1. Overview
Alice Kunek (born January 6, 1991) is an Australian-Irish professional basketball player, primarily playing as a forward. She currently plays for the Southside Flyers, the reigning champions of the WNBL. Kunek's career is marked by her significant contributions to various teams in the WNBL, including winning the 2010-11 WNBL Championship with the Bulleen Boomers, and her international experience in French leagues. She has also represented Australia at both youth and senior national team levels, earning a silver medal at the 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup and being recognized as part of the Best 5 at the 2023 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
2. Early life and career beginnings
Alice Kunek's journey in professional basketball began early in her life, developing through Australia's elite sports programs before making her mark in the Women's National Basketball League.
2.1. Birth and background
Alice Kunek was born on January 6, 1991. She holds dual Australian and Irish nationality, reflecting her heritage.
2.2. Early career development
Kunek commenced her professional basketball career at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). She spent three seasons developing her skills and gaining early WNBL experience with the AIS team, playing alongside other promising young players who would go on to have significant careers. This period laid the foundation for her professional trajectory in the sport.
3. Professional career
Kunek's professional career spans multiple seasons in Australia's top domestic league, the Women's National Basketball League, and includes stints in competitive European leagues.
3.1. Women's National Basketball League (WNBL)
Kunek's WNBL career began with the AIS, where she played for three seasons. Following her time at the AIS, she joined the Bulleen Boomers, playing for them for another three seasons. In her debut season with the Boomers in 2010-11, she played a crucial role in helping the team secure their inaugural WNBL Championship, contributing an average of 9.9 points per game.
In 2013, Kunek transitioned from the Boomers to the Dandenong Rangers. During her first season with the Rangers, she achieved a career-high average of 15.9 points per game, showcasing her growing offensive capabilities. After two seasons with the Dandenong Rangers, she returned to the Melbourne Boomers in 2015. Ahead of the 2016-17 season, Kunek was appointed captain of the Melbourne Boomers, a testament to her leadership qualities and experience.
On May 16, 2017, Kunek signed with the Perth Lynx for the 2017-18 WNBL season. Her performance during this season was notable; on November 8, 2017, she was named to the WNBL Team of the Week after an impressive 25 points performance, which included five three-pointers, in a victory against the Townsville Fire. On December 29, 2017, Kunek marked a significant milestone, playing her 200th career WNBL game.
3.2. Overseas leagues
Following the conclusion of the 2016-17 WNBL season, Alice Kunek ventured overseas to play in France. She joined Lyon Basket féminine for the remainder of their season. During her tenure with Lyon, Kunek played 10 games, averaging 6.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. Her contributions were vital in helping the French side avoid relegation from their league. Later, on January 17, 2018, Kunek signed with another French team, Tarbes Gespe Bigorre, as an injury replacement player, further solidifying her international club experience.
4. National team career
Alice Kunek has a distinguished career representing Australia on the international stage, participating in various youth and senior level competitions.
4.1. Youth national teams
Kunek was a prominent member of Australia's youth national basketball team, known as the Gems (Under-19). She played a pivotal role in leading the Gems to a gold medal victory at the Oceania Under-18 Championship, which subsequently qualified the team for the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Championship for Women held in Thailand the following year. At the World Championship, playing alongside future stars like Elizabeth Cambage, the Gems achieved a commendable fifth-place finish.
4.2. Senior national team (Opals)
In 2015, Kunek was selected to join the Opals, Australia's senior women's national team, for the 2015 FIBA Oceania Women's Championship. Her consistent performance earned her another selection to the Opals squad in preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics. However, as the squad was finalized to 17 members, Kunek was ultimately cut from the Olympic roster.
Despite this, Kunek continued to be a valuable asset to the Opals. She was part of the team that competed in the 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup, where Australia secured a silver medal. In December 2017, Kunek was once again named to the Opals training camp squad, this time in anticipation of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, demonstrating her ongoing commitment and importance to the national program.
5. Awards and honors
Throughout her career, Alice Kunek has received several individual and team accolades:
- 2010-11 WNBL Champion (with Bulleen Boomers)
- November 2017 WNBL Team of the Week
- 2023 FIBA Women's Asia Cup Best 5
6. Personal life
Beyond her achievements on the basketball court, Alice Kunek has also pursued academic endeavors. She is currently studying for a Master of International Business degree at Deakin University, balancing her professional athletic career with higher education.