Wolves add experience with Köppl signing!

Oaklands Wolves have snapped up Julia Köppl for the 2023/24 season.

Needing no introductions to the British Basketball Women’s fans; the 6’1 Austrian forward has won everything there is to win in the Women’s League on multiple occasions. The former Sevenoaks Sun legend has joined the Wolves and brings a wealth of experience to the St Albans based franchise. Last season Köppl averaged 8.1 points and 6.4 rebounds in 27 minutes of action. An Austrian international, Köppl averaged 7.3 points and 4 rebounds in the 2022 FIBA European Qualifiers.

Coach Ryan said “Signing Julia is huge for us! To add someone with a winning pedigree in the Women’s League, as well great experience on the international stage, will give us a presence on the court and a role model around the program. A strong forward able to contribute inside and out, she is someone the academy players can learn so much from. I’m looking forward to having her with us this season.”

Köppl spoke on being back in The League, saying “I am super excited to be playing again this season! I am grateful to Coach Ryan for giving me the opportunity to combine playing with my international working schedule; it's going to be a challenge but coach believes in my experience and I will help the team every chance I get.”

More signings to come from the Wolves next week. Stay turned to our socials!

Smith back to shoot the Wolves up the League!

Oaklands Wolves have re-signed Jorjah Smith for the 2023/24 season.

The British/Australian 5’8 guard has returned to the St Albans based franchise for what will be her fourth British Basketball league campaign; having been with Manchester and Newcastle previously. Last season Smith finished fifth in the League scoring table, averaging 18.4 points, along with 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists. This summer Smith returned to Australia where she became an NBL One Champion with Norwood Flames, firing her side to a title with 12.7 points per game off 35.3% shooting from behind the arc.

Coach Ryan had this to say on Smiths return “I am thrilled to have Jorjah back with us this season, last season she was immense for us in The League. Everyone knows how deadly she is from deep, but last year she demonstrated an all round ability as a lead guard that will be key again for us this season. Coming off a championship back home, I’m looking forward to her bringing that winning mentality to the Wolves!”

Smith was delighted to be returning to Oaklands, saying “I’m super excited to be back with Oaklands and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this season. Really looking forward to playing for Coach Ryan and getting on the court with my new teammates. It’s going to be a fun year!”

Alabama alumni added to the Wolves roster

Oaklands Wolves have added 6’ guard/forward Shaquera Wade to the 2023/24 Women’s League roster.

The four year Alabama standout joined the 1000 point club during her NCAA division 1 career. A versatile player, Wade can affect the game in many ways, which she demonstrated in her senior year averaging 9.2 points, 2.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds. After college Wade signed in Switzerland and averaged 14.8 points, 3.3 assists and 8 rebounds for Pully in a short spell before returning to the States to take up a career in the US Military.

Coach Ryan expressed his admiration for the player, saying “Shaq has a great character and is an inspirational person; to set aside a playing career to serve her country is something to admire. I’m really pleased we can offer her the chance to combine her love for basketball with her posting here in the UK. A great person who will influence all our players, be an example and play a big role for us in the Women’s League.”

Wade added “I am grateful for the opportunity and feel blessed to join the Wolves this season! I look forward to our teams growth and going up against the best of the best with my Wolfpack family. Let’s Work!"