The embarrassment of riches suddenly on offer for the rejuvenating Canberra Capitals has new recruit Steph Bairstow "fan-girling" at the prospect of playing with stars such as Marianna Tolo.
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"I got a text from her two days ago and it was so exciting," she said.
Bairstow's bright career is enough to induce similar admiration having played for the AIS in the WNBL at just 17, representing Australia in the under-18 world championships, and playing in the prestigious US college league for Utah State.
Capitals coach Paul Goriss predicted a big future from the 21-year-old.
"She's another young up-and -coming player that needs an opportunity," he said.
"At 6'2, Steph brings a versatile skill set to the UC Capitals roster, she is very efficient and can score in a variety of ways. She's a star on the rise.
"She's got lofty goals and wants to play for Australia at the World University Games, she wants to be an Opal and hopefully we can help develop her not only for the Capitals but also for Australian teams."
Bairstow joined Tolo and Carly Wilson in expressing confidence in Goriss and the direction of the former WNBL powerhouse.
"He's the reason I'm coming," she said.
"They're taking massive steps forward which are great and with the team that Paul has brought in, and with Paul himself on board, I think we will be competitive and I think we'll be a team to watch in the years to come."
The guard/forward comes from a family of prominent basketballers, with one brother playing college basketball for the University of Central Oklahoma and older brother Cameron playing in the NBA.
When Steph returned from her stint in the US she signed with former WNBL team, South East Queensland Stars, but injuries kept her off the court all season.
She then played for Bendigo in last year's SEABL competition before joining the Brisbane Lady Spartans where she is averaging 17 points and seven rebounds per game.
The young Queenslander will have a luxury of talent at the Capitals to compliment her development.
"I'm keen to cement my position in the league and take my game to the next level," she said.
"Lauren Mansfield is a great point guard and I think she'll be awesome to work with, and then learning from some of the older players like Mikaela Ruef will be great, as well as Marianna."
