The Seattle Storm have had a long tradition of Australian players on their roster over the years. It started with Katrina Hibbert who was drafted in the 4th round of the team’s inaugural season in 2000 and scored the first points in franchise history. And is most well-known for the dominant play of Lauren Jackson who helped lead the franchise to their first two WNBA Championships in 2004 and 2010. Jackson would become a three-time league MVP (2003, 2007, 2010) and a seven-time WNBA All-Star throughout her 12-year career. Tully Bevilaqua played two seasons with the Storm including the 2004 Championship team. Abby Bishop was a rookie on the 2010 Championship club and would return to play two additional seasons in 2015 and 2016. Jenna O’Hea also played with the Storm between 2014-2016, including starting 14 game in 2015.
While not a native of Australia, Sami Whitcomb was discovered by the Storm after playing overseas for several years in Australia. The Storm would sign her to a contract in 2017 and she would become a key contributor off the bench for the Storm’s 2018 and 2020 Championship teams. Whitcomb officially became a Dual-Citizen with Australia in 2018.
The Australian tradition in Seattle continues as Ezi Magbegor is set to play her third season with the Storm and Stephanie Talbot will be in her second.
At just 22-years old Ezi has just begun to scratch the surface of her incredibly high ceiling. Meanwhile, Talbot (27) was the pleasant surprise out of training camp last season not only making the final roster but becoming a well-trusted player that started nine games and played a large role off the bench; something that was missing with Sami Whitcomb now playing for the New York Liberty.
Talbot had career-highs in several categories including 5.7 PPG, 48% FG shooting, 42% 3-PT FG shooting, and 2.9 RPG. She scored a season-high 21 points against the Dallas Wings on June 4th while knocking down 4-5 three-pointers.
Magbegor also set career-highs with 6.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 56% 3-PT FG shooting (on limited attempts), and 85% from the FT line. Her best games last season included a 14-point, 13-rebound performance against the Las Vegas Aces on May 18th. 20 points and nine rebounds against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 4th. 21 points and nine rebounds against the Chicago Sky on August 15th. 15 points and six rebounds twice - against the Washington Mystics and Phoenix Mercury in the month of September. I feel that is a fair sample size to show off the massive potential that Magbegor still has at just 22 years old.
She just needs to become a bit more consistent and get the playing time. Last year, especially early, she was sitting behind both Breanna Stewart and Candice Dupree. With Dupree gone and Mercedes Russell nursing an injury where her return is still in question, Magbegor should get more opportunities this season.
I had the opportunity to interview both Ezi and Steph on Thursday after practice as the two gear up for the first preseason game of the season this Saturday. I also spoke with Coach Noelle Quinn about what she envisions for the two of them this year.
In the interview (audio posted above) we discuss topics including how their experience has changed from their first training camps with the Storm to this year, roles and expectations for this season, evaluating one another (Ezi on Steph, Steph on Ezi’s game), their overseas experience, their thoughts on the Storm selecting Australian-native Jade Melbourne, and their messages to Storm fans.
Championship teams don’t just rely on one superstar. It truly takes a team effort to win at the highest level. You need those complementary pieces and I believe both Ezi and Steph are key pieces for the Storm’s chances to win their 5th WNBA title this season.
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