When it seemed like the Melbourne Boomers' roster was all set and ready to go, the social team revealed clues for a new person ready to boom.
Jantel Lavender originally committed to play in Melbourne this upcoming season but left due to personal reasons. With that announcement came the guessing game for the final person to conclude the roster.
The Boomers announced the signing of Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon to replace Lavender. The 6'2 former University of Michigan star completed her second season in the WNBA helping the Dream reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 campaign. The Dream were swept 2-0 to the Dallas Wings.
This season, Hillmon played in all 40 regular season games and both of Atlanta's playoff games. She finished the season averaging 4.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in a reserve role off the bench.
Hillmon's best games this season came against both the Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever is the beginning and end of the season. She scored 13 points in both matchups against the Lynx and 10 and 12 points in the respective games against the Fever.
Hillmon brings a young face to the Boomers who will develop into an all-around threat when given the chance. At Michigan, she became the program's first All-American, and progressed the program further in the NCAA tournament with a Sweet 16 appearance in 2021 and an Elite 8 in 2022. In the history of basketball at Michigan, she's the first to record 2000 points and 1000 rebounds, finishing with career totals of 2150 points, second all-time in the women's basketball program, and 1042 rebounds.
Hillmon is a lethal rebounder who does not fear chasing the ball on the offensive and defensive ends. She is a pure inside scorer which gives Melbourne an edge in the post. Defensively, Hillmon will disrupt shots in the paint while disrupting the passing lanes.
The Boomers are set with a proven leader and player who gives her all on the court. She is an exciting player who will contribute positively on all ends.