The foundations for the WNBA campaign which has elevated Alanna Smith into most improved calculations were built last year on deep disappointment.
A World Cup silver medallist with the Opals in 2018 and Olympian in Tokyo, Smith, 26, was cut from the Australian squad for its home World Cup campaign in Sydney last September.
So as her teammates, many of which she wore the green and gold uniform with on the international stage, prepared for the once in a lifetime opportunity to play a major tournament on home soil, Smith set off for Poland.
And her first European season was a grind she’d embrace.
Smith would only sit on the bench if in foul trouble, she’d adjust to the schedule and playing three times a week, as well as the gruelling travel and 10-hour bus trips. In her rare time off she’d explore, sharing the adventure with teammate and fellow Aussie Chantel Hrovat.
Smith would be crowned league MVP and return to Australia a different player and person to the one who’d left six months earlier after World Cup selection heartbreak.
“I think in the end it kind of lit a fire, I just went over to Europe and wanted to smash it wherever I’d…
