When you're born into Australian basketball royalty you're expected to perform every time you step on the court.
Canberra Capitals' Kate Gaze is holding up her end of the bargain.
Gaze, 26, has been in sensational touch since returning from injury two weeks ago, highlighted with a superb six-from-six three-point shooting display against Sydney.
The daughter of former Australian player Mark Gaze and second cousin to Boomers legend Andrew Gaze, the shooting guard admitted draining baskets comes with the name.
"I guess being born into the Gaze family all we did was shoot from a pretty young age, so I have to be good at it with a name like this," she said.
Gaze is relishing her time in the capital after being recruited by coach Paul Goriss this season following back-to-back WNBL championships with Townsville.
"I didn't play too much in Townsville and Gorry really wanted me to come down, he believes in me and I'm getting more opportunity playing more, which is great," Gaze said.
"I'd love to start — who wouldn't — but we have a lot of talent in the team and I'm just happy to be contributing towards us winning.
"Coming off the bench providing a bit of burst of energy has been good for the team and if I can bring some scoring power as well then I'm just doing my job for the team."
A foot injury sidelined Gaze for eight weeks but the Capitals super-sub has declared herself fully fit for the first time this season ahead of Saturday's clash with Bendigo.
"My season has been so up and down with injury, it's great to finally go out there and not have to think about my body," she said.
"It's a big game this weekend but we've been playing well and hopefully with a big home crowd we can get the win."
Goriss likened the phenomenal shooting display against Sydney to something from NBA superstar Steph Curry's play book and described Gaze as a vital cog in the Capitals setup.
"She's a deadly threat from outside the three, but a big thing Kate brings is that people have to defend her both on the ball and off the ball, which helps us stretch our offence," Goriss said.
Bendigo is the only side Canberra hasn't defeated this season and with a tight contest expected, Gaze said she would back herself with the game on the line.
"I wouldn't mind Gorry writing up a play for me to win us the game, I'd definitely put my hand up to take the shot," Gaze said.
WNBL ROUND 15
Saturday: Canberra Capitals v Bendigo Spirit at Tuggeranong Stadium, 7pm.
