In the realm of basketball, there are special athletes whose contributions transcend the boundaries of the game itself. Kelly Wilson, a remarkable player best known for accumulating not just points, but assists and steals, has left an indelible mark on the sport. It is with great respect and admiration that Basketball Victoria is proud to announce the renaming of the NBL1 South Women's Golden Hand Award to the - ‘Kelly Wilson Golden Hands Award’. This announcement is in recognition of Kelly’s immense dedication to the game, her leadership, teamwork and her commitment to play in the NBL1 South/SEABL competitions for 16 seasons.
Kelly’s impact on the court is best exemplified by her extraordinary skill in assists. Throughout her career at both the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) and NBL1 South/SEABL Level, she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to set up her teammates and create scoring opportunities. Currently leading the league this season with an average of 11.53 assists per game, she epitomizes the role of a true playmaker.
Kelly's accomplishments speak volumes about her talent and dedication. Most recently in 2022, she was bestowed with the NBL1 South Golden Hand Award, a testament to her outstanding performance and all-around contributions to the game (assists + steals – turnovers). Furthermore, her journey has been dotted with numerous accolades and triumphs. In 2009, she clinched the SEABL MVP title with the Bendigo Braves, leaving an indelible mark on the SEABL league. At the WNBL level, Wilson's debut in 2002 marked the beginning of a stellar career that has seen her play over 400 games and secure four championship victories.
Before making it to the highest levels, Kelly was a member of the Basketball Victoria pathway progressing through domestic club and her local association – Leongatha, before competing in the Victorian Junior Basketball Leagues (VJBL), then being selected for U16 and U18 Victorian Country teams and camps. Kelly was rewarded for her work at WNBL and NBL1 South/SEABL levels by being selected for Australia to compete in the 2007 World University Games and in both the 2013 and 2015 Oceania Championships; winning gold in all three international events.
NBL1 South League Manager Alison Cody said “Kelly Wilson stands out as a deserving person to have an award named after them. Across the last 18 years, Kelly has been the most outstanding player to compete in NBL1 South and SEABL, doing so not only in a professional manner, but also with great character and leadership. We love to celebrate our local champions who have gone on to achieve special things both within the NBL1 South and WNBL, this is exactly what Kelly has done. As a four time WNBL champion, a three time NBL1 South/SEABL MVP winner and long standing dominance across the ‘Golden Hands’ category demonstrates that Kelly Wilson is more than befitting of this honour.”
One aspect that sets Kelly apart is her unwavering loyalty to her local club, the Bendigo Braves. As the inaugural NBL1 MVP in 2019 (Kelly won SEABL MVP’s in both 2009 & 2013), Kelly cemented her status as a genuine local champion, revered by both teammates and fans alike. Thanks to the loyalty clause, she remains an unrestricted player for the Braves, allowing her to continue representing the team that propelled her to the WNBL. Even during the WNBL off-season, Wilson consistently played at the SEABL/NBL1 South level, for the most part with Bendigo, but also with stints at Knox and Nunawading.
Kelly’s contributions to women's basketball are immeasurable. Her exceptional skill in assists, numerous accolades, and commitment to playing 12 months of the year, make her a true icon of the sport. Renaming the Women's Golden Hand Award to the Kelly Wilson Golden Hands Award serves as a fitting tribute to her immense dedication and marks her significant role in the advancement of women's basketball. Kelly’s impact extends far beyond the court, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for greatness and embody the spirit of loyalty, skill, and sportsmanship.
