Nicole Seekamp teams up with Steph Talbot in Poland
As The Pick and Roll's 2016 Women’s College Player of the Year, Nicole Seekamp has officially made the transition to the professional ranks, signing with AZS PWSZ of Poland.
Seekamp becomes the second Australian to sign with Gorzow for the 2016/17 season after being overlooked at the 2016 WNBA Draft, joining Australian Opals Olympic team member Steph Talbot at the club. Gorzow finished 9th in the 12 team Polish league last season and will be looking to bounce back in 2016/17 and reach the playoffs again after finishing 5th in 2014/15.
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A starter for all four of her years at South Dakota, Seekamp played in a total of 133 games. The South Australian’s name litters the Coyotes’ record books, finishing her career in second place for career points, steals and assists. Seekamp also holds the school and Summit League season assists record, tallying a massive 232 in 2016, equal to 6.4 per game, and good enough for 10th in the nation in 2015/16. Her exploits saw her named Summit League Player of the Year and Women’s National Invitational Tournament MVP after leading the Coyotes to the NIT championship.
“AZS PWSZ Gorzow seems like a good fit for me to further develop at the point guard position whilst doing that in a professional environment,” Seekamp explained in speaking with The Pick and Roll. “Not only that, but it will be a good cultural experience.”
Seekamp received an opportunity to return home and play professionally in Australia, but spurned the chance in order to make her mark in Europe.
“I did consider the WNBL - Adelaide, Canberra, and Townsville [all contacted me],” the talented point guard revealed. “But at the end of the day Gorzow seemed a better fit for me.”
With the opportunity comes challenges though, with Seekamp set to become a full-time point guard rather than moving between both back-court positions, as was her role at South Dakota.
“Obviously just the transition from collegiate athletics to a professional league will show some obstacles,” Seekamp further explained. “Also just getting comfortable with playing the point guard position the whole time rather than playing multiple positions like I have been.”
Throughout her college career, Seekamp clearly demonstrated the talents and maturity required to succeed at the professional level. The challenge now is for the South Australian to turn that into a tangible product on court for her new team.
Seekamp and Talbot are not the only Australian women playing in Poland this season. Former Melbourne Boomers captain Tess Madgen will suit up for Pszczolka AZS UMCS Lublin after signing for 2016/17. Madgen enjoyed a successful WNBL season on a personal level despite the Boomers’ struggles, averaging 14.4 points and 4.2 assists per game in a tough season for the Melbourne side. Madgen was part of the Opals extended squad for pre-Olympic camps, but was one of the last 3 players cut from the squad prior to the Olympics.