Returning Canberra Capitals guard Kate Gaze believes veteran Nat Hurst can add a championship-edge to the team if she decides to make a WNBL comeback next season.
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Gaze signed a new one-year deal on Wednesday to rejoin the Capitals for a bid to break an eight-year finals drought.
She will be one of only three players left from last season's roster as coach Paul Goriss continues to rebuild the squad to cover the loss of the retired Carly Wilson and Europe-bound Marianna Tolo.
Hurst is weighing up an offer from the Capitals or the option of returning to Europe to continue her career.
It is hoped she will make a decision on her future in the coming days before the birth of her first child and a training camp with the Australian Opals in the United States.
Hurst is the only player to have been involved in all seven of Canberra's WNBL titles and Gaze has no doubt the 34-year-old can be a spark for a new-look roster.
"I would love for Nat Hurst to come back to Canberra," Gaze said.
"I've never played with her, but I've played against her and remember running around the whole game trying to chase her.
"She's a phenomenal player and would bring so much experience. She's won championships and has played overseas ... she's a great, smart point guard and someone I would love to learn from.
"If we could get her in a Caps uniform, it would be unreal."
Gaze was a crucial cog in the Capitals' team last season despite her campaign being dogged by injuries.
She averaged eight points per game and was one of the leading scorers despite missing seven matches.
Her experience will be even more crucial next season when the Capitals throw together a new group to chase their first play-off spot since 2011.
Goriss has already recruited American import Jordan Hooper, Australian Opal Rachel Jarry and rising youngster Lauren Sherf to join Gaze, Abbey Wehrung and Keely Froling.
The Capitals will continue putting pieces in place in the coming weeks and Gaze is confident they can be successful under Goriss' tutelage.
"We had a great year last year in terms of results and getting things back on track," Gaze said.
"Gorrie is such a great coach and I definitely improved my game under him. He was a huge reason I joined Canberra last year and another huge reason why I want to come back.
"I'm just really happy we were able to make it happen and get a deal done. I'm excited to be more of a leader [next season] so hopefully it's a great opportunity."
The Capitals will move into a new home at the National Convention Centre after securing ACT budget funding for a $250,000 court in Civic.
