New Keilor Thunder recruit Nikki Metcalfe knew she was going to say yes to playing with the side even before the question was asked.
Metcalfe joins the Thunder from the Diamond Valley Eagles and it was a special connection with coach Kristi Harrower that got her across.
Metcalfe was a flower girl in Harrower’s wedding and her mum, Jo Metcalfe, is a former teammate of Harrower’s in the WNBL.
“I’m super excited for it,” she said. “I’ve known Kristi for a long time, she played with my mum.
“When she reached out wondering what I was doing for the next season, I couldn’t help but jump at it.
“The moment she reached out, I pretty much knew straight away that I was going to sign even before speaking to her.
“It was a really surreal moment, someone can see that potential in you.”
Metcalfe said that Harrower was an amazing coach and person and it was an opportunity that she couldn’t give up.
She said her mum was excited for her new opportunity as well.
“She is excited knowing how Krisiti is one of the smartest point guards she had played with as well,” she said.
‘Just knowing her knowledge of the game and all that is super exciting to see where my development goes this season.”
Metcalfe has also played at the Melbourne Tigers so is no stranger to the league and what to expect.
She said that will help her make the transition to the Thunder a bit easier with training underway.
“It was good to get on the court with the team, start with the team, all the girls are super lovely, such a smooth transition coming in.”
Metcalfe said Thunder fans should expect a hardworking player who is pretty consistent.
“I love a good mid range shot, my bread and butter,” she said.
Metcalfe said for her this season was about trying to enjoy her basketball again.
She said coming back from college wasn’t the easiest thing.
“Coming back from college, after the first season back in the NBL1 after college, I kind of decided that I would be done and step away from basketball for a bit,” she said.
“I took three months kind of getting my life set up a bit more back home and then realised I missed basketball too much and got back into it.
“I’ve done a lot of work mentally. I’m really looking forward to just getting out there and having fun and really taking that next step and making a little bit more of a name for myself.”
Metcalfe said the motivation remained high in the group as they seek to go one step further.
The Thunder kicks off its season on March 29 against the Diamond Valley Eagles.
