Decorated Mikayla Pirini joins Abi Curtin at Comets

• Mikayla "Miki" Pirini averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 points off the bench for Perth Redbacks
• Pirini has signed with NBL1 East club Sydney Comets
• The Comets finished the 2024 season with a record of 10-10

Reigning NBL1 West Sixth Player of the Year Mikayla Pirini is a Sydney Comet.

The New Zealand-born 28-year-old point guard has left the Perth Redbacks to compete in the NBL1 East Conference in 2025.

The former WNBL guard played the last three seasons with the Redbacks after leaving the Lakeside Lightning in 2021. Pirini played for the Adelaide Lightning in 2015-16 and 2018-19 and the Perth Lynx in 2017-18.

Last season, she averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds off the bench for the NBL1 West finals contender.

"I'm very excited to be part of the Sydney Comets this season," Pirini said.

"I’ve heard great things about the club and I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, go Comets!"

Pirini is new head coach Miles Bench's second new signing after securing forward Abi Curtin, who played for the Darwin Salties in 2024, Newcastle Falcons in '23 and Kilsyth in 2021 and 2022. Also returning is Sydney Flames DP Piper Anderson. Bench is an assistant for the 2025 WNBL Grand Finalist Townsville Fire.

Curtin averaged 11.4 points per game, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists for the Salties last season.

Comets CEO and former Sydney Kings captain Ben Madgen said Pirini would add a crucial playmaker, leader to the roster and positive influence within the club.

"We are excited to welcome Mikayla Pirini to the Sydney Comets," Madgen said.

"Mikayla's impressive track record, including her recent accolade as the 2024 NBL1 West Sixth Player of the Year, speaks volumes about her talent and commitment.

"Her ability to consistently deliver strong performances, both as a scorer and a playmaker, will be a tremendous asset to our team.

"We believe that Mikayla's experience and leadership will not only enhance our on-court performance but also inspire our younger players and the Sydney Comets community.

"Mikayla's addition will help drive a strong, positive culture within the team, perfectly aligning with our NBL1 program's vision of providing positive role models.

"We look forward to seeing her thrive in the NBL1 East season and contribute to the continued success of the Sydney Comets."

Pirini had a solid 2024 season with the Perth Redbacks, playing 20 games and averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.

She maintained a 37.3% field goal percentage and a 66.6% free throw percentage, while also contributing 1.1 steals per contest. Her playmaking ability was evident as she led the team with her 4.8 assists per game, though she did average 2.7 turnovers.

Her standout performances included a 23-point game on April 12th, where she shot 47% from the field, and a 21-point outing on July 6th, shooting an impressive 87.5%. She also had multiple games with eight or more assists.

Pirini has been a steady contributor throughout her NBL1 career, showing consistency in scoring and distributing the ball.

• 2024: 10.5 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.3 RPG, 37.3% FG
• 2023: 11 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.5 RPG, 34.2% FG
• 2022: 9.8 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.3 RPG, 32.5% FG
• 2021: 10.3 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.3 RPG, 30% FG

She has consistently hovered around 10 points per game while improving her assists numbers. Despite some fluctuations in shooting efficiency, she has maintained a solid presence as a guard, capable of scoring, distributing, and defending at a high level.

Pirini's next challenge is running the point guard position in a highly competitive NBL1 East Conference that, on paper, has only improved from NBL1 2024.

Mikayla Pirini's Playing Career

• 2012–2013: Willetton Tigers
• 2013–2015: West Coast Waves
• 2015-2015: BA Centre of Excellence
• 2015–2016: Adelaide Lightning
• 2016–2017: Diamond Valley Eagles
• 2017–2018: Perth Lynx
• 2018-2018: Perth Redbacks
• 2018–2019: Adelaide Lightning
• 2019–2025: Joondalup Wolves
• 2025 NBL1: Sydney Comets

Sydney Comets NBL1 East Squad

• Abi Curtin
• Alex Kayrouz
• Alex Oliver
• Arisa Takamoto
• Elle Fletcher
• Emily Nguyen
• Gabrielle Neal
• Jade Yeomans
• Lara Fogarty-Bennett
• Maja Peric
• Mikayla Pirini
• Nina Baker
• Piper Anderson
• Sam Bidwell
• Talan Alexander

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL1 East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.