The Canberra Capitals are on the verge of announcing several major signings, following the departure of two-time championship winner Keely Froling to the Sydney Uni Flames.
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After five seasons in the ACT, Froling has opted to head to the big smoke and play under Shane Heal, leaving a major hole in coach Paul Goriss' forward stocks.
"It's the way of the world how things go, you do that work and that development and then they go but that's all part of free agency," Goriss said.
"It's disappointing but it's the way these things roll in professional sport too.
"I'm grateful and thankful for everything that Keely's done for the Caps. She's won two championships with us, her game's improved out of sight.
"She's a work horse. She's come into her own playing with us at the Caps and it's been great to watch her growth and development."
Goriss is still waiting for confirmation from Basketball Australia and the WNBL as to when next season will be played.
Last season was played as a shortened competition in north Queensland over six weeks in November and December, a drastic solution which allowed the WNBL to facilitate a league amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Capitals started strongly, but failed to qualify for the decider and thus relinquished their two-year stranglehold on the championship.
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"It's still with BA and the WNBL to work through what the model for this season is going to look like," Goriss said.
"We're just waiting for them to come up with what that looks like, knowing that there's still FIBA windows involved for Opals, and with COVID what's the best situation for all clubs."
Froling's move to the Flames potentially marks the start of a big month for the 25-year-old, who hopes to head to Austria as past of Australia's three-on-three squad which will be looking to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
She averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds last season for the Capitals, and shapes as a major piece of the puzzle in Heal's first season as Flames coach.
"Keely is an exciting signing for us as we continue to build the franchise, culture and new direction of the Flames," Heal said.
"I've known Keely since she was born, and she brings the sort of character and mindset to the club that helps build success.
"She will play a leadership role for us and I'm confident she will take her game to another level this season.
"Keely was sought after by most teams during free agency in the WNBL which is a testament to where she is headed in her career.
"Her toughness and skill set will become a huge strength for our team, and we are very excited to have her joining us in Sydney."
Froling started her WNBL career a decade ago with her home-town Townsville Fire before a college stint in Texas preceded her move to the Capitals.
She is already eyeing off a strong debut season at her new club.
"I'm so excited to be playing with the Flames for this season under Shane," Froling said.
"The style of play and team he is recruiting suits my game perfectly and I'm ready to get there get to Sydney and get to work."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
