THE Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) is getting extremely close to commencing its 2023/24 season, with the opener set to take place on November 1.

Last season, there was plenty of excitement as locals and imports alike fired for each of the eight teams, with a plethora of highlights gathering plenty of attention to one of the fastest growing women’s basketball competitions in the world.

The Townsville Fire won their last 16 games of the season (including finals), and claimed the ultimate prize in a dominant finish to their campaign. They will now become the hunted as seven other sides look to prevent them from going back to back.

There were plenty of player movements over the off-season too, as sides load up with a mixture of homegrown and international talent for the upcoming fixture, changing the landscape of the competition.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be placing each side under the microscope, taking a look how all eight sides are faring in the build up to the season.

The final side in this series are the UC Capitals, who will be looking to improve on a disappointing campaign last time out.

UC Capitals

2022/23 record – two wins, 19 losses

Players

Abby Solway, Alex Bunton, Alexandra Fowler, Alex Sharp, Callie Bourne, Chloe Tugliach, Gemma Potter, Jade Melbourne, Jayda Clark, Monica Okoye, Nicole Munger, Rebecca Pizzey, Shakera Reilly, Tahlia Tupaea

Last season was one to forget for the Capitals, who won just a pair of games in a campaign that was always going to be tough.

UC brought in an unexperienced team, and struggled to match it with most of its opponents. While the team will be quite similar again this season, all of the players now have made plenty of strides in their development, showcasing how much upside this squad as.

There is no one more exciting on the Capitals’ list than Melbourne, who will be one to watch at the point guard position. She has already emerged as one of the most exciting backcourt players in the competition, and will only get better from here.

Speaking of backcourt players, Munger will finally be able to play at her preferred position of shooting guard, having spent last season being shuffled around the lineup to cover injuries. She should be able to thrive in that position and be even better after an impressive breakout campaign last season.

Sharp was one of the more understated signings of the offseason and will bring plenty to the team as a forward. Having spent her time behind some of her star teammates in Perth, Sharp’s move to the Capitals presents a massive opportunity for her to emerge as a star of the competition, so keep an eye on her too.

The Capitals may find it tough at times throughout the season, but still have plenty of upside with a young and exciting roster. Expect them to easily deliver more than two wins this season as key players develop.