9 Things to Know About Jade Melbourne from Jade Melbourne

The Washington Mystics are a really fun team to watch. With three All-Stars — Brittney Sykes, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen — as well as Shakira Austin who could have made the All-Star Game if not for a slower start, they are set up for future success in a great way.

One player that gets overlooked with her impact off the bench for the Mystics is third-year guard and Australian native, Jade Melbourne.

I wanted to get to know Jade better as she’s midway through her second season with Washington.

So, before the Mystics tipped off the action with the Atlanta Dream yesterday, I chatted with Jade.

Here are nine things to know about the Aussie straight from her.

Walking Bucket: What’s the question that you get asked the most?

Jade Melbourne: “How’s the team doing at the moment?” (Laughs)

What’s the biggest different in playing in the WNBL and the WNBA?

JM: “To me, it’s definitely the physicality. I think you play in the WNBL, and it’s a fantastic league, but it’s not the best league in the world like the WNBA is. When you come over here, you can’t take a possession off. You can’t take a night off. You can’t take anything off over here. I think if you take a shortcut, you get exploited. I think that’s the main thing. Everyone is so talented over here, and in the WNBL, it’s a talented league, but they are all aspiring to be here, too. I think that’s the biggest difference with the pace, basketball IQ, the physicality, and the fact that the WNBA is the best league in the world.

You have another Australian native on your team in rookie Georgia Amoore. What’s it been like having her here with you?

JM: “It’s so funny, because Georgia is actually older than me. All through juniors when we played together, she was the older player that I looked up to. Now she’s trying to pick my brain. Georgia isn’t really one that you take under your wing. You’re there for her as someone that has been in the league, but she’s going from strength to strength in her rehab process, so it’s cool being able to be there for her for that. Next year, for her rookie year, everyone should be on watch, because she’s going to be a superstar.”

What’s your favorite part of being in D.C. so far off of the court?

JM: “I just love D.C. as a city, to be honest. I never get bored of seeing the monuments with people who come to visit me. There are some great cafes that I’ve found in the area that I live in. It has the nature and the city life, so I really enjoy it as a whole. I haven’t met many people outside of basketball, but my teammates are great, and we have a lot of fun.”

You were in Seattle before Washington. Which city has the better coffee and cafes?

JM: “So, my go-to in Washington is called Maman Cafe, and it’s pretty good. But Monorail Coffee in Seattle is one of the best that I’ve had in the states, so it’s hard to say that Maman beats it, even if it is pretty good, but I have to give it to Monorail in Seattle.”

You partnered up with Spaulding this offseason to give some basketballs and equipment to a youth team in Australia. What does it mean to you to be able to give back to the community in that way?

JM: “It’s amazing. I’m thankful that Spaulding was able to give me that opportunity. Morwell is from the association over. I’m from Traralgon, which is from just down the road. Being able to give a bunch of basketballs t0 kids that are going to use them is fantastic. Any time you are able to give back to the people that have helped you along the way is something that I really love to do. Those kids got a real buzz about me being there and handing out the basketballs, and hopefully they help for future tryouts and to give kids something to bounce in their backyards”

You’ve had a really solid season this year. What’s been the difference for you in Year 3 in the WNBA?

JM: “My whole goal coming into this season was just being consistent. I think in your first few years, you’re trying to figure it out. I think, for me, it’s living on the other side of the world. There’s so many changes in my life, but when you come into your third year, you know what to expect, so it was all about building consistency. There are some nights that I’ll be better than others, but I think my teammates know what they can get from me each night. I bring the same type of energy on the offensive end, and defensively, I’m trying to be that steady head for my team. Being consistent is the main thing, growing in small areas. That’s been the goal for me, and I think I’ve been able to do that pretty well so far.”

We know that Shakira and Slim are both very funny people. Who is a low-key funny person on the Mystics?

JM: “Yeah, Shakira and Slim are hilarious. I’d say Kiki Iriafen. She’s very funny. I understand Georgia’s sense of humor since I’ve grown up with her, so I give it to her. Emily Engstler is very funny, too, and she just gets so caught up talking. She loves to yap, as we say. Every now and again, she will say something, and we’ll just be like ‘Em, you are just too funny.’ Those three, but the sneakiest is Kiki.”

What’s the biggest misconception about Australia that Americans have?

JM: “Oh, wildlife. Everyone is afraid that they are going to run into a kangaroo or swim with a shark or ambushed by bees as soon as they get off of the plane. It’s not the case. I’ve grown up on farms, and I’ve seen one snake. That’s the biggest misconception. If you come, you aren’t going to get killed by something. A lot of us have made it out and made it to the United States. Don’t be afraid of the wildlife. If anything, if you ignore them, they’ll ignore you.”

Until Next Time

What do we think, readers? Do you like these interview pieces? Do you prefer columns or a mixed-bag of content?

I’ll keep it in mind as I’m planning out my content calendar.

Until next time, have a great week, and we’ll see you Friday.

I love you awesome nerds.