Keely Froling and Derby's mountain bike trails have helped the Launceston Tornadoes land four-time WNBL champion Kelsey Griffin.
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A 188cm American forward who has represented Australia in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games after becoming an Australian citizen in 2015, Griffin will debut in this weekend's double header in Victoria.
A full-time teaching role in Canberra and upcoming national duties mean Griffin won't be a regular with the Torns in 2021, but coach Sarah Veale is happy to draw on the 33-year-old's experience wherever possible.
"We're so thrilled to be able to have someone of Kelsey's basketball CV and not only that, her personal qualities and leadership," Veale said.
"I don't actually know the words to describe how happy and pumped we are, not only for the game but for our young group and the leadership she'll bring for them.
"Ideally from our perspective we'd like her here for every game, but we know that's probably not possible this year, we're just working toward what suits Kelsey to get her to be part of our club, not only for this year but for future years as well."
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The third pick in the 2010 WNBA draft, Griffin has been named grand final MVP in three of her four WNBL flags, which have been split between Bendigo Spirit (2012-2018) and Canberra Capitals (2018-present).
She will arrive at the Tornadoes already having great chemistry with captain Froling, who has been a Capitals teammate for three years, and will have much to offer Launceston's rising stars.
Her availability for the weekend's clashes with Frankston and Sandringham will also help cover the loss of six homegrown Tornadoes - Aishah Anis, Micah Simpson, Makala Bingley, Lauren Wise, Sharn Hayward and Emerson Wells - who are representing the state at the under-20 nationals.
Griffin said hearing about the Tornadoes' young talent from Froling had been a factor in the decision.
"I'm really at the point in my career where I don't feel like I have a whole lot left to prove or to do," Griffin said.
"So for me it's about being around great people, a great organisation, mentoring young players and also being able to compete."
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Tasmania's natural beauty and abundance of elite mountain bike trails also played their part in convincing the Alaskan-born Griffin to play in 2021, having already turned down offers from rival NBL1 clubs.
"I think it was almost perfect timing when Keely reached out," Griffin said.
"Spamming is maybe not the right word, but certainly throwing all of her Tasmania extravaganzas in my face about the amazing bushwalks she'd been going on, the wildlife.
"I've been to Tassie several times and absolutely loved it - I actually thought about moving there at one point.
"I'm a mad mountain biker and Derby's only an hour and half away, so I'm pretty pumped to be that close."
Griffin will debut in Saturday's 5.30pm Frankston clash before taking on Sandringham at 12.30pm on Sunday.