The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL)—the professional women’s basketball league in Australia—began its season on Nov. 1. And over the past month, several WNBA players have stood out. In fact, the top four scorers in the WNBL are all WNBA players: Aari McDonald, Mercedes Russell, Jordin Canada and Jade Melbourne.
Aari McDonald (Perth Lynx)
Aari McDonald leads all scorers with 20.2 point per game for the Perth Lynx, which are 4-2 on the season. McDonald, an Atlanta Dream guard, is shooting 46.4 percent from the field and also averages 7.3 assists per game. She exploded for 35 points on 13-for-19 shooting on Nov. 17 in a win against Bendigo Spirit.
Mercedes Russell (Southside Flyers)
Seattle Storm center Mercedes Russell is averaging 18.5 points per game on 59.3 percent shooting and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Southside Flyers. The Flyers are 4-2 on the season. Russell, who was named WNBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019-20, continues her strong defensive play. Russell had a season-high 17 rebounds against the Adelaide Lightning on Nov. 18. Most recently, she had a 21-point and 11-rebound double-double in a 81-64 win over UC Capitals.
