Canberra Capitals re-sign Marianna Tolo for 2020-21 WNBL season

Marianna Tolo has re-signed with Canberra for the 2020-21 season in a huge boost for the club's bid to win a three-peat title.

The prospect of winning another title and playing a full-season ahead of an Olympics campaign has ultimately proved irresistible for the star centre.

The 32-year-old averaged 14.64 points per game, 7.64 rebounds and 2.04 assists to help the Capitals to their ninth championship.

Now that the first domino of the Capitals' recruitment drive has fallen, coach Paul Goriss can look to re-sign the core of his title-winning roster.

"She was a main priority for us to re-sign for a tilt at a three-peat," Goriss said.

"Tolo has been our co-captain for the last two championships, she's obviously a big part of our team both on and off the court.

"She's a great defender but she's also growing at the offensive end and becoming a go-to player for us there.

"Just having her on board helps with further recruitment and knowing we've got one of the best big picks in the WNBL back in Canberra Capitals colours."

Canberra is in deep negotiations to lock in Kelsey Griffin, Maddison Rocci and Keely Froling, while Goriss is also keen to retain French point-guard Olivia Epoupa.

But the league could push ahead without imports given the strict travel restrictions in place around the world, which could affect the club's recruitment strategy.

The Capitals are waiting for the free agency period to begin recruiting new players, but until then Goriss' priority is getting his core group from last season on board.

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"It's crucial to me and if we're going to be back in the top four and push for another championship, we need to keep the core group together," Goriss said.

"That's what definitely helped with our second championship, having that continuity of players.

"In those tough, grinding games, there's experience in knowing how to win big and play in front of hostile crowds."

The WNBL announced its plans for the 2020-21 season last week, delaying the start by a month to allow as much time as possible for the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The competition is scheduled to be played in its entirety, which will give Australian players the perfect launching pad for the postponed Tokyo Olympics.

The WNBA, EuroLeague and EuroCup are yet to announce their plans for the upcoming season, which could lure the overseas-based Opals back to Australian shores.

"I'm sure more will look to stay in Australia because of the pandemic and the Olympics coming up," Goriss said.

"That's yet to be seen but once free agency hits but some may take the risk of staying in Europe."