5
Nov
Aussies in the WNBA
How the ultimate Bad Boy backed Bec Allen
Australians Rebecca Allen #9 and Penny Taylor #13 on September 4, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York and (right) Bill Laimbeer. Main Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Rebecca Allen says Detroit Pistons “Bad Boy” Bill Laimbeer gave her first WNBA chance with Liberty.
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Ten-year Australian WNBA veteran Rebecca Allen has revealed Detroit Pistons' Bad Boy Bill Laimbeer told her "We’re keeping you" after the then New York Liberty head coach saw Allen play during an Australian tour of the US.
Allen, who turns 33 tomorrow (November 6), told basketball.com.au: "Bill gave me my first opportunity after seeing me in Australia’s tour against WNBA teams. Early on, Bill Laimbeer told me, 'We’re keeping you,' and he did.
"I didn’t know much about the WNBA then and didn’t even know who he was. Later I learned about the 'Bad Boys'.
"He had a tough reputation, but I caught him at a softer stage.
"He’s brutally honest — you need thick skin — but if he believes in you, he really goes to bat for you.
"If he doesn’t, you won’t hear from him. He’s very all-or-nothing."
Allen signed with the Liberty in 2015 and played her first seven seasons in New York. Laimbeer, 68, coached the team from 2013 to 2017.
Laimbeer, a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion, undoubtedly had an eye for talent. Allen has played 260 games, averaging 5.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and an assist.
He also is equally infamous as the baddest of the 1980s Bad Boys. Laimbeer had numerous fist fights during his career, one of the worst was with NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley in 1990, as well as Boston Celtics superstar Larry Bird, teammate Robert Parish.
Laimbeer retired just 11 games into the 1994 season after his championship teammate Isiah Thomas broke his hand punching the 2.11m centre during a team practice.
Allen has joined Unrivaled, the US-based 3x3 women’s basketball league founded by Brianna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. She joins fellow Aussies Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor on Unrivaled's roster of players.
Unrivaled, which starts in January 2025, is a player-founded league featuring top WNBA talent competing in a new three-on-three format designed to give players more year-round opportunities and creative control over their careers.
Rebecca Allen — Key Details
- Name: Rebecca “Bec” Allen
- Team: Chicago Sky
- League: WNBA
- Season (Year): 10th WNBA Season (2025)
- Position / Jersey #: Guard / #9
- Height / Weight: 6’2” / 162 lbs
- Age / DOB: 32 (Nov 6, 1992)
- Nationality: Australian (Wangaratta, VIC)
2025 Season Snapshot
- Games Played: 43
- Games Started: 16
- Minutes Per Game: 18.6
- Key Role: Veteran 3-and-D wing, rotation contributor
Regular Season Stats (Per Game Averages - 2025)
- GMS: 43 I PTS: 5.1 I REB: 2.6 I AST: 1.3 I STL: 0.5 I BLK: 0.5 I FG%: 34.2 I 3P%: 31.3 I FT%: 61.3 I Turnovers: 0.9
Career Stats (Per Game Averages)
- GMS: 259 I PTS: 5.8 I REB: 2.7 I AST: 0.9 I STL: 0.7 I BLK: 0.7 I FG%: 38.5 I 3P%: 35.4 I FT%: 77.2 I Turnovers: 0.8
