Heat secure Pick 7 in the WBBL Draft

Following the Draft Lottery, the Heat will have seventh pick in the opening round for Platinum level players, 15th pick in the Platinum-Gold band and then the 18th pick in the Gold-Silver band, with a fourth pick available in the Silver-Bronze category in the 31st position if applicable.

New WBBL Heat coach Mark Sorell said it was important to maximise the recruiting opportunities from the Player Draft.

“We are well down the track in finalising our strategy for the Player Draft,’’ he said.

“We expect to have some impactful options to choose from the Platinum and Gold bands when the final list of draftees is settled.”

The Draft Lottery was conducted via two draws. Picks 1-4 were drawn from teams that did not participate in the WBBL|09 Finals, with last season’s finalists then drawn for Picks 5-8.

Hobart Hurricanes will have the first pick in the Draft, followed by the Sydney Sixers.

Confirmation of the Lottery outcome follows today’s earlier announcement of a two-year extension with WBBL naming rights partner, Weber Barbecues.

All WBBL teams have the option of signing an International player to a multi-year contract ahead of the Player Draft.

Clubs may select up to four overseas players in the Draft. This is inclusive of any pre-signed, multi-year international player – these players must be allocated to a Draft pick during the event, commensurate with the player’s salary band.

The fourth player selected becomes the club’s first overseas replacement player.

As has been the previously been the case in International Player Drafts, clubs will have one opportunity to retain a player during the Draft if chosen by a rival team.

Dates and broadcast details for the Draft will be announced shortly.

The Heat’s WBBL international players last season were Amelia Kerr, Mignon du Preez and Bess Heath and Sarah Glenn (International Replacement Player).

Kerr has since signed a multi-year contract with the Sydney Sixers.