Everything you need to know about the UC Caps free agency
After back-to-back seasons at the bottom of the ladder, the UC Capitals looked to the 24/25 WNBL offseason with optimism, banking on the growth and continuity from a young roster led by an emerging head coach in Kristen Veal.
Unfortunately, plans were derailed as Vealy had to unexpectedly step down from her role just ahead of free agency. The team pivoted quick, turning to a familiar face in Paul Goriss to take over the head coaching reins. But the unexpected turn of events left the Caps scrambling and playing catch up in negotiating with players during the free agency period.
The team managed to put together a roster that was built on promising young players, centered around star Jade Melbourne. Still, most experts that covered the league had the Caps finishing at the bottom of the ladder because of the team’s youth and inexperience.
The season started as most pundits expected. The Caps showed flashes of brilliance, but ultimately, it only led to 2-10 record heading into the new year. However, the team tapped into something as the calendar turned to 2025. With the help of a heavy home schedule, the Caps finally found their groove stringing along wins and playing the fast-paced, exciting basketball that Goz had envisioned.
As teams around the league struggled, the Caps were suddenly in the thick of the race for a playoff spot. Ultimately the team would fall a game short, finishing fifth on the ladder. But the strong finish to the season felt like a shift in the tide – this team, and this city, was ready to compete again.
The 25/26 WNBL Free Agency period looms as an important one for the Capitals. There is strong momentum off the back of last season, and the team is in a much better position with four players already on contract.
There will be continuity in the coaching position too – Goz is back and has the benefit of a full offseason domestically as he has decided to focus on the Capitals and his duties as the Associate Head Coach of the Australian Opals.
Who the Caps currently have
Jade Melbourne (24/25 per game stats: 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2 steals)
Off the back of a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, Jade’s star continued to rise throughout the season, and she capped it with a career-high 40 point effort in a win against eventual champs Bendigo. She’s currently having a breakout season with the Washington Mystics in the WNBA.
Nyadiew Puoch (24/25 per game stats: 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 44% FG)
Nards moved to the Caps after winning the championship with the Southside Flyers and her first season in Canberra saw her have her best individual season yet. The 2024 WNBA first round pick decided to defer her jump to the W and will look to keep building on her game with the Caps.
Monique Bobongie (24/25 per game stats: 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists)
Mon was named a starter to begin last season, as a 17-year-old. She eventually settled into an off-the-bench role and showed plenty of flashes of her potential throughout the season. She’s been dominant in the NBL1 North this offseason and will be representing Australia at the U19 Women’s World Cup in July.
Jayda Clark (24/25 per game stats: DNP – Injury recovery)
Jayda spent the past season recovering from knee surgery. She’s worked herself back into form, currently playing for the Perry Lakes Hawks in NBL1 West. Her size figures to give the Caps positional versatility in the backcourt once the season rolls around.
Team needs
Unsigned free agents: Charli Collier, Nicole Munger, Chantel Horvat, Indi Bowyer, Ella Tofaeono, Meg Jefferson, Katie Deeble, Claudea Waihape-Andrews (DP), Nikki Worner (DP)
With four players capable of filling in the team’s backcourt spots, the offseason plans will focus largely on shoring up frontcourt. Adding size and athleticism to the team’s frontcourt is a priority for Goz, as well as shooting and veteran leadership to what is still a young group. Unsigned players from last season’s roster might still come back, but inevitably, there will be some new faces in next season’s squad.
Frontcourt
“Our priorities are going to be in the 4 and 5 spot and building that frontcourt and blending our youth with some experience and some toughness into our frontcourt,” said Goz.
“From a skill perspective, the way that the game is played now requires versatile skilled bigs. We need a 4 that can step out on the perimeter and shoot the three and also be able take advantage of mismatches down low against switching defenses.”
“We also need a stronger rebounding presence, and ideally an athletic type of 5 that will help on defense and on the glass.”
Shooting
Last season, the Caps finished in the bottom half of the league in three-point shooting. Adding shooting to the team will open up the floor for more of Jade’s dynamic playmaking and Nards’ creativity around the basket. Adding credible shooting threats to the roster will also open space for the frontcourt players to operate on the block and allow the offense to flow a lot better.
Experience
Last season, the Caps were the youngest team in the league by a good margin. The midseason addition of Abby Bishop helped add some veteran leadership to the group and was instrumental in the team’s late season surge.
Jade is entering her sixth season, and Nards, Jayda and Mon are all a year older. But they’re all still in their early 20s (Mon’s not even 19 yet!). Adding some experience to the roster would go a long way in the team’s push for a playoff spot.
Why would free agents want to play for the Capitals?
Legacy, coaching, and being able to play an exciting brand of basketball in the best home venue in the league.
“The history of the club, I think Canberra is a great city to be a part of, and we’re playing in one of the best venues and best fans in the league at the AIS,” said Goz.
“We also have a great track record of developing players. They’ll get coached hard over here. We have great building blocks and it’s an exciting time to play alongside our group of players and push for that top four spot and be in a position to win our 10th championship.”
WNBL Free agency kicks off on Monday 2 June at 12 noon.