ALBURY-Wodonga Bandits president Steve Wright has described Nat Hurst's signing as "huge" for the Lady Bandits.
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Besides coach Lauren Jackson, club president Steve Wright said he couldn't remember a bigger name playing for the side since it started in 2006.
"I can't think of a bigger name," Wright said.
"It's huge.
"We have had WNBL players before, but probably not of Nat's calibre.
"She's a star of the WNBL.
"It's a great thing.
"It will be good for our young players especially.
"Charlotte Beavan and Casey Ardern are two young guards who Nat will be able to mentor.
"She will be like another coach."
The star guard played in seven WNBL titles with the Canberra Capitals and won a gold medal playing for Australia in the 2009 FIBA Oceania Women’s Championships.
It will be Hurst's second stint on the Border after dominating for the Lady Bandits in 2007 when she was named in the SEABL All-Star team.
Hurst's former Canberra Capitals teammate and New York Liberty player Jess Bibby played for the Lady Bandits in the same season.
Bibby is the only Lady Bandits player with a record comparable to Hurst.
Wright said Hurst's relationship with Jackson had been the key to her returning to the Border.
"She's really good friends with Lauren," Wright said.
"We probably wouldn't have had access to her before, but it's worked out through her relationship with Lauren.
"Who knows hopefully she will enjoy it and want to come back the following year."
Hurst has been playing for Bendigo Spirit and will arrive in Albury early next year.
“I’m super excited to be joining the Bandits once again and playing under Lauren," Hurst said.
"It’s going to be great not only for my basketball but for my partner and son as well as it’s a great family environment."
Jackson said Hurst would make a big impression on and off the court.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Nat agree to join the club in 2019,” Jackson said.
“We identified signing a quality point guard as a massive priority and to secure someone of Nat’s calibre is an incredible coup for us.
“Not only will she provide a massive boost for us on court, but she will also set an excellent example for our young players with her professionalism and work ethic.
“Having her as part of our squad will not only help us to win games but it will also really accelerate the development of our young group.”
The Lady Bandits have resigned star import Emilee Harmon.