The Dandenong Basketball Association has announced that Spanish Olympic Captain Laia Palau has signed with the Dandenong Rangers for WNBL 2017-18.
Laia will make her WNBL debut with Dandenong after spending the majority of her career in Europe, winning five Spanish league titles in the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto and captaining the Spanish National Team to Olympic silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
A tall, playmaking guard, Palau brings superb veteran leadership to the Jayco Rangers 2017-18 squad, a perfect fit after the retirement of Rangers legend Jacinta Kennedy.
Already holding great respect for Australian basketball, Palau stated that she feels lucky to be headed down under, as she looks to expand her horizons.
“I have played 20 years as a professional; I’ve managed to fulfil all my dreams and goals at the top level of Europe basketball,” Palau said.
“I want to continue playing because I do enjoy being out on the court, but I also wanted to try new formats.
“To now have the chance to play in Australia is a fantastic option for me, especially at Dandenong.”
Admittedly towards the twilight end of her career, Palau knows she can bring strong leadership and playmaking to the Jayco Rangers in 2017-18, as the team looks to go one better than last year.
“To win the championship we have to build on last year, and it’s not easy,” Palau said.
“But I’m ready to help the team take that next step and learn more about the Australian style of basketball along the way.
