Australian Diamonds' Caitlin Bassett signs with Splice Construction Magic

The Splice Construction Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have confirmed Australian Diamonds star Caitlin Bassett will join their roster for the 2021 ANZ Premiership season.

Bassett, who has won two Netball World Cups and one Commonwealth Games gold medal, will be the first Australian Diamond to compete in the ANZ Premiership with the 1.96m shooter recently named in the national squad by new Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich.

Bassett will combine with New Zealand-born Chiara Semple and rising young talent Khiarna Williams in the confirmed Magic shooting end.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to test myself in a new environment against the Kiwi style of play,” Bassett said.

“The Magic have put together a strong roster and I’m looking forward to pushing for the 2021 ANZ Premiership title. It’s going to be fun to have Erena [Mikaere] at the other end of the court having played with her at the Sunshine Coast Lightning.”

Splice Construction Magic head coach Amigene Metcalfe was thrilled about the opportunity to work with Bassett.

“The entire team is really excited to have Caitlin join the Magic family. She brings a lot of experience and knowledge of the game which will be extremely beneficial.

“Our wider netball community will also have the opportunity to see a superstar in action which will bring huge value to our sport.”

Netball Waikato-BOP chief executive Rohan West said they were delighted to have secured one of the world’s best shooters.

“Caitlin is a huge signing for the Magic and we’re excited by everything she’ll add to our shooting circle,” he said

“As a club, we can see that the wealth of experience that Caitlin brings will benefit our young shooters coming through with the opportunity to learn from one of the best.”

The Magic have been granted an exemption from the ANZ Premiership to field two ineligble players, with 24-year-old Semple having represented England’s U21 team at the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup in Botswana.