Tasmania’s newest Jewel can flat-out shoot the ball

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Gianna Kneepkens can shoot the basketball.

The 23-year-old American guard will also be forever known as Tasmania Jewels’ first import after signing with the new club on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Kneepkens, who won the 2026 NCAA Women’s National Championship with ULCA, is averaging just 41.5% from the field in her first year in the WNBA – drafted by the Connecticut Sun – in limited minutes as a rookie, but her five-year college numbers are elite.

She finished her college career shooting 49.5% from the field, including 43.1% from deep and 87% from the free throw line.

“My strengths are shooting. I want to rebound. I want to defend hard. I want to win,” Kneepkens said.

“I was in the gym a lot, a tonne; I’m a big gym-rat.

“That’s definitely how I’ve gotten to where I am. When I’m able to get those runs up by myself, then when I’m in the game, I’ve already felt it, so I have the confidence to do it.

“I think confidence is even more important in basketball than the physical.

"Just believing in yourself even if others don’t and not comparing your journey to others.

“Just putting your head down and working and truly believing that what you have is good enough, and to continue to be humble and get better has been huge in my career and a big part of being the basketball player you want to be.”

Kneepkens will be in the backcourt with 2023 WNBL champion and Australian Opals point guard Steph Reid, who has returned from Sopron Basket in Hungary.

Reid, 30, was head coach Claudia Brassard's first major signing.

Kneepkens, who is 1.8m tall, was one of multiple UCLA Bruins selected in the 2026 Draft, but she’s yet to crack the rotation.

“I’m not always the fastest or the strongest, but I like to put in the most work."

Brassard said the Jewels were constructing a roster ready to compete in its first season in the league.

“We’re building a team that Tasmanian fans are going to love,” Brassard said.

“We have a roster of players who work hard and will play harder.

“We have something to prove as the new team on the block, and that hunger will fuel our competitiveness.

“Gianna is a tremendous shooter, and wait until you see our final import; she’s also brilliant.

“Quality players want to play for Tasmania, and that speaks volumes about us as a team, Tasmania as a home, and our incredible fans too.”

Transactions

• July 26: Sign American guard Gianna Kneepkens as the club's first import
• July 13: Brooke Basham signs with the Jewels
• July 7: Mia Jacobs signed after four years in NCAA basketball
• June 15: Taylor Mole became the first Tasmanian-born player signed by the Jewels.
• June 1: Steph Reid signed from Sopron Basket.
• May 10: Darcee Garbin signed with Tasmania.
• April 17: Keely Froling signed after departing the Sydney Flames.
• April 7: Andie Smith joined as a development player.