sub in the two and three spot and to have her and Bibby on the wings will be incredibly quick. She can back up in the point guard spot to develop her leadership skills and to rest Natty,'' Graf said.
''Everything about her said we'll make it fit because she's someone we want in the program.''
Perera said she wasn't concerned where she spent most of her time on court but was just happy to play her part wherever needed.
''Like Graffy said I have a bit of speed and athleticism and I'm relatively young, so hopefully I can bring some enthusiasm and help out wherever we need a bit of depth on the bench,'' Perera said.
Hurst and another Canberra Capital, Michelle Musselwhite, were this week named in the 2008 All SEABL women's team.
Hurst has been playing for Launceston and averaged 21.3 points per game, 6.3 rebounds and a league leading 6.5 assists in the league.
Musselwhite who will play her first season with the Caps this year led the league in scoring, averaging 22.8 points per game for Ballarat.
The Capitals' WNBL opening game is on the first weekend of October.
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