WNBA All-Star Cambage set to return to Australian league

WNBA All-Star center Liz Cambage is set to return to the Australian women’s basketball league after signing with the Southside Flyers.

Cambage is missing the WNBA season for the Las Vegas Aces after being medically excused by the league’s independent panel of doctors, who deemed her to be at high risk for getting severe illness if she contracted COVID-19.

Basketball Australia announced Cambage's signing on Tuesday for the season which is scheduled to start in November.

“While the coronavirus interrupted my WNBA career, it has given me the opportunity to play in Australia,” Cambage said in a statement. “I have always enjoyed playing in the WNBL, it is one of the best competitions in the world and I hope to see more supporters get behind the Flyers this season.”

The 28-year-old Cambage hasn't played in the Australian league since the 2017-18 season.

She began her career with the Dandenong Rangers, now known as the Southside Flyers. Australian Opals captain Jenna O'Hea and assistant coach Cheryl Chambers are part of the Flyers franchise.

“It will be great playing with a number of Opals teammates ... Jenna O’Hea is one of my favorites ... she is like my captain on and off the court,” Cambage said.

Cambage averaged 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds last season for the Aces, her first with the team. She has played four years in the WNBA after getting drafted second in 2011 by the Tulsa Shock. Cambage, who was traded from Dallas to Las Vegas before last season and re-signed with the Aces in April, was medically excused from the league in July.

Australia has closed its international borders since March and there are strict restrictions in place for domestic and international travelers.

Image credits: AP