Aussies in the WNBA: Rebecca Allen

• Versatile guard representing Australia in multiple international tournaments
• WNBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2014
• Played for several WNBA teams including New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, and Phoenix Mercury

Rebecca Allen is an accomplished Australian basketball player known for her defensive prowess and international success with the Australian national team. Her professional career spans the WNBL, WNBA, and European leagues.

Key Details

Name: Rebecca Kate "Bec" Allen
Age: 31
Team(s): Phoenix Mercury (current), previously New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun
Position: Guard
Size: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight: 162 lb (73 kg)

Playing Style

Rebecca Allen's playing style is characterised by her versatility and defensive acumen. Standing at 6'2", she possesses the length and agility to guard multiple positions effectively. Her defensive prowess was recognised early in her career when she won the WNBL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2014, showcasing her ability to disrupt opponents' offensive schemes.

Offensively, Allen is a capable perimeter shooter with the ability to stretch the floor. Her height allows her to shoot over smaller defenders, making her a valuable asset in pick-and-pop situations. While not primarily known as a scoring threat, Allen's offensive game has developed over the years, adding more consistency to her jump shot and improving her ability to attack closeouts.

Career

Allen's professional career began in Australia's WNBL, where she quickly made a name for herself. After stints with the Dandenong Rangers and the Australian Institute of Sport, she found her footing with the Melbourne Boomers from 2012 to 2015. It was during this period that Allen's defensive capabilities garnered significant attention, culminating in her WNBL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2014.

Her success in the WNBL caught the eye of WNBA scouts, leading to her signing with the New York Liberty as a free agent in 2015. Allen's WNBA debut was promising, but a knee injury cut her rookie season short. Undeterred, she returned to Australia for rehabilitation and continued to develop her game.

Over the next few years, Allen split her time between the WNBA and various European leagues. She played for teams in Slovakia, France, and Poland, gaining valuable experience and expanding her skillset. These stints in Europe helped Allen refine her game and become a more well-rounded player.

Allen's perseverance paid off as she gradually carved out a more significant role with the New York Liberty. Her ability to defend multiple positions and knock down three-pointers made her an increasingly valuable rotation player. However, after seven seasons with the Liberty, Allen was traded to the Connecticut Sun in 2023 as part of a three-team deal.

In 2024, Allen's WNBA journey continued as she was traded to the Phoenix Mercury in a sign-and-trade deal. This move to Phoenix represents a new chapter in her career, offering fresh opportunities to showcase her skills and contribute to a different team dynamic.

Five Fast Facts

1. Allen is a dizygotic twin.
2. She made her WNBL debut at the age of 16.
3. Allen won a silver medal with the Australian national team at the 2018 FIBA World Cup.
4. She has played in multiple European leagues, including in Slovakia, France, and Poland.
5. Allen completed a Masters in Marketing at Deakin University.

Career Highlights Timeline

2009: Began professional career with Dandenong Rangers in WNBL

2011: Represented Australia at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship

2013: Won SEABL Championship with Knox Raiders, earning Grand Final MVP

2014: Named WNBL Defensive Player of the Year

2014: Made senior national team debut at FIBA World Championship, winning bronze

2015: Signed with New York Liberty, making WNBA debut

2018: Won silver medal with Australia at FIBA World Cup

2019: Named to FIBA Asia Cup All-Star Five

2020: Participated in Tokyo Olympics Games with Australian Opals

2023: Traded to Connecticut Sun

2024: Signed with Phoenix Mercury

Rebecca Allen's basketball journey exemplifies perseverance and continuous improvement. From her early days as a standout defender in the WNBL to becoming a valuable contributor in the WNBA, Allen has consistently expanded her game. Her international experience, both with the Australian national team and in various European leagues, has shaped her into a versatile player capable of impacting the game on both ends of the court.

As Allen enters the next phase of her career with the Phoenix Mercury, she brings a wealth of experience and a unique skill set. Her defensive versatility, combined with her improved offensive capabilities, makes her a valuable asset in the modern game. Allen's story is not just one of individual success, but also a testament to the growing strength of Australian basketball on the global stage.