IN a highly anticipated return to the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), former frontcourt star Mercedes Russell will be coming back to the Southside Flyers for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

A few years ago, Russell had established herself as one of the best players in the competition, and was a key driving force in Southside’s trip to the grand final. However, she headed over to the WNBA, adding even more accomplishments to her resume with another title at the top level.

Russell will now return down under, re-joining the team that she starred for in their inaugural season. In their first campaign in the WNBL, the Flyers needed a go-to option on both ends of the court, and the import stepped up with an impressive showing all season long.

She averaged 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, flirting with a double-double in a magnificent debut season in the competition. Russell also averaged just over a steal and a block per game, earning the WNBL Defensive Player of the Year in the process.

She was named to the All-WNBL First Team as well, firmly cemented as one of the most impactful bigs in the competition and backing it up in the postseason as well, after leading the team to a record of 17 wins and four losses. Although the Flyers fell to Canberra in the big dance, it was still a remarkable debut campaign from the Flyers in their debut season.

Southside will be thrilled to have Russell’s game on the court once again, where she will showcase her ability to protect the paint down one end, and utilise her impressive mid-range shot down the other. Russell’s mid-range game is the best facet of her offensive arsenal, stretching the floor a bit by leaving her opponent in the paint as her teammates find her 20 feet from the hoop.

Russell expressed her excitement to get back to the Flyers for the upcoming season.

“I am looking forward to coming back to Australia and to be playing with the Flyers again, it has taken longer than I wanted to be able to be part of the Flyers again,” Russell said.

“I really enjoyed my time with the team in 2019-20 and look forward to playing in front of the Flyers fans again.”

Also eager to see Russell hit the floor is Southside coach Cheryl Chambers, who will no doubt utilise her star recruit in the low block.

“Mercedes was fantastic for us when she was here in our first season and has been keen to come back,” Chambers said. “We are really looking forward to her return.

“She will be awesome inside, and her WNBA experience will be invaluable for the team.”