Rocci’s WNBA chance

Keilor Thunder’s Maddy Rocci is hoping to put a tough few years behind as she gets a shot at making a WNBA list.

Rocci, who grew up in Werribee, has earned a training camp contract with new WNBA side Toronto Tempo and will head to America later this week.

“It is very exciting,” she said.

“There had been talks with my agent, but I didn’t really believe it until I saw the contract in my inbox.

“I didn’t believe it and when I saw it, [I was like] it was actually happening.”

Rocci said this year was the first time she’d ever had a chance to make a WNBA squad.

She said they had spoken about the WNBA in other years, but this is the first year it has come about.

Rocci was on court with the Keilor Thunder in the Women’s National Basketball League, when the news came through that she had been offered a contract.

“I had a few missed calls from my agent and an email sitting there saying please call me when you can,” she said.

“I gave them a call when I got back in the car after the game, and they told me that Toronto had offered a training camp.”

For Rocci, the training camp contract is an added boost to her confidence.

While she is one of the top point guards in Australia, Rocci has gone through some tough times in the past few years as the comes into the back part of her career.

“You have a lot of doubt in your mind and how long you have left in your career, and where your basketball journey probably takes you when you get older,” she said.

“I think this is coming off the back of the WNBL season that I had. I wasn’t going to walk away from the game, but you have those doubts when you miss out on the Opals and the unknown of where and how long you have left in the game.

“I think getting this contract is super exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

“I feel like I’ve had so many lows the last few years in missing out on Opals selection and I think that this has given me an indication that I can compete with the best players in the world.”

Rocci recently played her 200th WNBL game and has been part of several Australian Opals squads in recent years.

Having missed out on several Opals finals teams, has been tough for Rocci.

“Missing out on the Olympics and then not being able to go to the Asia Cup as I was injured and then missing out on the world cup qualifying team,” she said.

“Three in a row really got to me. Inside yourself [you[re thinking] it’s not going to happen, it’s never going to happen.

“I’ve been in the program for a little while and haven’t really got the success that I wanted, representing the Opals at a major tournament.

“There’s doubt in your mind always playing there. I’m lucky to have a close circle of people around me who really help steer me in the right direction and really help set me up in the last two years.”

Rocci said the move to Keilor Thunder a couple of years ago had been one of the big things in her basketball career.

She said it not only made her a better person and player, it had helped her see there’s so much more to the game of basketball.

Rocci said playing under coach and Australia’s greatest ever point guard, Kristi Harrower, had been the right more for her.

“I had been a point guard, but I feel like over the last two years my game has developed into something I probably needed to have as a player,” she said.

“If you want to be the point guard, you have to have the smarts and know the ins and outs of the game.

“Being coached by Kristi [Harrower] and having Anth [Anthea Stathakis] as well, and having that support and people who are probably steering you in the right direction to help you be successful in what you want to do.”

Rocci said heading to America was a little bit of bittersweet as it means having to step away from Keilor for at least a couple of weeks.

The side started the season with two wins and a loss.

“Keilor is one of my favourite teams to play for,” she said. “There’s an emotional side of it to leave and try out in the WNBA.

“We have started well and still got players to come in.

“That is the unknown, but the girls are in the right position. We have the players and we have the coaching staff all there to help the girls who are in such great hands.”

Rocci is expecting to fly out on Thursday or Friday with the training camp to run for two weeks.

Among those from the club that have been in touch is coach Sandy Brondello, who is also the Australian Opals coach.

“She messaged me this morning [Monday] and said welcome to the Tempo,” she said.

“I know her system and I think having a familiar face will help a little bit.

“Obviously going over to the WNBA is scary and a bit nerve-wracking, to be able to compete with the best players in the world, experience what they do day in, day out is super exciting.

“All I have to do is go over there for two weeks and do my best and you never know what will happen.”