Nyadiew Puoch is a Sudanese Australian professional basketball player, who was recently selected by the Atlanta Dream as the 12th overall pick in the WNBA draft. Puoch was born on June 23, 2004, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, as one of seven children to her single mother Nyakong, who immigrated from South Sudan.
Early Career
Puoch’s basketball journey began at a young age, representing the Dandenong Rangers from the under-12 level to the under-18s.
Her performances in the Australian Junior Championships were nothing short of remarkable, earning her two gold medals (2019 and 2021) and one silver medal (2022), along with MVP honors in all three seasons.
At just 18 years old, Puoch signed with the Southside Flyers in the WNBL for the 2022-23 season, where she won a championship as a rookie. She then joined the Dandenong Rangers in the NBL1 league, averaging an impressive 21.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, which earned her the 2023 NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year honors.
She played in the Australian Junior Championships, representing Victorian Metro, where she won two gold medals (2019 and 2021) and one silver medal (2022), earning MVP honors in all three seasons.
Achievements and Draft Selection
Puoch’s impressive performances and potential earned her nominations for the WNBL’s Sixth Woman of the Year and Breakout Player of the Year awards. Her versatility, athleticism, and defensive potential made her a sought-after prospect in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
The Atlanta Dream recognized her talent and selected Puoch with the 12th overall pick, making her one of the three Australians drafted this year, joining Isobel Borlase (20th pick, Atlanta Dream) and Jaz Shelley (29th pick, Phoenix Mercury).
“I’m excited to experience everything over the next couple of days. Getting picked up and driven around, this doesn’t happen every day especially when you’re from Australia so I’m taking it all in,” Pouch told ESPN.
Despite her young age, Puoch has already showcased her talent and potential on the court. With her impressive wingspan, ability to create her own shot, passing skills, and improving jump shot, she is expected to make significant contributions to the Atlanta Dream,
Puoch has credited the mentorship of Australian basketball legends Lauren Jackson and Leilani Mitchell for shaping her game. “Playing with Lauren Jackson and Leilani Mitchell has helped me grow so much. They push me to be my best and have taught me so much about the game,” says Puoch.
Jackson, a two-time WNBA champion, and Mitchell, a four-time WNBL champion, spent countless hours refining Puoch’s skills, imparting their seasoned knowledge and on-court finesse.
