Willey gives Adelaide another WNBL weekly prize

They are the in-form team of the moment, and Adelaide Fellas forward, Tami Willey, is a player who is hitting her straps at the right end of the season, being named the Round 17 Price Attack Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Virgin Blue Player of the Week today.

Willey and her teammates overcame Lauren Jackson and the Canberra Capitals on Saturday afternoon, virtually assuring them a place in the final four with two winnable games to go.

The 26-year-old Washington native had a team high 27 points at 67% against Canberra, including a three-pointer. She also sank six of eight from the free throw line, pulled in three rebounds, dished three assists and blocked a shot.

“Tami’s game on Saturday night was one of the best for her this year considering Canberra’s front court,” Adelaide coach Chris Lucas said.

“Her strength and conditioning has improved a lot, and she is shooting at a high percentage.”

Willey is averaging 13.3 points per game this season, but has come to the party in recent weeks, stepping up to help her team beat Dandenong, Bulleen Melbourne and Canberra in the past two weeks.

“Looking at matches from earlier in the season, Tami is definitely physically stronger than she was, which is great for her game and for the team.”

This is Adelaide’s second Player of the Week award in a row, and their fourth of the season.

Adelaide have matches against the AIS and Perth (the league’s two lowest ranked teams) in the final round and will be hoping to improve their current position of fourth to either third to secure the home minor semi or second to give them two chances to make the grand final.

Players of the Week are announced every Tuesday throughout the season with the 2005/06 League MVP being presented with a trip for two courtesy of Virgin Blue and the Price Attack WNBL at the end of the season.

Other players in contention for the award in Round 17 were Kelly Wilson (Townsville), Jenny Whittle (Canberra), Jacinta Hamilton (Dandenong), Eva Afeaki (Sydney Uni) and Katharine Hanks (Perth).