Miners Jaz it up

The Ballarat Miners Women are excited to announce the signing of young Australian talent, Jaz Shelley, who was most recently selected by the Phoenix Mercury with the 29th overall pick in the WNBA Draft for the remainder of the 2024 Mitsubishi NBL1 South Season. 

Jaz, 24, is a product of the Country Victoria Basketball pathway through her time growing up in Moe and also spent time in Canberra in 2016 at the AIS where she played in the then SEABL (Now NBL1) competition for two seasons. From there Jaz signed on with the Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL for the 2018/19 season where she was subsequently named WNBL Rookie of the Year as well as receiving the Basketball Victoria Junior Female Athlete of the Year award. 

Upon signing, Jaz said “I’m so excited to be back playing basketball in Australia again and even more thrilled to be able to come and play for the Ballarat Miners. I couldn’t think of a better coaching staff and group of girls to start this new journey with!” 

Jaz is no stranger to the NBL1 South competition, in 2019 she played for Geelong where she averaged 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in a season where they finished Runners-Up. Post this, Jaz commenced her college career at Oregon (2019-21) where she was again named the Basketball Victoria Junior Female Athlete of the Year for a second time. 

In 2021 Jaz transferred to Nebraska where she immediately assumed a leading role and made an all-round impact. Shelley opted to return for a fifth year (granted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic) this past season where she averaged 13.4 points, 5.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 4.3 rebounds per game whilst also earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team after setting Huskers' tournament records for points, assists and made 3-pointers. She finished her career fourth in Nebraska history in made 3-pointers and as of 2024, was the only player to have recorded two triple-doubles. 

Women’s Head Coach Kennedy Kereama said "I am very excited to welcome Jaz Shelley to the Ballarat Miners program! Having previously worked with Jaz in a number of settings, I've been a witness to her exceptional character, high basketball IQ, strong work ethic and drive to continually improve. After coming off a very successful college career at Nebraska, being drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA, and her previous experience representing Australia, Jaz brings a wealth of talent, leadership, offensive firepower, versatility, and experience to our team. 

Kereama continued by adding "I am really looking forward to working with Jaz again at this pivotal stage of her basketball journey and look forward to welcoming her to our team, club, and community.” 

Basketball Ballarat CEO, Nev Ivey said, “To be able to add someone of Jaz’s quality to our women’s program at this stage of the season is of great importance and value, especially with the likes of Jemma Amoore and Milly Sharp heading off soon to commence their college careers. Jaz has a skill set that will not only thrive at the NBL1 level but also work in brilliantly with Coach Kennedy Kereama’s system of play.” 

Ivey added, “Jaz is not only a high-level athlete but also someone of high character who will fit in perfectly with our community and someone who our amazing fans will instantly love!” 

Jaz is the final member of our women’s roster for 2024 and Miners fans will get their first chance to see Jaz after the league’s mid-season break on Saturday, June 15th against Dandenong at home.