Posted on 15 January, 2010
Manou, originally from Sydney, was a scholarship holder at the Australian Institute of Sport and played in the WNBL during the 2006/07 Season. She then took up a scholarship at Oregon University in the US playing for the Ducks before returning to Australia to play for the Flames.
Ellie has also been a key representative for the Gems (the Australian Junior Women’s team), whom she has represented 37 times. She was a member of the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship team in the Czech Republic, that team finished a respectable 5th.
2010 will be Manou’s first year in the SEABL and she is looking forward to the experience. “I’m very excited about playing with Kilsyth. The league is really strong and Cheryl is a great coach, so I’m looking forward to playing under her. I’ve also heard a lot of great things about the Kilsyth basketball community so I’m looking forward to experiencing this, she said.
With the SEABL expected to be as tough as ever in 2010, every team will need a player of Manou’s ability to dominate on the boards and she knows what she can bring to the Club, “Size, athleticism and rebounding! I’m mobile for a tall player so I can fit into a fast paced style of game which is always fun to play and watch.”
Swinburne Lady Cobras Head Coach Cheryl Chambers has similar thoughts on the impact Manou can make to both the team and in the League. “Ellie will bring her rebounding ability to the team; she is a monster on the boards and has the ability to be the best rebounder in the League.”
“She knocked it right on the head, with her comment about her athleticisms. Her ability to get up and down the floor will be an advantage for our team. I will be challenging her to do these things and be a scorer for our group,” said Chambers.
“Ellie is an untapped and raw player, having been to the AIS and at University in the US, she still has a lot of potential to explore. By the end of the SEABL Season, she could be a player, who people are saying really has game,” remarked Chambers.
The signing of Manou is another step in the right direction for the Lady Cobras program as they add to their roster in anticipation of the 2010 Season.
Manou is currently playing in Sydney with recently signed Lady Cobras point guard Dee Butler. The pair is expected to complement the local talent on the roster as the Club begins its 2010 campaign and looks to return to the post season.
The Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras tip off their 2010 Season against the Knox Raiders on Saturday 20 March 2010 at 6.00pm.
Season Memberships and player sponsorships are now available. Visit www.cobras.net.au for more details.
