Perth Lynx star Jessie Edwards has signed with the Cockburn Cougars for NBL1 West, signing an agreement that will see her play in blue and gold for season’s 2021 and 2022.
WA-born Edwards joins the Cougar Family after crossing from the Kalamunda Eastern Suns, averaging more than 18 points and 10 rebounds in the 2020 West Coast Classic.
The 6-foot-4 centre was a 2019 development player for the Adelaide Lightning in the WNBL, before crossing to the Perth Lynx on her first full-time professional contract in 2020.
“I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity by the Lynx to showcase myself in the WNBL,” Edwards said.
“Having three Australian Opals on the team is such a great opportunity for me to learn and keep improving my game – with the transition from development player to full-time athlete meaning I know how have more opportunity, responsibility and impact.”
Cougars Chief Executive Officer and women’s head coach Tyrone Thwaites was always on the hunt for a centre to launch with into NBL1 West – with Edwards being the obvious choice after a standout West Coast Classic season.
“Jessie brings us the size and length that we don’t have, and she showed us how valuable that is when she had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists against us this year,” he said.
“Not only that, but she brings worldly experience that is great for our young group, with both college and professional experience that brings an exciting level of maturity to our Cougar Family.”
“Cockburn has a great family atmosphere, with everyone being so welcoming since I signed,” Edwards said.
“On meeting with Ty, he explained his plans for the group, and I wanted to be a part of that.
“NBL1 is going to bring a lot of exposure to WA basketball and I can’t wait to get into training once I get back from the WNBL hub.”
She had the third highest number of rebounds (10rpg), and fourth highest amount of points (18ppg) for the 2020 West Coast Classic, bringing a big presence to the inaugural NBL1 West squad.
Edwards will also be assisting the U18 girls WABL program in 2021, acting as a positive role model and building relationships with our future NBL1 girls.
From next week, Edwards heads into the WNBL hub and will join her Cougar team mates from January.