Flames sign Thompson as second import for WNBL26
The Sydney Flames are excited to announce that their second import for the fast-approaching WNBL26 season will be Unique Thompson.
The Alabama-born forward, who has signed a one-year deal with the Hoops Capital club, joins Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain, Grace Berger, Emma Clarke, Keely Froling, Agnes Emma-Nnopu, Carla Pitman, Mikhaela Cann and the newly signed Lara McSpadden on Guy Molloy’s roster for the 2025-26 campaign.
“To finally get a chance in the WNBL is very exciting for me,” Thompson said.
“Ever since I first arrived in Australia to play with Albury, the WNBL has been on my radar, but hasn’t come to fruition due to my Russian commitments.
“I’ve loved all my time in Australia to date, especially around Sydney, and have only heard positive things about the Flames.
“I can’t wait to be a part of the club and intend to make the most of this opportunity.”
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Thompson grew up playing basketball in Theodore, Alabama, before attending Faith Academy during her high school years.
Following this, Thompson attended the University of Auburn for four seasons, producing averages of 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, while shooting 52.8 per cent from the field.
Other accolades during her time with the Tigers include being an All-American honourable mention in 2020 and 2021, a member of the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2018, All-SEC First Team in 2020, and All-SEC Second Team in 2021 – while also finishing as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,156) and double-doubles (58).
This impressive showing at the collegiate level led to Thompson being selected by Indiana with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft.
Thompson made her professional debut with Russian outfit WBC Spartak of the Russian Premier League during the 2021–22 season.
This was followed by a two-year stint (2022 and 2024) with the Albury-Wodonga Bandits, where she guided her side to the 2022 NBL1 East championship while being named Grand Final MVP.
Thompson has since played three seasons with Russia’s Nadezhda Orenburg and is currently dominating in the NBL1 North conference with the Mackay Meteorettes, averaging 26.60 points and 16.60 rebounds per game.
As such, the 25-year-old knows she can be an asset to the harbour city side.
“On the court, I’d like to think I’m a reliable player who can adapt to the situation she’s in and dominant in whatever way the coach and team need me to,” said Thompson, who is excited to play alongside Mikhaela Cann after going toe-to-toe with her in NBL1 North recently.
“We have plenty of talented players already in our squad and I’m willing to do what’s needed to help us all succeed, be that setting screens, being a presence inside and rebounding – which I pride myself on.
“Then off the court, I like to bring positivity to any environment I’m in, while also being someone people can rely on – both assets I intend to bring to Sydney and pass onto my teammates.”
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Coach Molloy is excited to add Thompson to his squad and feels she can make a real impact with the Flames.
“I’m really excited to add someone of Unique’s talent and motor to our squad,” said Molloy, who is entering year three with the Flames.
“She does all the little things well and so consistency, which is exactly what all coaches love – from running the court hard, to being a rim presence that allows rolls well out of the pick and roll, to being a great rebounder.
“She’s one of those players that makes all around her better, and all her former teammates will attest to that, so I know she’s going to be a great asset to our club, on and off the court.”
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