The Ballarat Miners are excited to announce the signings of siblings Clancy and Opal Bird for the upcoming 2025 Mitsubishi NBL1 South season. This marks a significant milestone as both brother and sister join the Miners, bringing exceptional talent and a shared passion for basketball to the team.
Bird, a 6’9″ forward from Sydney, Australia, has demonstrated impressive skills throughout his career. A graduate of St. Augustine’s College, he led his high school team to an undefeated record over five varsity seasons, securing multiple conference and state championships. Clancy further honed his abilities at UC Riverside in the United States and most recently played for the Perth Redbacks in the NBL1 West.
Upon signing, Clancy said. “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Miners for 2025 and playing in the NBL1 South again. When signing, I knew I was joining a winning culture and I’m super excited to contribute and grow under Coach Brennan. Playing at the same club as my sister will also be an awesome experience.”
Miners’ Men’s Head Coach, Luke Brennan commented on Clancy’s signing, stating “I am pumped to have Clancy join the Miners for the upcoming season, he will bring us some great size and versatility at the 4 spot. He also is a high-level shooter, so the ability to stretch the floor will be a welcome addition. Lastly, he’s a great guy who will fit into the Ballarat community seamlessly.”
Opal Bird, standing at 6’2″, is a forward who has already made her mark in Australian basketball. She has represented Australia at the Under-19 World Championships and spent time at the Centre of Excellence in Canberra. Opal is currently signed with the Bendigo Spirit for the WNBL season, showcasing her versatility and leadership on the court and she recently committed to attending Wake Forest in the back half of 2025 to commence her collegiate basketball career.
Signing with the Miners was an easy decision for Opal, saying Opal. “I’ve loved playing for Coach Kennedy Kereama in the WNBL and living in country Victoria. So when the opportunity came for me to play in Ballarat, it was the perfect fit. The fact that my brother and I can play for the same club before I head to the US for college, is a bonus too!”
Women’s Head Coach, Kennedy Kereama was enthusiastic for Opal’s addition, saying “Opal is an exciting prospect out of the COE and will be coming out of a season of WNBL with The Spirit. She is a very versatile player who can stretch the floor, create off the bounce, is a great rebounder, has a great work ethic, outstanding attitude, and leadership qualities. She will be a great asset to our program and community in Ballarat.”
CEO of Ballarat Basketball, Nev Ivey, added “Securing both Clancy and Opal Bird is a testament to our commitment to building strong, competitive teams for the 2025 season. Their signings not only enhance our rosters but also align perfectly with our focus on being a family-friendly and welcoming club. Having siblings join our program highlights the sense of connection and community we strive to foster, inspiring both our players and supporters. We anticipate a thrilling season ahead with their contributions.”
The Ballarat Miners look forward to the impact that Clancy and Opal will bring to the team as they prepare for the 2025 Mitsubishi NBL1 South season. Continue to stay connected with our socials as we announce more signings in the New Year, building towards the start of the season on March 29th at home against arch-rivals Bendigo!
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