Showtime
Years ago
Abby Bishop signs with Adelaide Lightning
OPALS forward Abby Bishop has become the Lightning's first key player signing for the 2011-12 WNBL season.
Adelaide's first off-season coup was securing Townsville Fire coach Peter Buckle as the team's full-time mentor for the next three years, which heavily influenced Bishop's decision to return to Adelaide.
"Having Bucks as a full-time coach was a great decision by (Lightning owner) Vince (Marino) and him being in Adelaide was a big factor for me," said Bishop, who is back at her base in Canberra after spending the 2010-11 season with ill-fated Dandenong.
"I made my decision yesterday to play for Adelaide and I'm really looking forward to it and coming home.
I want to help the girls and the program get back on track after the past few years."
Bishop, who averaged 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists with Dandenong, is a three-time WNBL championship winner with Canberra, having claimed crowns in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
Last year the 22-year-old, 189cm forward made her world championship debut with the Opals and her WNBA debut with Seattle Storm. Growing up in the state's mid-north, multiple Lightning championship captain Rachael Sporn was the player Bishop most wanted to follow, watching her on the ABC's television coverage.
"I always looked up to Rachael," Bishop said.
"I'd be out training every day on the outside asphalt courts at Laura and then, one game a week, we'd get to be inside at Port Pirie."
Signing Bishop has taken the buzz about an Adelaide resurgence up another level.
Last year, Lightning missed the finals for the first time and last season went 3-19 to finish ninth, above only AIS.
Even from a distance, it's been hard to watch.
"I always followed Lightning growing up and feel like I'm finally home, after six years of playing WNBL," Bishop said.
"Obviously, as a South Australian girl, I'll always call Adelaide home.
"I'll be back in Adelaide in August, to do pre-season with the team.
"I've never done a pre-season before, due to other commitments, so I'm looking forward to that, too."
Bishop also has her eyes on a spot in Australia's 2012 London Olympic team - an achievable goal, which training under Buckle can only assist.
