Manchester Basketball have strengthened their backcourt ahead of the 2026/27 Super League Basketball season, announcing the return of American guard Jenna Mastellone alongside the arrivals of Caroline Lau and Janelle Brown.
Mastellone returns to Manchester for a second spell with the club after beginning last season in the city, where she averaged 15 points per game before moving to Bosnia. During her time there, the American continued to make an impact, averaging 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
The return to Manchester will see Mastellone reunite with the club after previously building an impressive professional career across Europe. Her standout spells have included Peja 03 in Kosovo, where she averaged 27.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists during the 2023/24 season, and CD Escola Francisco Franco in Portugal, where she posted 23.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in 2024-25.
A product of Saint Francis University, Mastellone was part of the NEC Championship-winning team as a freshman in 2018 before finishing her college career averaging 10.7 points per game as a senior.
“I’m excited to be back in Manchester this season,” said Mastellone. “I love the city and am looking forward to seeing what our team can accomplish this year.”
Head Coach Oli Parr added: “We’re glad to bring Jenna back into MCR after time away from the club. She brings a lot of excitement to the team on and off the court.”
Joining Mastellone in Manchester’s backcourt will be Caroline Lau, who arrives in England following her senior season at Northwestern University.
The 5’9” guard started all 29 games for the Wildcats last season, averaging 8.8 points, 8.4 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game while recording career highs across the board. A highly regarded facilitator, Lau collected multiple academic and conference honours during her four years at Northwestern, including Academic All-Big Ten recognition, Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and CSC Academic All-District honours in 2024/25.
“I’m super excited to be joining Manchester this upcoming season,” said Lau. “I can’t wait to get there and get to work!”
Parr believes Lau’s ability to influence games will be an important addition to his roster.
“I’m excited to be bringing Caroline into Manchester,” he said. “Her ability to read the game and execute what’s needed is going to be super beneficial for us. I can’t wait to have her here.”
Completing the trio is Janelle Brown, who will make the move into professional basketball following an outstanding college career at Fairfield University.
Brown enjoyed a particularly impressive 2023/24 campaign, averaging 13.8 points and 2.5 steals per game while earning MAAC Player of the Year, MAAC Championship MVP, All-MAAC First Team and All-Met First Team honours, as well as being named MAAC Player of the Week three times.
The guard finished her Fairfield career with 1,187 points and 498 rebounds, including a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game during the 2022/23 season.
Brown is relishing the opportunity to begin her professional career in Manchester.
“Super excited for this new opportunity! It’s not how you start but it’s how you finish, and this next chapter of my journey will definitely be one of my favourites,” said Brown.
“I thank everyone who’s helped me along the way, and I can’t wait to make some noise in England!”
Parr is expecting Brown’s competitive edge to translate immediately to the professional game.
“We welcome Janelle to Manchester, we can’t wait to have her on the floor with us,” he said. “She is a huge competitor, that’s going to lead the charge on both ends of the ball.”
The additions of Mastellone, Lau and Brown give Manchester further depth, creativity and scoring ability in the backcourt as Parr continues to shape his roster ahead of the new Super League Basketball Women’s season.