WNBL's Most Dominant Players: Deanna Smith

• Two-time WNBL champion with AIS (1999) and Canberra Capitals (2000)
• Three-time WNBL All-Star Five selection
• First player to compete in both WNBL and Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League

Deanna Smith's versatility and longevity made her one of the WNBL's most impactful players, leaving an indelible mark on Australian basketball over two decades. Deanna Smith's basketball journey is a testament to her adaptability, skill, and passion for the game. From her early days as a junior standout to becoming a WNBL champion and later transitioning into coaching, Smith's career exemplifies the evolution of women's basketball in Australia. Her unique distinction as the first player to compete in both the WNBL and the Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League showcases her versatility and commitment to the sport in all its forms.

Career Snapshot

Smith's WNBL career spanned nearly two decades, beginning with her debut for the Melbourne Tigers in 1996. She quickly established herself as a formidable player, earning a spot with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) team where she clinched her first WNBL championship in 1999. The following season, Smith contributed to another championship victory with the Canberra Capitals, cementing her status as a key player in the league.

Throughout her career, Smith demonstrated remarkable adaptability, playing for multiple teams including Adelaide Lightning, Perth Lynx, Sydney Uni Flames, and Bendigo Spirit. Her consistency and high-level performance were recognised with three WNBL All-Star Five selections, highlighting her importance to the league.

Playing Style

Known for her scoring prowess and basketball IQ, Smith was a versatile player who could impact the game from multiple positions. Her ability to read the court and make smart decisions made her an asset to every team she played for. Smith's scoring ability was particularly noteworthy, as evidenced by her success in various state leagues where she often led in scoring and earned MVP honours.

Why Smith is on our list

Deanna Smith's inclusion on the list of most dominant WNBL players is justified by her consistent excellence over a long period. Her two WNBL championships and three All-Star Five selections speak to her impact at the highest level of Australian women's basketball. Moreover, Smith's ability to excel in multiple leagues, including international stints and state competitions, demonstrates a level of skill and adaptability that sets her apart.

What truly cements Smith's legacy is her groundbreaking participation in both the WNBL and the Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League. This unique achievement not only showcases her versatility as an athlete but also her commitment to basketball in all its forms, breaking barriers and inspiring inclusivity in the sport. Smith could play wheelchair basketball for the Be Active Western Stars in 2013, and the Red Dust Lady Heelers in 2017  because each team could include a limited number of able-bodied players.

Five Fast Facts

1. Won WNBL championships with two different teams (AIS and Canberra Capitals)
2. Played in the British League and Portuguese league, winning a championship in Portugal
3. Earned MVP and Grand Final MVP honours in the State Basketball League (SBL)
4. Transitioned successfully from player to coach, leading Perry Lakes Hawks to a WSBL championship
5. Represented Australia at the South East Asian Games and was an Australian Opals squad member

Career Highlights Timeline

1996: WNBL debut with Melbourne Tigers

1999: Won WNBL championship with Australian Institute of Sport

2000: Secured second WNBL championship with Canberra Capitals

2005-2006: Played in British League and won Portuguese championship with CAB Madeira

2008: Named SBL MVP and led Perry Lakes Hawks to SBL championship

2013: Became first player to compete in both WNBL and Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League

2017: Retired as a player and led Perry Lakes Hawks to WSBL championship as head coach

Smith's career is characterised by her ability to succeed in various basketball environments. Her early success in the WNBL, winning championships with both the AIS and Canberra Capitals, set the tone for a career marked by achievement and versatility. The international experience gained in the British and Portuguese leagues broadened her skillset and perspective on the game.

Her dominance in state leagues, particularly her MVP-winning seasons in the SBL, demonstrated Smith's ability to elevate her game and lead teams to success. The transition to coaching was a natural progression for a player with such a high basketball IQ, culminating in a championship in her debut season as head coach of the Perry Lakes Hawks.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Smith's career is her participation in the WNWBL. This groundbreaking achievement not only showcases her versatility as an athlete but also her commitment to the sport of basketball in all its forms. It speaks volumes about her character and her desire to challenge herself and break new ground in the sport.

Deanna Smith's impact on Australian basketball extends beyond her playing career. As a coach, she has continued to contribute to the development of the sport, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of players. Her current role as an assistant coach with the Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL brings her career full circle, allowing her to give back to the league where she made her name.

In conclusion, Deanna Smith's place among the most dominant players in WNBL history is well-deserved. Her versatility, longevity, and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on Australian basketball. From championship-winning performances to groundbreaking achievements across different forms of the game, Smith's career embodies the evolution and growth of women's basketball in Australia over the past two decades.