SYDNEY (WNBL) - Basketball Australia has received the international clearance for World Champion Kristi Harrower to play in the Australian Defence Force Women's National Basketball League.
The Russian Federation faxed the clearance this morning which allows Harrower to suit up for the Bendigo Spirit on Friday night, the team coached by her father Bernie Harrower.
The three-time Olympian that guided the Australian Defence Force Opals to a Gold Medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, was cut by her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg in September with one year remaining on her contract.
Harrower is happy the negotiations are over and she can get out on the court again.
"I think the first thing I said was finally," Harrower said.
"The last month has been quite stressful not knowing if I was going to get paid, if they would release me or if I would have to go back to Europe.
"I'm just happy that it's come through and I can now play, I haven't played for two months and that's the thing that I was looking forward to the most."
The 163cm point guard will provide a boost to the Bendigo line-up after their 0-3 start to the season.
"For me it's just a matter of bringing some leadership to the group and some experience that I've had over the years playing in Europe and just help Bendigo get back on the winning track and have some fun while I'm here," she said.
Bendigo Spirit General Manager Wendy James is happy to welcome the experienced Harrower to the club.
"We always knew that one day she would come back to play for Bendigo Spirit but it's just a dream come true to actually have her tomorrow night in our team," said James.
Harrower is the second Australian Defence Force Opal in the League for the 2008/09 season, joining fellow Beijing Silver medallist Rohanee Cox.
Harrower takes the court with Bendigo Spirit on Friday night when they play the Dandenong Rangers at Geelong Arena. The game will be televised live on ABC2 from 8pm AEDT.
Basketball Australia
