Basketball has taken Veronica Burton on quite a journey in the last nine months. From the Dallas Wings to the Connecticut Sun and now a WNBL champion with the Bendigo Spirit, she’s experienced a whirlwind of success and challenges. She sees the best in it due to the priceless pauses in time and experiences created with loved ones.
From Torquay to Allansford in Victoria, Australia, a 150-mile stretch called the Great Ocean Road greets those worldwide. Planned near the end of World War I, County Roads chairman William Calder aimed to provide work for returning soldiers.
From 1919 to 1932, those who came home built it to honor those who didn’t. Completed by more than 3,000 veterans, the road is registered on the Australian National Heritage List and is one of the most sought-after road trips in the world. The coast-grappling scenery overlooking the Bass Strait and Southern Ocean with thousands of attractions inspires the minds of millions.
Bells Beach on the Great Ocean Road has hosted the world’s longest-running annual surfing event, dating back to 1962. The coastline is home to the most climatic waves in the country for surfers of various experience levels.
Even for professional athletes like Burton.
“Surfing is probably number one on the list,” she replied when asked about her favorite activity. “I would want to do it again. Just have to be a little bit careful, it can be a little rough. The waves are a little rough, but that was neat. I’ve never done that, so taking a surfing lesson was awesome.”
Just west of Port Cambell sits the Twelve Apostles, a set of limestone stacks formed by erosion nearly 10 to 20 million years ago. Despite their name, only seven of the original nine remain.
Animal sanctuaries and beach towns, known for their critically acclaimed seafood, offer something for every road dweller to enjoy.
During a visit from her parents, Steve and Ginni Burton, Veronica Burton relished precious moments with them while away from the WNBL’s best Bendigo Spirit. They sat atop the league at 19-3 in the regular season and defeated the Townsville Fire in the Grand Final.
From Dallas to Connecticut and now one of the southernmost continents in the world, what most would consider a worthy challenge is a blessing in open view to her.
“Just a whirlwind in a lot of different places at a lot of different times, but I think that’s the industry I signed up for and the business of it. I think taking a step back and just appreciating it and the opportunities I’ve been given, a lot of people would be grateful to have.
The rigors of being a professional athlete aren’t lost on her, but because of her talent, she’s seen sights most only see on postcards. What she loved most about it all was sharing it with her loved ones.
“It’s called Great Ocean Road. It's this long road along the ocean; it goes on for hours. There are beautiful landmarks, so I was able to drive along that with my parents. I think that was special for me because you don’t always get to spend time with them with their work schedules; it's hectic. I think as we get older, that’s the time that I’ll remember. Those are the moments. Hours in the car together, seeing beautiful things, just listening to music and singing, playing games. All that stuff. I think that was amazing.”
While respecting their daughter’s recovery process less than twenty-four hours after a game, the trio soaked in as much as possible.
“We drove a couple of hours up, and we stopped at about eight different lookout spots,” said Mrs. Burton.
Every time they saw one, the car lumbered into a parking space while a new memory was created.
“We just kept pulling off to different spots, and you would see a different seascape. Each one was so powerful and beautiful. You just sit there and marvel at creation. The beauty and power of that. Went to cafes with Veronica, and we would hit those. We just got time to spend time with her, just to be with her.”
The beauty and tranquil nature of Australia never escaped the Burtons, even at breakfast at The Boardwalk, a cozy walk-up overlooking Lake Weeroona in Bendigo. Because of the views just steps from the lake, the eatery has built an entire operation around hosting weddings and receptions.
“It’s beautiful to walk around,” the WNBL champion said. “You hear different sounds of all the animals and beautiful trees. We went for a walk around that. There’s this cafe that sits alongside it, and it has such beautiful scenery. We had some breakfast out there.”
When pondering her favorite thing she’s eaten while overseas, Burton didn’t seek out entrees. She appreciated the time spent with her parents and the laughs shared.
“I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite thing I’ve eaten, but that was my favorite meal with them.”
What impressed the family beyond recognition during the duration of their time together was the generosity and kindness displayed by the people they befriended.
“We did a barbecue; they call it a barbie,” said Mrs. Burton. “One of Veronica’s teammates had us over at their house, and it was just authentic Australian barbecue. My favorite thing about us going to Australia was just immersing ourselves in the less touristy culture. We could go to the Great Barrier Reef, or we could go see alpacas and all the places I wish we could’ve gone to. But we did get to immerse ourselves into a beautiful, amazing culture that was full of incredibly kind people. That was my favorite part. We were so welcomed, and it was so powerful.”
The former three-time Big 10 DPOY winner is blessed in a manner few are, and she’s cognizant of this. The timeouts like these that basketball provides and the relationships built are what she holds the closest.
“I love card games, I love Bananagrams. Any type of game like that, I’m big on that. So, we’ve had many, many game nights. Off the court, I love hooping with my teammates, but I think the moments off the court are the most meaningful to me.”
Basketball played a crucial role in Burton’s life from an early age. Her two sisters, Kayla and Kendall, also etched their way through Brown Middle School’s basketball program. She made the team in sixth grade and was instantly seen as a special talent.
Head coach Katrina Antonellis coached all three of the Burton girls, but the former Wings guard was ready for what she saw in her future.
“I had an inkling in middle school that maybe she was going to be the one,” she told WickedLocal in 2018. “There have been a couple of others, but when she came through, I would dream of this moment that it was really her.”
From Brown to Newton High to Northwestern, Burton’s talents shined like the morning sun, but the players befriended and relationships created still matter more to her. Long bus trips and flights spent bonding created life-long bonds that she treasures to this day.
“Oh man, the relationships,” she said. “I have met some of the most amazing people. Everyone that’s in my life I feel some way or form is connected to basketball. Even if I didn’t meet them through basketball, like the people I’ve met in Australia that have nothing to do with basketball. I’m only meeting them because of basketball. So, I have to say the relationships, especially at Northwestern. The people I had playing alongside me are my lifelong friends. Those are my sisters. We’re all each other’s bridesmaids. We have a wedding coming up and we’re all in the wedding. A beautiful sisterhood that I don’t think I could get from anywhere else. No other job, even in the W. You only have four or five months at a time and sometimes you never play alongside them again.”
When the cameras were rolling in Dallas, Burton and Awak Kuier appeared to be inseparable. When they stopped, nothing changed. In practices, during warmups, or even off the court and enjoying the sprawling North Texas area, the two remained at the hip.
The Great Ocean Road in Burton’s life has provided bonds that will stand the test of time because she actively tends to them. From her high school days to Northwestern and stops after, she’s never taken it for granted.
“People like Awak Kuier,” she continued. “ I would’ve never met someone like Awak. In Dallas, we became so close, so fast. That’s a relationship I’ll treasure forever.”
It’s clear the sport has introduced Burton to the best parts of it, but narrowing down what she wants out of it took a second to voice.
“That’s a deep-rooted question, man,” she laughed. “I think I’ve gotten a lot out of the sport in terms of what it’s taught me about myself, what I value, and what my priorities are. It’s helped me a lot. My faith is really important to me and basketball, in a way, has strengthened my faith in many, many ways. I want to be the best basketball player I can be. I’m willing to put in a lot of work. I’ve seen myself grow mentally through the ups and downs, whether it’s getting cut or not playing. Like playing in the playoffs and challenging myself. I just want to see how far I can go with it, no matter how bumpy the road is. What I can get out of it and grow in areas on the court and off the court.”
On the other side of the world, doing what she loves and pursuing her goal of developing her game, Burton wished the visit from her parents never ended.
“They were only here, unfortunately, I was not pleased with this, for 10 days, which was great. It was awesome. They put me in a house in Bendigo, so they were able to live with me. Just smooth all the way around. They got to see two games. Hopefully, one of them might come back. I don’t know if that’s going to happen, but that’s my goal. I’m trying to convince them to come back for the finals.”
On their first day in Bendigo, the Burtons were tasked by a fellow team member’s partner to seek out kangaroos on a local golf course. Kangaroos are mostly active after the sun sets and into the wee hours of the morning. A favorite spot amongst locals, the Burtons couldn’t resist as they indulged Australian culture in the simplest, yet wholesome occurrences.
“She said go to this golf course at dusk, and we went walking right in Bendigo. There were little ones and big ones,” said Mrs. Burton. “We just kept walking on this golf course, and they were everywhere. That was crazy to see. That’s a cool thing to see. They were just out there.”
No matter the location, the Burton family understands that moments spent together matter most, whether exotic animals are calling out into the sky, kangaroos prancing about, or supporting their daughter when she needs it most.
After drafting the former Northwestern Wildcat with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, the Dallas Wings waived Burton last May to finalize their opening-day roster.
The move surprised many due to her skill level and high ceiling as a defensive-minded, pass-first point guard in an era where floor generals are few and their traits fewer. In league circles, a trade to get her out of Dallas seemed likely at the time.
“ I won’t go into detail about all the behind-the-scenes stuff, but it was tough from a mental standpoint more than anything,” said Burton. “That’s a hit that you always hear about and see. You always have a lot of faith in other people that they’ll get picked up, all this and all that. It’s lovely to hear, but when it happens to you, it’s just like, dang. You don’t know. I was very unsure of what was to come. I do agree. I do think there were some opportunities for trades that just didn’t end up happening. Whether it was unexpected I was going to get cut, I don’t know. It’s above my pay grade, The more I spend time trying to navigate everything in the W, that’s when you drive yourself crazy.”
In two seasons with Dallas, Burton averaged 2.5 points, 2.1 assists, and a steal in 14 minutes. Playing in 76 games, she started in 19 of them. Never did she blame a lack of coordination from a franchise touting a track record showing a decade-long, futile effort in developing and retaining top draft picks.
“It sucks saying goodbye. I wish I got more out of myself in Dallas. I can’t put that on anyone else. Fit is a big thing when it comes to the WNBA. Style is a big thing. Style of play is a big thing. Confidence is a big thing. Being uncomfortable and confident in yourself can make or break you in this league, is what I’ve noticed. I pushed myself. One thing about me is I’m going to be in the gym. I’m going to work, so it was never that. It’s just been trusting that work, and I’ve learned from that. It’s still going to be up and down from a mental standpoint, that’s just how it is. Learning from getting cut and how I can avoid that in the future. But it was also like a breath of fresh air afterward, which is ironic because it seemed like everything would come crashing down.”
Getting cut forced Burton to question many things. The path of her basketball journey and when the next call would come replayed on a loop. Still, her faith in what God had in store for her never wavered as she leaned into what had always been there for her.
“When I got cut. I realized I was okay. It wasn’t the end of the world. I had higher expectations for the first few years, but I realized life goes on, and now I have to put my head down and work. Again, strength in my faith. That’s when I had to call on what I believe in. I can preach all I want and say all these good things, but at the end of the day, in those moments, that’s when it came down to my faith, and where He wanted me last year was Connecticut. It was one of the biggest blessings I could’ve ever imagined. For basketball reasons, for family reasons, for mental reasons. I was grateful for my entire year in Connecticut.”
On June 5, the Connecticut Sun signed Burton for the 2024 season to deal with injuries in their guard rotation. As for the Newton, Massachusetts native, playing roughly 90 minutes away from home couldn't have come at a better time. Her commitment to her craft and readiness to pursue her basketball journey was evident when she heard from former Sun coach Stephanie White and then-GM Darius Taylor.
Burton couldn’t believe the timing of the call and who it was from. She immediately began wondering how she could help her new team before stepping on the court. The feeling of being wanted and seen as a professional athlete played its role, too.
“To go on a team like Connecticut, man. I remember when I first got the call and they were 11-0 at the time and I was just like, are y’all sure? I didn’t understand. I was very happy and was going to jump on it, but I was like what could Connecticut need right now? I didn’t miss a WNBA game after I got cut. I watched every game, and they looked so well-rounded and put together. So to get a call from Steph White and Darius Taylor and seeing where they valued me was special. It boosted me up.”
No matter where the sport takes them, the Burtons are in attendance for their daughter. Throughout her career, their support was felt for years on the court from the stands.
“When we were trying to figure out where she would go next, it never occurred to us that it would be an hour and a half away from our door and the number one team in the WNBA at that point,” said Mrs. Burton. “She got that call at noon and was out our door, in her car, and fully packed two hours later. Gone. We were screaming because we couldn’t believe it.”
After getting cut by the Wings, Burton went home to Massachusetts waiting for the next step in her career to materialize. What she never could’ve imagined was that she would have a loved one at every home game.
“First off, my family being an hour and a half drive away, one thing about my parents is they’re going to show up. From young to now, they’re going to find a way to show up, and I’m extremely grateful for that. It goes deeper, you know. Not everyone can say that, and it’s not something I always recognized until the older I got. Like, man, this is special. So, honestly, I want to say I had one of my parents at every single home game in Connecticut, which was outrageous. It was so crazy. My dad covers the Patriots, so for him to show up as many times as he did while mid-NFL everything. Having them there was a beautiful thing. My sisters came and my brother. I had every single one of my family members at a game at one point that season. Having them there hit differently for sure.”
Mrs. Burton was surprised when told her daughter was shocked at the family’s support all season and into the playoffs. Having been in Dallas for several years, the impromptu family gatherings weren’t as frequent. For her mom, watching her as far as stone toss from home wasn’t an opportunity worth squandering.
“How could I not?” she asked. “I’ve been traveling all over the country watching her and it was in our backyard. An hour and a half, are you kidding? It was so wonderful. I did drive a lot, but it sure did beat getting in an airplane and getting a rental car, which is fine. I’ll do that, but I haven’t been able to do that since my kids were in high school. My kids played at Villanova in Lehigh I was able to drive to it, but that was a six-hour drive. An hour and a half? That was the best. It was fun, and I never took it for granted.”
The Sun hosted the Los Angeles Sparks last year in the first WNBA game in Boston at TD Garden. Burton’s father, the sports director for WBZ-TV and WSBK-TV, was asked to narrate a promotional video commemorating the milestone. Her sister, Kayla, a reporter and host for NBC Boston, was part of the broadcasting crew covering the game.
After years of tough matchups with the Wings against the Sun including a first-round series in favor of Connecticut in 2022, the two teams built a budding rivalry. For Burton, the feeling of being one of them in Uncasville was immediate.
“I learned so much from every single person on that team. Playing two years in Dallas against AT, there could be a bit of an intimidation factor. DB [DeWanna Bonner] as well. Both are legends of the game. They welcomed me in with open arms. I learned so much from both of them. It’s one thing to learn from your position, which I did from Ty Harris, Mo Jeff [Moriah Jefferson], and Marina Mabrey. But I think it’s really neat when you can learn from a three or a wing or like a four position. Even Brionna Jones. I learned so much from every single player on that team and the coaching staff. They welcomed me in even though I wasn’t on the initial roster and just going with it.”
In her first seven games with Connecticut, Burton averaged 3.4 minutes as she began to mesh with the team.
In her eighth game on Jun. 27 when the shorthanded Sun took on the Washington Mystics, she got an opportunity and made the most of it.
Down by 16 early in the second quarter, Connecticut couldn’t close out on Washington’s shooters and seemed disheveled in their process. In need of a steady hand, Burton provided just that with nine points, three assists, and a steal in a pivotal run before halftime. Attacking the rim was a constant, going a team-leading 4-for-4 from the line. Burton netted a three-pointer that tied the game at 44 with 43 seconds left in the half. After a few scores from the Mystics, Burton connected on a two-pointer with her foot on the arc, narrowing the deficit to four as the horns sounded.
Burton helped pilot the offense and was a stalwart on the opposite end that made a difference, giving the Sun just enough to edge out the Mystics, 94-91.
Amid the most pivotal time in her career, the love and support she received from everyone around her was indescribable.
“They had a confidence in me and a belief in me to build me up, get comfortable, and grow my game. It’s those relationships again, DiJonai [Carrington] as well. Grew close to them. Tiff [Tiffany] Mitchell, just watching her strength over the course of the season, the ups and the downs. These are people that I will connect with moving forward. I was very, very lucky to have that.”
Mitchell recently signed on with the Las Vegas Aces and is expected to be a vital contributor as the two-time champion Aces look to reclaim their crown this season. In 2024, she was a teammate of Burton’s while enduring a fight for life. After sitting out since mid-July due to an undisclosed illness, the former Gamecock guard shared she had been in the hospital dealing with sepsis. On her 30th birthday, Mitchell took to Instagram to speak on her status.
“Overcoming sepsis with a 6 abdominal abscess is a miracle,” she wrote. “Obviously these are some pretty personal moments I’m choosing to share, and these aren’t even the worst, but to be put in a position where I could have given up, I’m extremely thankful and blessed to be able to walk away from this, healthy, in good spirits and back to doing what I love.”
Mitchell went on to thank her family, loved ones, and support of the Sun and her teammates throughout her ordeal. When Burton spoke about faith and relationships forged because of basketball, these are occurrences in life where the true meaning of both is called into the light.
“That’s a testament to Tiff, honestly,” said Burton. “The outside didn’t know and even for a bit, we didn’t know the extent of it. We know she’s going through something and you hope for the best. I obviously won’t speak on her experience, but just one of the strongest individuals I’ve gotten to know and love, and when she was able to return, the light did not dim at all. It was so impressive to see and just learn from her and see her kill it. I can’t wait to see her next season.”
For 38 games, Burton soaked in every nugget from a plethora of the league’s best in Connecticut. In just her third season in the WNBA, she never took the instruction and empowerment from perennial All-Stars and All-Defense caliber stars for granted. Her stellar play continues to develop further in Australia.
In 23 games with Bendigo, Burton averaged 15.1 points on 52.5 percent inside the arc and 37.8 percent behind it (7th in WNBL), shooting 84.6 percent from the line (2nd). She also collected 5.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and three stocks. Efficiency and consistency at all three levels was a goal for her and the numbers never lie.
Burton’s points per game rank ninth, the helpers are fifth and steals place sixth (2). To say her game is thriving is an understatement. Beyond statistics, she’s seeing the court in a way like no other while still creating her shot and producing – a wrinkle in her game that has only flourished since getting picked up by Connecticut.
“Consistency, I think that’s my biggest thing at the professional level is being consistent, Being a consistent finisher around the rim, being a consistent three-point shooter. That’s something I’ve been working on, especially off the dribble. It’s one thing to be efficient at catching and shooting. That’s a great thing and I need that, but I think making people change up their ball screen coverage is a big goal of mine going into the W. Not just letting them off the hook by going under every screen. That’s something I’m hoping to carry over. Comfortability and confidence over here is a big thing. Knowing when to set people up and being good at that. I think I’ve always had a facilitator mindset, but knowing when to take over and be aggressive. Looking to get mine as well.”
In her time as a Wildcat and with the Wings, Burton executed where she was needed. Running the offense and defending the best opposing guard were her strengths. But opportunities with Connecticut and now Bendigo have allowed her to develop other notches on her tool belt. One part of her game that’s blossomed is defending every position on the floor effectively. Whether it be picking up the best wing player on the side or rolling with post players to the rim, she’s making an impact.
“From a defensive standpoint, I think honestly in Connecticut, that helped me when it comes to guarding some bigger guards or being able to switch on fours,” Burton said. “Obviously as we lost Tiff, it kind of put me in a position to backup Nai [DiJonai] in terms of guarding the best players. I think my strength is something I’ve always had and something that I’ve utilized and I’ve been looking to get stronger over here. That’s something I’m also trying to bring back is being able to guard one through four almost. Being able to switch with me on the floor so I’m not a liability in that area is something I’ve been grateful that I’m able to work on over here because you don’t always have the luxury.”
Defense has been Burton’s calling card for as long as she can remember. From Newton High to Northwestern, she’s always been one of the most talented players in that area. Still, she notes exactly where she’s seen her game mature over time and how the star-studded Sun played a role in her confidence as a premier defender.
“In terms of my defense, yeah, Burton laughed. “I think it’s different in high school when you’re one of the better players. You can pick and choose when to dominate on either side of the floor and I was probably more athletic than most people, so I could always get the steals and I always had great hand-eye coordination, Probably from playing football with my brother or something like that. I can get deflections, I can get steals, but man, I would melt into every single ball screen. The effort wasn’t there to get through it and the footwork wasn’t there. Even at Northwestern at times. We played a matchup zone defense, which put me in an impeccable position because that’s what I love to do most. Just read the game on defense. I think I’m a really good help defender and I know when to go and when to go for the steal and getting a lot of deflections. I think my arms are a bit longer than people may think or my timing. My first couple years I led the league in steals.”
Burton led the Big Ten in steals in her freshman year (2.6) and her sophomore year (3.3) and took an even bigger leap by leading all of Division 1 in her junior (3.8) and senior (4.0) years, Whether it was the steal itself or ending a play before it started with a deflection, the skills to be a menace on the ball where always there. Still, the gaudy numbers never impressed her. At the next level, she understood that playing defense as a professional calls for a well-rounded approach.
When drafted by the Wings in 2022, Burton was well aware of her abilities which led to her getting drafted seventh overall. But she wasn’t satisfied because improving never stops. In her two seasons in Dallas, the impact Burton had went beyond the box score. Spending last season with the Sun only expedited her development even more.
“I could always get you a steal, it’s just are they also scoring on me? Am I also actually sliding my feet and being physical? That was something I think when I got drafted it was just, okay, defense. She’s a very good defender. Then it just kind of becomes a little bit of your identity and then I take pride in it. I also hate the idea of anyone scoring on me or being able to talk crazy to me afterward.
I think that even leveled up when I got to Connecticut because they prioritize defense and they take so much pride in it. I think it was cool to watch DiJonai and AT and just learn from them because they took it personally if they let someone score on them. Like, you could just see it and it was cool to play defense. That was something that excited me and I learned a lot from DiJonai especially just watching her footwork getting through screens and using her strength. She’s one of the strongest guards as well. Using my body to push and get through screens was a big thing.”
Considering Burton has experienced Alyssa Thomas and DiJonai Carrington in five-on-five play as well as in practice, she was locked into Unrivaled’s one-on-one tournament.
“Yeah, I think it's cool what people are doing. What people are willing to put on the table. You’re in a vulnerable position. It’s like everyone’s watching and everyone has something to say no matter what, good or bad. Like, it can be an amazing game of one-on-one or a horrible game of one-on-one, and people are going to have something to say. I think it's cool. Being able to play for that big pot of money is great for women in sports in general and just getting access to that. I think it's dope. It’s exciting on social media. People are invested in it. People want to see who’s going to win, and you get some unexpected people winning it. One-on-one is so different from five-on-five, so I think it's really neat to see. Aaliyah Edwards, it's just cool to see people who don’t always get a bit of a light in -five-on-five are getting it right now. It’s interesting to see different strategies behind it. A lot are fouling early, so whether it's pure one-on-one, it can go either way.”
After the NBA’s most recent All-Star weekend festivities, there were reports that the league was considering a one-on-one tournament of its own for next season. As expected, fans were quick to point out how Unrivaled set the bar for such an event in the same manner the NBA adopted the W’s Commissioner Cup series into its own In-Season Tournament.
Not that names hold much weight in this matter, but the Commissioner’s Cup just sounds cooler.
It was also fair to note how NBA players might not take it as well as three-time WNBA champion and two-time MVP Breanna Stewart did after being shut out by fellow Mist BC teammate Aaliyah Edwards.
“I think the egos are on the line in something like this 100 from top to bottom,” said Burton. “Even Stewie’s tweet, like her being willing to take it on the chin, obviously so much respect for Stewie, and everyone knows that, but I do think it would be tough in the NBA because of the egos, it would be tough for sure.”
Despite all she’s learned and achieved over the last five years, Burton is determined to keep learning and sculpting her craft. From Connecticut to Bendigo, she’s analyzing her approach to defense in a different light because basketball is forever evolving.
“I still have some ways to go defensively, contrary to what people might think. I think half of it is an IQ thing and the other half is being willing and an effort thing. Just the discipline.”
The key selling points for Burton, when it came down to deciding where to play in the offseason, were ample time to perfect her craft and access to resources to do so. As arguably one of the most established professional leagues abroad, signing with Bendigo was a no-brainer. In the WNBL, teams normally play one game a week, allowing for plenty of time for skill work. When she’s not enjoying the fruits of her labor off the court, she’s on it putting the time in and the live game reps show it.
“Even with shooting, you don’t always have the luxury of being able to miss a bunch of shots or being able to take some shots you might not be able to get away with in the W. Just putting my work into action I’m always in the gym, but it’s not always easy to replicate when you’re not playing consistently and getting that experience.”
For most young players in the WNBA, if there’s one thing that is agreed on is the lack of time for development and learning on the job. Even for lottery picks, whether it be coaching miscues or organizational malpractice, a fair share of prospects have suffered through one or the other every season.
Fortunately for Burton, stints with the Sun and Spirit have given her exactly what she needed: time and opportunity. With coaches and specialists readily available, Burton has transformed her shooting form seemingly overnight. Her motion is as fluid as ever when stationary, but especially off the dribble. Live game reps and belief in her ability give her ample opportunity to be aggressive and hunt for her shots off screens in a way that should translate to play in the W quite well.
“Man, a lot of repetition,” Burton said. “That was one thing when I was signing with Bendigo as well as the access to resources. Coaches are so, so involved and willing to put in the time. Even when I was in Poland last year, it was just me in the gym, which is great. I love being in the gym. But any time you call up a coach here, they’re willing to get in the gym with you. I think just putting up a large amount of reps and game-like reps, then applying them in practice. We scrimmage a lot in practice and I think that’s been the best thing for me.
I’m a really good shooter in drills, I can knock down a lot in warm-ups and drills, whatever it may be. I can be good at that, but when it comes time to the game, as you said, you have to get your feet faster, you have to get the ball out faster when someone’s running after you or when you’re shooting behind a ball screen. That’s been a big thing for me, so I’m grateful that I’m able to get in the gym with my coaches every day from a drilling perspective, then do it in practice because we’re scrimmaging so often and then in the game. I think just consistent practice reps to game reps has been huge and something that I need to carry over.”
Outside of earning in the WNBA offseason, a key reason players go overseas is to learn more about the game and accentuate their talents. Another is the simple fact that there isn’t enough time during the regular season for them to develop. As the league grows and games are added to the schedule every season, practice time and ample rest periods in between games need to be as well. Based on comments from WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike throughout the 2024 season, these will surely be topics of discussion when it comes to negotiating its new CBA.
“With the time in the W, 100 percent,” Burton said. “With how kind of compact our season can be, especially with the Olympics last year, people’s bodies have to recover. We don’t get a ton of practice time. You have two to three games a week sometimes, so it's a lot of walkthroughs because people’s bodies are beat up. You have training camp, and then obviously we had the Olympic break. That’s when you really get to practice, go live and scrimmage. Each team is different, so to each their own on that. Even with some vets versus a younger team, everyone does it differently. But you don’t have a ton of practice time.”
"When I was going overseas, that was something that I wanted to emphasize,” said Burton. “I want to be playing, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t want to be beating myself up to the point where I can’t also develop my craft, so I loved the idea of Australia. Having mostly one game a week so that I can be doing a lot of skill work, and then playing. That was a big factor for me as well coming out here.”
As the league grows and games are added to the schedule every season, practice time and ample rest periods in between games need to be as well. Based on comments from WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike throughout last season, these will surely be topics of discussion when it comes to negotiating its new collective bargaining agreement.
Returning to Bendigo next offseason is something that Burton is actively considering. Still, with the WNBL playoffs underway and an inaugural season for the Valkyries approaching, the situation is a fluid one.
“It’s something that has been brought up in conversation,” said Burton. “I think that would be something I have to consider. It’s not out of the question. It comes down to my experience in the W going back and how my body is feeling physically and mentally. I’m not one to commit super early to things, especially if I’m not 100 percent sure yet, so I think that’s something that time will tell, but I 100 percent love everything about it here. I love the people, so it’s high in consideration.”
When Burton was selected in the expansion draft in December, the road trips from Massachusetts to Uncasville came to a close, but the memories made will last forever in the Burton family.
“When Veronica got drafted by the Valkyries, I had no regrets,” Mrs. Burton continued. “Was it great having her an hour and a half away? Of course. I never took it for granted. I didn’t miss a game. We just spent so much time together, so it was easier to say goodbye because I was going to see her again soon. It was just really incredible.”
The WNBA has three new expansion teams joining league play with the Valkyries slated to tip-off this season and the Toronto Tempo and Portland franchise taking the court in 2026. Sports Business Journal recently reported that if chosen for expansion, the Cleveland Rockers would be revived for 2028.
“The WNBA has received formal bids from many interested ownership groups in various markets and we are currently in the process of evaluating these proposals,” a WBNA spokesperson told SBJ.
Back in 2023, former Wings coach Latricia Trammell told reporters that players had a basketball operations meeting with league officials and the most frequently asked question was about roster expansion. According to Trammell, players “received answers that weren’t made public.
“I wish there was a developmental league that players could go to,” Trammell said. “I think that is needed. We had a basketball ops meeting and I know players across this league were asking about increased roster spots and expansion.”
Even Ogwumike took to X in 2023 and noted how an entire league of players is at home due to roster constrictions.
https://x.com/nnekaogwumike/status/1658639595981139968?s=46
Trammell went on to comment about how hard it is to make final roster cuts before the start of the season because she believed that every player who was cut deserved to be in the league. While veterans are on the opposite end of personnel decisions, lottery picks aren’t guaranteed to stick to a roster for a myriad of reasons ranging from an organization drafting for talent and not fit or a lack of investment in developing young players. It’s important to note that the league has two more expansion drafts before the start of the 2026 season, which only further complicates matters.
With several expansion teams gearing up for inaugural play, there are an estimated 33 roster spots open to sign players. Unfortunately, most general managers only carry the required 11 spots in anticipation of the eventual injury bug that sweeps over the WNBA every year. The toll players put on their bodies by playing basketball for nearly an entire year straight is a direct reflection of the lack of opportunities as well as other systemic issues within the WNBA.
When it comes down to experiencing injuries ravishing a roster, Burton knows a bit about the subject.
“I guess I haven’t thought too much about it,” said Burton. “I think it could go either way. There’s probably beauty in it for sure. I think whether more people would have an issue with playing time could go either way. Maybe when it comes to injury and stuff like that, it’s a big thing. We have so many hardship contracts, so making that an easier transition. I don’t know the perfect answer to that. On the outside, it looks really good and I could understand the beauty of it. It’s just if people can accept a smaller role the more people there are on a team.”
She doesn’t have all the answers, but Burton isn’t new to this, she’s true to this. She’s been on rosters decimated by injuries. Her opportunity with the Sun came about due to a rash of injuries. Still, if the WNBA intends to put player health and safety above in addition to charter flights being introduced last season, an increase in roster spots league-wide should be a priority.
Despite the hurdles faced to start her career, Burton is appreciative of the lessons learned in the process. In many ways, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria represents how far basketball has taken her. Through the ups and downs, her faith and belief in her talents piloted a path that was already destined for greatness.
“ I’m just really grateful for where basketball has taken me out here in Australia and to have family come out and experience it with me. Then, obviously for every team that has given me an opportunity in the W. I’m extremely grateful for that because I get to play the sport that I love.”
No matter the situation, the sun never stopped shining down on Veronica Burton.