31
Oct
4 min read
Aussies in the WNBA: Sami Whitcomb
Sami Whitcomb #32 of the Seattle Storm looks on against the Phoenix Mercury at Climate Pledge Arena on June 04, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Sami Whitcomb plays for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA
- Three-point sharpshooting specialist and two-time WNBA champion
- Crucial member of Australian national team, winning World Cup silver and Olympic bronze
- Dominant force in Australia's WNBL, earning multiple All-Star selections
Sami Whitcomb is an American-Australian basketball player known for her deadly three-point shooting and leadership on both WNBA and international stages.
Key Details
Name: Samantha Allison Whitcomb
Age: 36
Team(s): Seattle Storm (WNBA), Townsville Fire (WNBL)
Position: Shooting guard
Size: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight: 149 lb (68 kg)
Playing style
Sami Whitcomb's game is defined by her exceptional three-point shooting ability. With a quick release and deep range, she's a constant threat from beyond the arc, forcing defenders to guard her closely and creating space for her teammates. Whitcomb's shooting prowess is not just about volume; she's known for her efficiency, often posting impressive three-point percentages.
Beyond her shooting, Whitcomb is a smart, high-energy player who contributes in multiple facets of the game. She's an adept passer, particularly in finding open shooters on drive-and-kick plays. Defensively, Whitcomb is tenacious, using her quickness and basketball IQ to disrupt opposing offences and generate steals.
Career
Whitcomb's path to WNBA stardom was unconventional. After going undrafted out of college in 2010, she spent several years honing her skills in Europe and Australia. It was in the Australian leagues where Whitcomb truly blossomed, dominating the State Basketball League (SBL) with the Rockingham Flames and earning multiple MVP awards.
Her breakout performances in Australia led to a contract with the Perth Lynx in the WNBL, where she continued to excel. Whitcomb's prolific scoring and three-point shooting in the WNBL caught the attention of WNBA scouts, finally leading to her debut with the Seattle Storm in 2017 at the age of 28.
Whitcomb quickly established herself as a valuable member of the Storm, providing instant offence off the bench. Her role was crucial in Seattle's 2018 and 2020 WNBA championship runs. After a stint with the New York Liberty, where she further expanded her game as a starter, Whitcomb returned to the Storm in 2023.
Internationally, Whitcomb became an Australian citizen in 2018 and has since become a key player for the Opals. She played a significant role in Australia's silver medal performance at the 2018 FIBA World Cup and captained the team at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup, showcasing her leadership abilities.
Five Fast Facts
- Set a WNBL single-season record with 105 three-pointers made in 2016-17
- Tied the WNBA record for most three-pointers in a half with six in 2017
- Won back-to-back SBL MVP awards and championships with the Rockingham Flames (2014-2015)
- Became an Australian citizen in 2018, allowing her to represent the Opals
- Scored a WNBA career-high 30 points with the New York Liberty in 2021
Career Highlights Timeline
2010: Graduates from University of Washington, goes undrafted in WNBA
2013: Begins dominating the Australian SBL, wins first of three straight MVP awards
2015: Signs with Perth Lynx, starts WNBL career
2017: Makes WNBA debut with Seattle Storm at age 28
2018: Wins first WNBA championship with Seattle Storm Gains Australian citizenship and debuts for Opals, winning World Cup silver
2020: Claims second WNBA championship with Seattle Storm
2021: Sets WNBA career-high with 30 points for New York Liberty Captains Australian Opals at FIBA Asia Cup
2023: Returns to Seattle Storm
2024: Wins Olympic bronze medal with Australian Opals in Paris
Sami Whitcomb's basketball journey is a testament to perseverance and continuous improvement. From going undrafted out of college to becoming a two-time WNBA champion and international star, Whitcomb has consistently elevated her game at every level. Her deadly three-point shooting and versatile skill set have made her a valuable asset to both her WNBA teams and the Australian national team.
As Whitcomb continues her career, her impact extends beyond statistics. Her leadership, both on and off the court, has been crucial for the teams she represents. Whether it's providing a spark off the bench in the WNBA, dominating in the WNBL, or captaining the Opals, Whitcomb has proven to be a player who elevates those around her. Her story serves as an inspiration to late bloomers and showcases the global nature of women's basketball talent.
