If anyone thought the Sydney Flames couldn't improve their star-studded roster more than what they have now with the likes of Cayla George and Tess Madgen, then they'd be mistaken.
The Flames announced the signing of former Baylor University Lady Bears star and most recently on the New York Liberty guard Didi Richards to round out their 2023/2024 WNBL roster.
The Sydney Flames will have more @WNBA experience in their line-up during the 2023-24 season, after announcing the signing of @Deauzya to a one-year deal.
— Sydney Flames (@TheSydneyFlames) September 15, 2023
📰: https://t.co/IaLM7MhJwB#FlameOn pic.twitter.com/wpXSPQFwTt
When Richards was on the Liberty roster under Opals head coach Sandy Brondello, she was a fan favorite in Brooklyn. Despite sitting out the majority of the 2022 WNBA season with a hamstring injury, she brought the energy off the bench no matter the score.
Drafted with the 17th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 WNBA Draft to the Liberty, Richards's story of adversity and overcoming the odds feeds into her play.
During a pre-season practice in 2020, she and former teammate Moon Ursin collided causing a spinal cord injury and temporary paralysis. Richards came back for the start of the regular season and started all but one game, posting averages of 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
A challenging season for DiDi Richards with @BaylorWBB ended last night.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 30, 2021
Richards had a collision with a teammate on Oct. 24 and became temporarily paralyzed. She came back just 38 days later and finished the season 🙏pic.twitter.com/7ErNcBTx7V
Named to the 2021 Associated Press All-Rookie Team after posting season averages of 2.3 points and 1.1 rebounds, the Flames get an experienced "big guard" whose skillset is very versatile.
Richards can drive over some of the best paint defenders, has a high passing IQ, and can provide great shooting. Her greatest asset is defence. After her junior season, Richards was named the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year and was unanimously voted onto the Big-12 All-Defensive team.
𝘿𝙄𝘾𝙀 '𝙀𝙈 𝙐𝙋 𝘿𝙄𝘿𝙄 💃
— Sydney Flames (@TheSydneyFlames) September 15, 2023
Before @Deauzya puts on a Flames uniform for the first time, let's check out some of her @WNBA highlights and get excited about #WNBL24 👀
📰: https://t.co/IaLM7MhJwB #FlameOn pic.twitter.com/qn6G2y1zYh
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