Goriss returns as Caps prepare for pre-season tournament

With the WNBL season approaching fast, the UC Capitals are coming together ahead of this weekend’s pre-season tournament. Their attention now turns to Townsville, where they will get their first opportunity to test this year’s squad against WNBL opposition.

Head Coach Paul Gorris has returned to Canberra following his time with the Australian Opals as an assistant coach at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. He was part of the coaching staff that helped Australia reach the quarterfinals but will now turn his attention to the Caps as they continue preparations for the WNBL season.

After spending time overseas supporting the Opals in Berlin, Amy Atwell is also set to join her teammates at the tournament as the squad looks to build from the opening weeks of pre-season.

With the pair back, the Caps are set to put their pre-season work into action this weekend against league opposition.

"This weekend is about trying to build that chemistry number one, but number two seeing what works, what doesn't, and what we can improve on when we get back leading into the next four weeks," Goriss said.

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Caps guard Isa Brancatisano has returned for her second season in Caps colours and says the squad has well and truely settled in to life in the capital.

“We've got a great bunch of girls who have really set out in building a very encouraging and supportive environment so we're having a great time," Brancatisano said.

The Technology One Townsville Tip-Off will give fans their first chance to see all nine WNBL teams in action this pre-season, while also marking a significant moment for the Tasmanian Jewels as they play their first-ever game as the league’s newest team.

While all eyes may be on the Jewels, the Caps will remain focused on continuing to build their style of play ahead of the regular season.

“We're focusing on figuring out how to play together, obviously it's a lot of new faces in the team so we're eager to get out there and play to see how each other plays,” Brancatisano said.

The tournament will provide valuable court time for the Caps as new and returning players continue to settle into the team and develop their combinations.

The Caps will open against the Geelong Venom at 12pm on Saturday 19 September, before taking on the Southside Melbourne Flyers at 1pm on Sunday 20 September.

With Manuela Puoch set to face her former team, Sunday’s clash promises to be a competitive one as both sides look to make their mark in pre-season.

Both games will be broadcast live in 9Now and ESPN on Disney+.

Stay tuned to the Cap’s social channels for updates throughout the tournament.

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