Temperature’s rising: Zitina Aokuso is peaking at the right time

After a season in Europe, Zitina Aokuso decided to come back to the WNBL this season, armed with confidence and an expanded skillset, ready to lead the UC Capitals back to the finals.

She dominated the NBL1 West, averaging a near triple double for the Willeton Tigers and was an integral part of the Opals FIBA Asia Cup team that won the elusive Asia Cup gold medal.

Everything was tracking well – she arrived in Canberra early, looking to set the tone for the upcoming season.

At training camp she looked every bit the player that the Caps have been missing for years at the centre spot – an offensive hub that can take the pressure off the team’s guards, and defensive anchor that will direct the defense and clean up mistakes.

But the dream start would be interrupted at the Townsville Tipoff preseason tournament. During the Caps’ first game, Z hurt her knee during a battle for a loose ball. Just like that, everything hung in the balance.

Having dealt with a knee injury before, there were fears that she had done something that would force her to miss the season. Fortunately, scans came back with some reprieve – she was hurt, but through rehab, she could be back on court in 6-8 weeks.

After making an abbreviated return against the Sydney Flames on November 15, Z has well and truly worked her way back to being 100% now, for the most important part of the season. In 10 appearances so far this season, Z is averaging 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists. The Caps have a 6-4 record when she’s in the lineup.

“The medical staff have been really diligent in making sure that I’m not coming back in anything but 100%,” she says.

“It was a long rehab, but the club’s been really good in helping me get through it. I definitely feel 100% now.”

Z’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet – she sets the tone for the team on and off the court with her game play and her leadership. Her voice and energy fire up her teammates and gets the home crowd going – something she says has always come naturally for her.

“I think I’ve always been such a vocal person,” she says.

“As a leader, it definitely means you got to be able to communicate and talk to your team. I think I do a good job in helping the team throughout games and making sure we’re doing the right things.”

Through the ups and downs of the season, Z has enjoyed her time back in Canberra on and off the court. The fans have loved her – two of our viewed social media posts feature Z front and centre – and she’s loving being part of a Caps family and the chill lifestyle that Canberra has to offer.

“The culture that we’ve built, and Canberra has already built…I think it’s the most professional club I’ve been a part of,” she says.

“The weather here’s been unreal and the people and coffee are amazing as well. B-Side in Braddon is the go-to for sure.”

With seven games left in the regular season, Z is confident that the Caps has everything they need to make the top four and end the franchise’s finals drought.

“It’s going to take everything. Everyone needs to buy-in and believe we’re going to win all these games, because it’s important that we do so we’re not relying on other teams to win or lose,” she says.

“And I think if we do that, we’ll go into finals confident and comfortable because we won all these games. We’re in control of our own destiny.”

The UC Caps face the Townsville Fire at 5pm AEDT on Sunday as part of Hoopsfest in Perth.