Amazing Gracely to the rescue

Injuries have made the start to 2013 a wretched one for the Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers women’s team, but the club has found a saviour — amazing Gracely Smith.

While an ankle setback keeps Valerie Ogoke on the long-term injury list, the reigning WSBL champions have moved quickly to fill the void.

Despite remaining hopeful of Ogoke’s return later this year, the club has signed Smith as insurance.

Power forward Smith, 23, had been on her way home to the United States from Germany when her agent called with the Slammers’ 11th hour offer.

“I didn’t have time to think about it. I just had to make a decision,” she said.

“I didn’t think about it for even 12 hours. I knew I wanted to go.”

Smith had just finished a season in Germany’s second tier of basketball — her first season abroad after playing college ball for Slippery Rock and Brown Mackie in Pennsylvania.

Ogoke had ankle surgery last month and will miss at least 10 weeks — her 2012 averages of 13 points and 12 rebounds per game a big loss.

Smith, who is hopeful of having her paperwork processed in time to suit up for the Slammers against Stirling in Perth on Saturday night, said she did not feel under pressure.

“I’ve just got to step up and not necessarily be Val, but bring what she brought to the team,” she said.

“Stuff like rebounding and running the floor, stuff that I do.”

Coming in halfway through the season is also not a problem.

“I feel like I gel well with any team and I’m not a difficult player to play with or be around,” Smith said.

Slammers’ coach Darren Austin said the signing was a crucial part of the club’s title defence.

“We want someone like Val who is athletic, can score, get up and down the floor and get some rebounds,” he said.

“Our wonderful sponsors have delved into their pockets again to allow us to do this.”

WSBL laws prevent Smith, Ogoke and fellow import Kim Sitzmann from playing together, but they can all be on the same roster.