American recruit Leah Rush joins Cyclones

Aaron Kelly | 23rd April 2009

ALL SMILES: Cyclones’ American import Leah Rush hits Rockhampton yesterday.

BASKETBALL: The chance to travel the world playing the game she loves has landed American Leah Rush in Rockhampton.

The new Rockhampton Hog’s Breath Cafe Cyclones signing arrived yesterday ahead of her team’s QBL season opener against defending state and national champions Townsville at Hegvold Stadium on Sunday week.

Rush has played professionally in Europe and the US since graduating from powerhouse American college Oklahoma, with her latest playing adventure in Spain.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Amarillo, Texas, said the opportunity to visit Australia for the first time and play basketball made the Cyclones the perfect fit.

“Honestly, I love travelling,” said Rush, who was greeted by her new team-mates yesterday.
“I think getting to see the world, meeting different people and experiencing different cultures is really just a neat, neat thing.

“Being able to use basketball as a vehicle to do that has been incredible so when my agent told me about this opportunity here I jumped on it because I thought, a new country that I haven’t been to, new people, great opportunity let’s just go for it.

“Each country is really unique in the way they play. I’ve played a lot in Europe and I’ve played a lot in the US.

“I actually played in Taiwan a couple of years ago so this will be a new experience in a new part of the world.”

In a strange twist of fate, Rush almost joined the Cyclones last season but she eventually declined, only to link with the Chicago Sky in the WNBA.

Drafted at No.27 in the 2007 WNBA draft by Phoenix Mercury, Rush will give the Cyclones another offensive threat while also providing the team with a little more size.

Rush has been “doing my own thing” for the past month since her playing stint in Madrid finished and is looking forward to showing Cyclones fans her game.

“They’ll get full effort all the time – I like to play hard,” she said.

“I’m a versatile player. I’m a team player, I like to give my team-mates the ball. I like a team game so I’m looking forward to getting started with these guys.”