Thunder acquire triple treat of talented stars

In one fell swoop, the BDS Logan Thunder has gone from being Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) battlers to playoff contenders.

In a huge coup for the club, the Thunder has secured the services of Adelaide duo Cayla Francis and Renae Camino.

And to complete the Thunder’s most successful recruitment drive, 2008 Australian Olympic silver medallist, Emma Randall, has also agreed to terms with the franchise for the 2010/2011 WNBL season.

Thunder general manager, Mark Dalton, was ecstatic with the three big-name signings.

“We’ve worked really hard to get ourselves to this position as far as our roster goes,” he said.

It gives us some legitimate depth now and the opportunity to keep competing against the top teams.”

All three players have had a taste at international level, especially Randall who has played 79 games for the Opals and has just finished her season with French powerhouse club, Tarbes Gespe Bigorre.

While Camino, an athletic guard, was instrumental in Adelaide’s 2007/2008 WNBL championship and was crowned Most Valuable Player for the grand final.

The trio’s commitment to the Thunder comes less than two months after internationally renowned and current San Antonio WNBA associate coach, Olaf Lange agreed to lead the Thunder for the upcoming WNBL season.

The Thunder was confident Lange’s appointment would attract quality players to the club.

And assistant coach, Jason Chainey, said Camino, Francis and Randall were three of the best players going around.

“This is huge in terms of this being the club’s third year in the league and that we’re starting to attract high profile coaches and high profile players,” he said.

“We’ve got three of the best players in Australia at the moment now joining us, which will strengthen us to go from being a good team to now being a great team.”

Chainey added Lange was instrumental in acquiring all three players.

“He (Lange) was very proactive before he started his role in the WNBA season and was a pivotal part in getting these signings,” he said.

Francis, a powerful 192cm centre, said Camino and her were looking forward to playing for the Thunder.

“I’m very excited about joining Logan,” she said.

“I’m also good friends with Renae, so to go up there together is great.”

The 2007 Rookie of the Year said the chance to operate under Lange’s tutelage played a major part in her decision to head north.

“Just his credentials alone speak for itself,” the 21-year-old said of Lange.

“Him and Sandy (Brondello, Lange’s wife, who is expected to have a role with the Thunder) coach in WNBA so they’re very experienced.

“I’ve spoken to a few players who have been coached by Olaf in America and given him a good rap.

“I also love the city of Brisbane and love the Gold Coast, so I’m really looking forward to coming up.”

The Thunder’s roster for the 2010/2011 season is almost complete with sisters Holly and Cassie Smith and Odette Andrew all agreeing to stay with the club.

Which starting five players Lange will opt for will be his biggest dilemma, with skipper Kristen Veal, young gun Sarah Graham and forwards Biancia Abbott and Emily Fryters still contracted to the club.

While Thunder officials are confident New Zealand international, Natalie Purcell will re-sign soon.