What the Portland Fire told rising star Nyadiew to do

• Puoch and the Fire's first win in franchise history
• Jade Melbourne's Seattle exit interview and WNBL27 move to Bendigo
• WNBL27 fixture, every game

WNBA rookie Nyadiew Puoch revealed her first season with the Portland Fire “turned out great” even though the expansion franchise finished 17-27 and missed the 2026 playoffs.

“Honestly, it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be,” Puoch said in her exit interview.

“Coming in as a rookie, I didn’t know what to expect. Obviously, this was a new team, and I was new as well, so I was really open-minded about it. It turned out great. It was really fun.

“I think I grew on the court from the very start to now, and I grew off the court as well. I made lots of friends and met a lot of great people along the way, so it’s been really good.”

The 22-year-old Melbourne forward started 28 of 42 games and made the most of her minutes, averaging 4.3 points (36.6%), 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists, but was just 23-from-36 at the line.

“We just want to continue building on what we’ve done,” Puoch said.

“The last game showed Portland Fire’s style of basketball. We want to keep growing that. Hopefully, people see it and want to come and play with us. We want to go into next season as a finals-contending team. It’s going to take growth.”

Portland beat playoff-bound 32-12 Golden State Valkyries 90-82 in overtime at home in its final game of the season.

“Coming in as a new player, along with the other girls, I think we’ve built something really special here in Portland,” Puoch added.

“The way Portland gets around us and loves what we do makes it even more special.

The crowd and the fans are always behind us, whether we win or lose. That’s been incredible. It makes it easier, it makes it fun, and it makes us want to show up every day. Seeing the fans smiling and cheering for us is incredible. I haven’t played for a team with a fan base like this.

“Being alongside these girls and seeing how much it means to them is special. The time the coaches, staff and everyone have put into the season has been incredible as well.

“I’m very grateful to be here and to call this place home.”

Puoch has re-signed with the UC Capitals for WNBL27 and will play alongside sister Manuela, who the New York Liberty drafted with the 41st pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

“First, some rest,” Puoch said when asked what was next.

“I’m going to go home and chill out for a bit. I’m playing in Canberra with my sister in the off-season, which will be really fun. I’ll be able to play again, keep building my game and get ready for next season. I’ll enjoy the time off as much as I can, too.”

It was the Fire’s first season in the W.

“Everything is completely different to being back home in Australia, but I’ve grown to love Portland,” Puoch admitted.

“It’s been really great. Living in America is different, but that comes with being an athlete.

“You live in different places, and as a professional you’ve got to learn to love it and get used to it. I’m not going to sit at home and cry all day.

“It’s the friendships we’ve been building off the court. We’ve got such a great group of girls. We bond so well, and everyone wants the best for each other.

"When you know someone really well off the court, you really want to work hard for them on the court and do anything you possibly can for them.

“These relationships and friendships we’ve built have been great. You can tell how connected we are on the court because of how much time we spend with each other off it. That plays a really big part.

“I didn’t know anyone. Coming from Australia, it was a bit daunting because I was used to playing with fellow Australians, people I knew and girls I grew up with. We didn’t know each other, but I think we’d been together for a week and a bit, and we got close.

“Portland’s been a great place to live. They’ve got great food and coffee, and those are the keys to my heart. Australians love a good coffee, so it’s a great place here.

Her rookie year has positioned the 1.9m big to make an impact in her fifth WNBL season.

“To continue to grow,” Puoch revealed is what Fire coaches asked her to do before WNBA 2027.

“The main thing the coaches and I want is for me to keep growing offensively so I can be more of a threat on the court.

“The learning style on the court (in Portland) is really different.

“Differential learning is very new to me. When I first got to training camp and shot off one leg, I was really confused.

“From then to now, I’ve become so used to it. It’s the first thing we do when we get on the court.

“It’s cool to see the different ways we can learn on the court and then take that into a game. His coaching style and what he believes in are really cool to see on the court.”

The UC Capitals open their WNBL27 campaign against former teammate Jade Melbourne and the Bendigo Spirit on Saturday, October 17, at 3pm at AIS Arena in Canberra.