Canberra Capitals set to unleash 'smiling assassin' Jade Melbourne in WNBL opener

Capitals coach Paul Goriss will call on the 18-year-old to bolster one of the league's youngest starting fives in their round one clash with the Adelaide Lightning at Mackay Stadium on Wednesday night.

Joining Melbourne in Canberra's starting line-up will be 21-year-old Abby Cubillo, 22-year-old Maddison Rocci, 24-year-old Keely Froling, and either Marianna Tolo [31] or Mikaela Ruef [30].

The band of rookies will have key roles to play with an injury cloud hovering over veteran Britt Smart while Kelsey Griffin and Tahlia Tupaea prepare for a stint on the sideline.

Yet Goriss has no doubt "one of the best young prospects in Australia" in Melbourne will be up to the task as she joins a list of rookies to get their WNBL start in Capitals colours.

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Melbourne will follow in the footsteps of Ezi Magbegor and Gemma Potter to make her debut under Goriss - the former is already an Opals star while Potter has been touted for higher honours.

"She is fearless, a smiling assassin," Goriss said.

"I'm just as excited about her as I was with Ezi and Gemma. She is a great competitor and is going to be great. She has improved so much at the COE, the basketball talent factory.

"Jade is one of the best young prospects in Australia so I'm thrilled that we could have her join our group. She isn't here to make up the numbers - she will certainly get opportunities."

Melbourne is bound for the University of Arizona State next year and is relishing the chance to bolster Canberra's hunt for a third successive title.

"I'm super excited to have the opportunity to play in the WNBL at such a young age," Melbourne said after signing with the Capitals.

"It will give me the experience I need looking forward to college and to have that opportunity with the current champions should speed up my development.

"Getting to learn in the environment that the Capitals provide, and to learn from leaders and veterans such as [Marianna] Tolo and Kelsey [Griffin] is amazing."

CANBERRA CAPITALS 2020 FIXTURE

All times in AEDT.

Round one: Wednesday, November 11 - Adelaide Lightning v Canberra Capitals at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.

Round one: Sunday, November 15 - Canberra Capitals v Townsville Fire at Mackay Stadium, 8pm.

Round two: Monday, November 16 - Canberra Capitals v Bendigo Spirit at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.

Round two: Wednesday, November 18 - Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.

Round two: Saturday, November 21 - Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 9.30pm

Round three: Monday, November 23 - Southside Flyers v Canberra Capitals at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 6pm.

Round three: Wednesday, November 25 - Canberra Capitals v Sydney Flames at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 6pm.

Round three: Thursday, November 26 - Canberra Capitals v Perth Lynx at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 7pm.

Round three: Saturday, November 28 - Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 7.30pm.

Round four: Tuesday, December 1 - Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers at Townsville Stadium, 5pm.

Round four: Friday, December 4 - Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at Townsville Stadium, 6pm.

Round four: Sunday, December 6 - Townsville Fire v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 6pm.

Round five: Thursday, December 10 - Perth Lynx v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 7pm.

Round five: Saturday, December 12 - Canberra Capitals v Southside Flyers at Townsville, 5pm.