Bishop taken by Storm

Star WNBL player Abby Bishop has signed a two year deal with WNBA team, Seattle Storm. The 26 year old was thrilled to join Seattle after a dominant WNBL Australian season. "I'm very excited to have another opportunity to play in the best league in the world," Bishop told Our Sporting Life SA. Bishop had had five seasons in the WNBL since her last playing stint in the WNBA, when she was a member of Seattle's 2010 Championship winning team. "Although I didn't play much back then it was just an awesome experience for me," Bishop said. She played 16 games for the Storm averaging just 6.8 minutes, 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per game after winning a spot on the roster from a training camp. Her following WNBA season was put 'on hold' as she pursued her Olympic dream being a member of the Australian bronze medal team at the 2012 London Olympics. Bishop is currently in the form of her life, finishing her WNBL season averaging a double-double, a milestone she amassed a staggering 13 times in 2014/15. Due to her average of 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game along with a 46.9 field goal percentage, she is favourite to take out the WNBL's highest individual honour, the Most Valuable Player. Although the modest Bishop played down thoughts that she could produce just as dominant performance in the WNBA. "No I don't think so and that's not really a goal of mine," the South Australian said. "I just want to contribute where need be, but I think my season in Australia will help me to do this. "You have to remember WNBA is a whole new level, in terms of the athletes so it's a totally different ball game."

The University of Canberra Capitals captain is currently in Europe playing for Miskolc in Hungary's Division A on a two month contract before making the journey to Seattle. "For me I just want to keep improving," she continued. "That's a goal of mine and if I can bring a couple of things to Seattle that I have done well for the past WNBL season then I think I can help the team. "I am a realist though, and I know it's going to be a challenge." Capitals team mate Lauren Jackson also plays in the WNBA for Seattle and Bishop said she had spoken with her about a return. "We had spoken about it a couple of times but that was about all," Bishop said Bishop is held in high regard in Seattle, she is a fan favourite and many of the Storm faithful were demanding the hierarchy recruit her at season's end. Seattle's roster has world class talent, Lauren Jackson is also a team mate of Bishop's at Canberra but one player she is looking forward to playing alongside is WNBA great Sue Bird who was also there in 2010. "I think it's going to be great to play with Sue again," Bishop said. "She's such a legend of the game and she can flat out play. "I'm excited to play with one of the best point guards the worlds ever seen."