1
Nov
4 min read
WNBL's Most Dominant Players: Shelley Gorman
Flames coach Shelley Gorman reacts during the round 13 WNBL match between Southside Flyers and Sydney Flames at John Cain Arena, on February 04, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Shelley Gorman is an Olympic medallist and WNBL MVP
- 306 games for Australian national team, including three Olympic appearances
- WNBL MVP in 1994, six-time All-Star Five selection
- Second all-time WNBL scorer with 5,204 points
Shelley Gorman was a cornerstone of Australian women's basketball, dominating the WNBL and leading the Opals to international success over a 15-year career.
Overview
Shelley Gorman, known stands as one of the most influential figures in Australian women's basketball history. Her career, spanning from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, saw her excel at both the domestic and international levels, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Career Snapshot
Gorman's basketball journey began at the Australian Institute of Sport in 1987, setting the stage for a remarkable career. She made her Olympic debut at just 18 years old in Seoul 1988, showcasing her precocious talent on the global stage. Her WNBL career was equally impressive, playing 321 games for several teams including Melbourne East, Dandenong, Sydney Flames, and Canberra Capitals.
Playing Style
Known for her toughness and exceptional fitness, Gorman was a versatile player who could impact the game in multiple ways. Her scoring prowess was evident in her WNBL career, where she amassed 5,204 points, placing her second on the all-time scoring list. Her endurance and consistency allowed her to maintain a high level of play throughout her lengthy career.
Why Shelley Gorman is on our list
Gorman's inclusion on this list is a testament to her longevity, skill, and impact on Australian basketball. Her achievements at both the domestic and international levels are remarkable:
- Olympic Success: She was a key player in Australia's first Olympic basketball medals, winning bronze in Atlanta 1996 and silver in Sydney 2000.
- WNBL Dominance: Her WNBL career was stellar, including an MVP award, six All-Star Five selections, and five championships.
- National Team : She was a cornerstone of the Opals during a period of unprecedented success.
- Scoring Ability: Her position as the second-highest scorer in WNBL history underscores her offensive capabilities.
- Leadership: Co-captaining the Australian team to their first World Championship medal in 1989 demonstrated her leadership qualities from an early age.
Five Fast Facts
- Gorman represented Australia in 258 senior international matches.
- She was named Australian Female Junior Athlete of the Year in 1988.
- Her WNBL career spanned 321 games, placing her sixth on the all-time games played list.
- In 1994, she shared the WNBL scoring title with Sandy Brondello.
- Gorman was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Career Highlights Timeline
1987: Joined the Australian Institute of Sport
1988: Made Olympic debut in Seoul at age 18
1989: Co-captained Australia to bronze at the World Championships
1993: Won WNBL Championship with Sydney Flames
1994: Named WNBL MVP and shared scoring title
1996: Won Olympic bronze medal in Atlanta
2000: Secured Olympic silver medal in Sydney
2010: Inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame
Shelley Gorman's impact on Australian basketball extends far beyond her impressive statistics. Her journey from a talented teenager to an Olympic medallist and WNBL legend exemplifies the growth and success of women's basketball in Australia during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Her versatility as a player allowed her to adapt and excel in various roles throughout her career. Whether it was leading the scoring charge for her WNBL teams or providing crucial experience and leadership for the national team, Gorman consistently delivered at the highest level.
The longevity of her career is particularly noteworthy. Maintaining elite performance over 15 years in international basketball and even longer in the WNBL requires exceptional dedication, fitness, and skill. Gorman's ability to evolve her game and remain a key player as the sport itself developed is a testament to her basketball IQ and work ethic.
Her contributions to Australian basketball extend beyond her playing days. As a member of the first Australian teams to win medals at major international tournaments, Gorman helped pave the way for future generations of players. The success of the Opals in subsequent years can be traced back to the groundwork laid by players such as Gorman.
In the WNBL, her presence elevated the league's profile and standard of play. Her battles with other Australian greats such as Rachael Sporn and Michele Timms helped create compelling narratives that drew fans to the sport. The fact that she remains second on the all-time WNBL scoring list, years after her retirement, speaks volumes about her ability to score the ball.
Gorman's induction into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 was a fitting recognition of her immense contributions to the sport. It solidified her status as one of the most dominant and influential players in Australian basketball history.
Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of basketball players in Australia. The path she helped forge from the WNBL to international success has become a well-trodden one for Australian talent, with many following in her footsteps to represent the Opals and compete in overseas leagues.
Gorman went on to be an assistant coach, under Shane Heal, at the Sydney Flames and then two seasons as the Head Coach of the Sydney Comets in NBL1.
Her career encapsulates a golden era in Australian women's basketball. Her skill, leadership, and longevity make her one of the most dominant players in WNBL history and a true icon of Australian sport.
