Sydney Flames sign WNBA import player Celeste Taylor for one year

July 11, 2024 | News from the Sydney Flames

The Sydney Flames are pleased to announce the signing of WNBA point guard Celeste Taylor to a one-year contract.

Taylor, who was selected 15th overall in the WNBA24 draft by the Indiana Fever, will join the Hoops Capitals team for the WNBL25 alongside Cayla George, Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain and Emma Clarke.

A point guard with a defensive mindset is the first free agent signed by the Flames, who will try to advance deep into the Basketball Finals.

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“I’m looking forward to playing my first year in the WNBL under Guy and learning and growing under his leadership,” Taylor said.

“I will bring a lot of energy, excitement, defense and leadership! I will bring a different style of basketball with IQ. It will be a great time for all our fans who come and watch us!”

Taylor is a young standout who has had a varied career as a basketball player. Born in New York, Taylor became a starter as a freshman at Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School.

She was named New York Gatorade Player of the Year her senior year. Considered a five-star recruit, Taylor chose to play college basketball at Texas despite offers from Stanford, Notre Dame, Ohio State and South Carolina.

Taylor impressed as a sophomore, transferring to Duke and being named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-ACC. Taylor transferred from Duke to Ohio State in her final year of college.

Coach Guy Molloy was delighted with Taylor’s signing ahead of the upcoming WNBL25 season.

“We are very excited to sign a dynamic young guard who has had an outstanding college career at Duke and Texas,” Molloy said.

“Celeste is just beginning her professional journey and we are excited to add her to our roster. She is a two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year who plays on both sides of the court and shows great speed and athleticism.

“We have followed a large number of players and watched a lot of their film from Duke and Ohio State. Their diligence and young basketball talent – their addition to the Flames excites me.”

READ MORE: Flames re-sign Emma Clarke for two years