Helen Naylor confirms retirement from professional basketball

Image credit: Mansoor Ahmed / ahmedphotos

Helen Naylor is retiring from professional basketball after an impressive career spanning two decades.

One of the greatest players in the WBBL era, Naylor finishes up at Sheffield Hatters having first been involved with the club as a teenager.

“I’ve played basketball for as long as I can remember, and have loved my time in the WBBL with the Hatters. The decision to retire from the WBBL is an easy one – it’s definitely time,” Naylor told Hoopsfix.

“I have some amazing memories I will always cherish. I’m excited for the next chapter, especially spending more time with my daughter.

“It’s not the end of basketball for me, I will still be a part of the Hatters and playing alongside my sister again which I’m so excited for, as well as continuing with the GB maxis.

“It’s a really exciting time for women’s basketball and I can’t wait to watch it grow over the coming years.”

Naylor was a prolific scorer throughout her career and ranks second all-time in the WBBL Championship with 2300+ points – only behind Cat Carr.

The 35-year-old was the first-ever recipient of the WBBL Playoffs final MVP award after dropping 30 points to conclude the inaugural season. Naylor also produced one of the best finishes in a final with the game-winner as Sheffield beat Sevenoaks in the 2019 Cup final.

Naylor won five trophies in total with the Hatters and also spent a season with Manchester Mystics during Sheffield’s one-year hiatus.

The former GB international becomes the latest high-profile player to retire in recent seasons including close friend Jo Leedham-Warner, who bowed out at the end of last season.

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