Americans can make splash at the Waves
The West Coast Waves have received a major boost in their bid to end a 14-year finals drought, securing the services of exciting American power forward Cassie Harberts for the 2014-15 season.
Harberts, 22, was a second-round WNBA draft selection this year after winning a gold medal with USA at the 2013 University Games.
She joins fellow American recruit Lindsey Moore at the Waves, who are rebuilding after finishing last with just one win.
Harberts said she was excited about heading to Australia.
"I have played against a few Australian teams in the last couple of years and from that I know that they play at the highest level of competition," Harberts said.
"To me Australian basketball is built around the concept of team unity, not individual play, which is what makes those teams so difficult to beat.
"I can't wait to play in a system surrounded by other fundamental players with a high IQ of the game."
Harberts averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists a game in her senior season at the University of Southern California.
She finished her college career as USC's seventh all-time leading scorer and eighth- highest rebounder.
Waves coach Kennedy Kereama said Harberts would be a perfect fit.
"Cassie has international basketball experience playing for USA and is a winner at all levels of basketball," Kereama said.
"After listening to her it was easy to see her fitting into our team, the WNBL and way of life here in Australia."
