Cyclone Daphanie arrives in a rush

American import Daphanie Kennedy prepares to step up against Mackay.

HOG'S Breath Cafe Cyclones’ American import, Daphanie Kennedy, hasn’t a clue where Mackay is, but has no reservations about knocking her new rivals to the ground this weekend.

The new addition to the Cyclones squad stands 170cm and brings her sole passion of basketball to Rockhampton and the 2010 Queensland Basketball League (QBL).

“It is something I really enjoy, it is my passion, my love,” Kennedy beamed yesterday.

“Wherever it takes me, I will play in any country in the world.”

The 23-year-old radiated enthusiasm at the approach of her first game with her new team this weekend, against Mackay Meteorettes at Highveld Stadium.

“I am not really sure who our rivals are,” she laughed.

“But I am just really excited.”

Kennedy has vast experience on the international circuit, including a stellar college career at Pepperdine, participating in the Seattle WNBA training camp and playing in Greece for a season.

The point guard will slide into the Cyclones squad easily, with coach Matthew Neason boasting the new player’s versatility on the court.

“I will bring a lot of excitement, my shooting, press defence – everything, I am willing to do it all,” she said.

And Neason has to agree.

“She is amazingly quick, that was the first thing that stands out – we have quick girls, but she is on another level,” Neason said yesterday.

Neason said Kennedy had demonstrated strong ability and creativity to get to the basket, which would prove to be an incredibly valuable tool in this weekend’s game.

“She will fit really well into the team,” Neason said.

“We have Nicole Romeo, who is another quick guard, and Katrina Clifford is also set for a big year along with all our other local girls – it is going to be a good mixture.”

Despite Kennedy meeting her team-mates barely one week before their first game of the QBL season, Neason said it was not an issue.

“Daphanie is an incredibly intelligent and professional player and we will keep it simple on the way we approach the game – it isn’t an issue at all,” Neason said.

“She comes highly recommended from Leah Rush (former Cyclones player) who gave her a really good rap,” he said.

Kennedy played with Rush in the Seattle Storm WNBA training camp.

Neason said he was confident as the team prepared for their match against Mackay.

“We handled ourselves really well in the pre-season game, but the real competition isn’t until Saturday,” he said.

Mackay Meteorettes lost against Cairns Dolphins 93-53 in the first round. Rockhampton Rockets and Cyclones face Mackay this Saturday.