Jazmin “Jaz” Pamela Shelley, born on May 13, 2000, is an Australian professional basketball player who has rapidly carved out a compelling career both in the United States and her native Australia. A dynamic point guard with a sharp shooting touch, exceptional court vision, and a tenacious defensive presence, Shelley has garnered attention at every level of her career, from her standout performances in the NCAA to her professional stints in the WNBA and Australia’s top leagues. Her journey is a testament to her dedication, versatility, and the global appeal of her well-rounded game.
Early Life and Development in Australian Basketball
Growing up in Moe, Victoria, Australia, Shelley was immersed in a sporting environment from a young age, participating in basketball, netball, and soccer, even competing in high jump. However, basketball ultimately became her primary focus. Coming from a basketball family – both her parents played competitively, and her father is a shooting coach – Shelley benefited from early exposure and guidance in the sport.
She represented Victoria Country at the youth level, captaining the under-16 team in 2015. Her youth career also included playing for the Moe Meteors in the Country Basketball League and the Southern Peninsula Sharks. Her talent and potential were recognized early, culminating in the Basketball Victoria Junior Female Athlete of the Year award in 2018.
Before embarking on her college journey in the United States, Shelley gained valuable experience playing in Australia’s semi-professional leagues. In 2019, she signed with the Geelong Supercats of the NBL1, where she averaged 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, helping her team reach the league’s grand final. This early exposure to higher-level competition provided a strong foundation for her subsequent success in the NCAA.
NCAA Stardom: Oregon and Nebraska
Shelley’s talent attracted the attention of college recruiters in the United States, and she was considered a three-star recruit by ESPN. Encouraged by her brother, Luke, who had a positive experience playing college basketball in the US, Shelley committed to the University of Oregon in October 2018.
Oregon Ducks (2019-2021):
In her freshman season (2019-2020) at Oregon, Shelley made an immediate impact, appearing in all 33 games and earning Pac-12 All-Freshman Honorable Mention honors. She averaged 6.3 points and showcased her shooting prowess, connecting on an impressive 42.0% of her three-point attempts. A highlight of her freshman year was a historic performance against UC Riverside, where she broke Oregon’s single-game record with 10 three-pointers, scoring 32 points and earning Pac-12 Freshman of the Week accolades.
Her sophomore season (2020-2021) saw her play in 22 games, starting 11. While her scoring dipped slightly to 4.0 points per game, she continued to develop her all-around game, averaging 1.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Despite an injury that sidelined her for the initial NCAA Tournament games, she made her debut in the Sweet Sixteen.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (2021-2024):
After her sophomore season, Shelley transferred to the University of Nebraska, where she truly blossomed into a dominant collegiate player over three seasons.
Junior Year (2021-2022): Shelley led the Huskers in scoring (13.1 ppg), assists (5.0 apg), steals (1.8 spg), and blocks (0.9 bpg), while also ranking second in rebounding (6.3 rpg). She was the only Big Ten player to rank among the top 20 in all five statistical categories, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team (media selection). She also recorded her first career triple-double against North Carolina Central.
Senior Year (2022-2023): Shelley continued her stellar play, leading Nebraska with 14.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, while adding 4.8 rebounds. Her 206 assists that season were the second-most in school history. She earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors (coaches) and Second-Team All-Big Ten recognition (media), and was named Nebraska’s Team MVP. She also set a career-high with 37 points against Minnesota.
Graduate Year (2023-2024): Returning for her fifth college season, Shelley fueled Nebraska’s run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. She averaged 13.4 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. She set Big Ten Tournament records for points (82), assists (34), and three-pointers made (16), earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team.
She also recorded her second career triple-double against UNC Wilmington and was named AP National Player of the Week. She finished her career as the only Husker with two triple-doubles and fourth in program history in made three-pointers. She was again named Nebraska’s Team MVP and earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors (media and coaches).
Throughout her time at Nebraska, Shelley showcased her exceptional versatility, leadership, and ability to impact the game in multiple facets. She consistently demonstrated her scoring ability, playmaking skills, defensive tenacity, and high basketball IQ.
Professional Career: WNBA and Australia
Following her decorated college career, Shelley declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft and was selected by the Phoenix Mercury with the 29th overall pick in the third round. While she was waived by the Mercury before the start of the WNBA season, her drafting was a significant milestone, recognizing her talent and potential at the highest level of professional women’s basketball in the United States.
Undeterred, Shelley returned to Australia to continue her professional career.
Ballarat Miners (NBL1 South, 2024): After her WNBA stint, Shelley signed with the Ballarat Miners in the NBL1 South for the remainder of the 2024 season. In 12 games, she averaged 12.58 points, 5.75 rebounds, 4.67 assists, and 1.83 steals per game, showcasing her continued ability to contribute across the stat sheet.
Geelong United (WNBL & NBL1 South, 2024-Present): In June 2024, Shelley signed with Geelong United for their inaugural season in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), Australia’s premier women’s basketball league, for the 2024-2025 season. This marked a significant homecoming for Shelley, as she had previously played for Geelong in the NBL1 before her college career. She expressed excitement about returning to a familiar organization and playing professionally in front of her family.
In the 2024-2025 WNBL season with Geelong United, Shelley has continued to be a key player, averaging around 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in 20 games played as of mid-February 2025. She has also rejoined the Geelong United NBL1 team for the 2025 NBL1 South season, demonstrating her commitment to the Geelong basketball community. In her initial games of the 2025 NBL1 South season (as of late April 2025), she is averaging an impressive 19 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 4 steals per game, highlighting her continued growth and impact.
FAQs
What was Jaz Shelley’s college career like?
Jaz Shelley played college basketball at both Oregon and Nebraska. In her freshman year at Oregon (2019-20), she set a program single-game record with 10 three-pointers. After transferring to Nebraska, she became a key player, leading the team in multiple statistical categories. She earned All-Big Ten honors multiple times and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. In her three years at Nebraska, she scored 1,364 points and finished with 565 assists and 244 three-pointers.
What are Jaz Shelley’s current teams as of April 2025?
As of April 2025, Jaz Shelley is playing for the Geelong United in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) in Australia for the 2024-25 season. She has also signed with the Geelong United NBL1 team for the 2025 NBL1 South season.
What were Jaz Shelley’s key statistics in her final college season (2023-24)?
In her final season at Nebraska, Jaz Shelley averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a team-high 5.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game. She earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team and set Huskers’ tournament records for points, assists, and made three-pointers.
Has Jaz Shelley received any notable awards or honors in her career?
Yes, Jaz Shelley was named the WNBL Rookie of the Year in 2019. In college, she was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, a Big Ten All-Tournament Team member, and a Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection. She was also named Nebraska’s Team MVP twice and is the only Husker in history with two triple-doubles.
In summary
Jaz Shelley’s basketball journey is a compelling narrative of talent nurtured in Australia, developed in the competitive landscape of NCAA Division I basketball, and now flourishing in the professional ranks both in the WNBA sphere and back home in Australia. Her versatility, skill set, and leadership qualities have made her a valuable asset to every team she has played for. As she continues her career with Geelong United in the WNBL and NBL1 South, and with potential future opportunities in the WNBA or other international leagues, Jaz Shelley is undoubtedly a player to watch, embodying the growing global reach and talent within women’s basketball. Her dedication and well-rounded game suggest a long and successful professional career ahead.
To read more, Click here
Leave a Reply