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Years ago

Abby Bishop signs with Adelaide Lightning

OPALS forward Abby Bishop has become the Lightning's first key player signing for the 2011-12 WNBL season.
Adelaide's first off-season coup was securing Townsville Fire coach Peter Buckle as the team's full-time mentor for the next three years, which heavily influenced Bishop's decision to return to Adelaide.

"Having Bucks as a full-time coach was a great decision by (Lightning owner) Vince (Marino) and him being in Adelaide was a big factor for me," said Bishop, who is back at her base in Canberra after spending the 2010-11 season with ill-fated Dandenong.

"I made my decision yesterday to play for Adelaide and I'm really looking forward to it and coming home.

I want to help the girls and the program get back on track after the past few years."

Bishop, who averaged 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists with Dandenong, is a three-time WNBL championship winner with Canberra, having claimed crowns in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

Last year the 22-year-old, 189cm forward made her world championship debut with the Opals and her WNBA debut with Seattle Storm. Growing up in the state's mid-north, multiple Lightning championship captain Rachael Sporn was the player Bishop most wanted to follow, watching her on the ABC's television coverage.

"I always looked up to Rachael," Bishop said.

"I'd be out training every day on the outside asphalt courts at Laura and then, one game a week, we'd get to be inside at Port Pirie."

Signing Bishop has taken the buzz about an Adelaide resurgence up another level.

Last year, Lightning missed the finals for the first time and last season went 3-19 to finish ninth, above only AIS.

Even from a distance, it's been hard to watch.

"I always followed Lightning growing up and feel like I'm finally home, after six years of playing WNBL," Bishop said.

"Obviously, as a South Australian girl, I'll always call Adelaide home.

"I'll be back in Adelaide in August, to do pre-season with the team.

"I've never done a pre-season before, due to other commitments, so I'm looking forward to that, too."

Bishop also has her eyes on a spot in Australia's 2012 London Olympic team - an achievable goal, which training under Buckle can only assist.

Topic #25445 | Report this topic


Jack Toft  
Years ago

H U G E !

Reply #315890 | Report this post


Dunkin' Dan  
Years ago

That's a good signing for both Bishop and Adelaide IMO.
Could also be a very good second step towards getting some respect back into Lightning Basketball (the first step being Buckle).
Good stuff. Hopefully these early signings can lure a couple of other quality players as well.

Reply #315892 | Report this post


BMF  
Years ago

Great news, especially when Adelaide need to sign some good names to get more players to sign on again..

Coach has had the infuelnce as we all thought...

Reply #315895 | Report this post


phil  
Years ago

where is carla francis nowadays??

how is she doing?

Reply #315903 | Report this post


Simon  
Years ago

Adelaide will have the hottest side next season.

Abby & Angela.

Yum.

Reply #315906 | Report this post


Astor  
Years ago

Dandenong must be making room for Cambage -.-

Reply #315912 | Report this post


TR  
Years ago

It's a decent signing, but I wouldn't say huge.

Reply #315916 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Dandenong will never get Cambage!!!
Dandenong are a disgrace and it shows whats going on at the club when they finally recruit and now loose big time players after one season.

watch this space for more Rangers Leaving......They all hate Mark Wright and the dandenong process.

Reply #316039 | Report this post


party rock anthem  
Years ago

now if we can get erin phillips, laura summerton and jenni screen....

Reply #316047 | Report this post


Dunkin' Dan  
Years ago

Maybe not out of the question.
I would expect a lot of fringe Opals players like them to be back in the WNBL next season to press their claims for a ticket to London.

Reply #316048 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

one more decent signing on the cards according to the latest signing.

Reply #316049 | Report this post


Hanging Round  
Years ago

Adelaide should be grateful that Vince has put up with all of the crap and very few credits for ensuring that our State has a team in the WNBL.
Now with Jo Hill joining the team as well, some kudos 'just might' go his way.

Reply #316054 | Report this post


Isaac  
Years ago

Would BA be chipping in?

Reply #316062 | Report this post


Interesting signing this one. My mail is Abby doesnt see eye to eye with the point guard,,,,, oh well, Suzy B has been signed as well so she will be able to keep everyone in line!!!!

Reply #316113 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Bishop and the big Centre from canberra are done deals for Adel WNBL.
Tolo will stay in ACT

Reply #316117 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

and all of this will change the real issue regarding the club?

Reply #316150 | Report this post




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