With their only pick in Monday’s WNBA draft, the Liberty selected 19-year-old Australian forward Manuela Puoch No. 41 overall.
Puoch, 19, spent this season with the Southside Flyers of Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League.
She recorded 4.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in 23 games. She also appeared in two NBL1 games for the Dandenong Rangers, where she averaged 14 points, eight rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
Puoch helped Australia win a silver medal at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, averaging 9.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists across six games.
Manuela Pouch of the Flyers in action during a WNBL game between Canberra Capitals and Southside Flyers at AIS Arena, on January 25, 2025, in Canberra, Australia. Getty ImagesPuoch is the sister of Nyadiew Puoch, whom the Atlanta Dream picked No. 12 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft.
Expect Puoch to be a draft-and-stash prospect, who may get a chance to come to the WNBA later.
Here’s what you need to know:
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-1
Current team: Southside Melbourne Flyers of the WNBL
2025-26 stats: Averaged 9.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in six games
Notable accolade: Won a silver medal with Australia at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup
Fast fact: Sister of Nyadiew Puoch, picked No. 12 overall in the 2024 draft by the Atlanta Dream
