Category: Basketball Features

Waatu: “Coming together for a common goal for University Basketball”

This year is the second year of the University Basketball League (UBL) and South Australia has a representative team in the Mens and Womens competition. Here’s the wrap of the first four rounds of the UBL for the AU Waatu…

The "Waatu" are all in for South Australian University representation both on and off court for the UBL 2022. Photo supplied by Adelaide University Sport

The name of the new Adelaide University basketball team says it all about the representation of South Australian basketball at the University national level. “Waatu” is Kaurna language for “coming together for a common goal” which essentially means they are the Adelaide University “Team of success, enjoyment and pride.”

And no doubt this is exactly what they have displayed so far in their first few games of the season…

Mens Waatu Rounds 1-3 (Away)

The Mens coached by Norwood Flames import Trey Mcbride have started reasonably well but could’ve been easily 2-2 heading into their inaugural homes games had it not been for USC Spartans dropping a 4-point play through Cooper Sparksman. The Mens grabbed a first win for the season in Round 1 against UWA Maali 92-71 with NBL1 Central’s Nick “Fassasin” Fassos scoring 26 points with 6 triples and 14 rebounds. Unfortunately they came up against two tough Sydney based teams in Uni of Sydney and Sydney Tech 54-98 and 48-96 respectively before dropping that close one to the Spartans 75-76. That left the Waatu 1-3 heading into their home fixtures against the Victorian teams of Latrobe (LTU Eagles) and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT Redbacks)

Womens Waatu Rounds 1-3 (Away)

The Womens coached by Woodville Warriors Jawan Stepney also nearly snuck as win in Round 1 against the UWA falling agonisingly close 60-62. Evie Lovell had 16 points, 5 steals and 3 rebounds in that one with a youthful team full of many Division 1 U23 Central District Lions players. Much like the Men the road trip to Sydney was extremely tough going down to Uni of Sydney 36-90 and Sydney Tech 29-77 then played the Spartans going down 55-108 but showing some positive signs coming into their home games despite the tough three games against strong lineups. That left the Waatu 0-4 heading into their home fixtures against the Victorian teams of Latrobe (LTU Eagles) and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT Redbacks).

Read on about the inaugural home games

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Waatu Men complete inaugural opening week

The Waatu Men won their inaugural home games by first defeating the LTU Eagles 74-69 in a thriller at the ABH Gym (Adelaide Botanic High School Gym). NBL1 Central Sturt Sabres Toby Hunt dropped 8 points in the final quarter (10 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists) and sealed the game with an inbound steal to give the Waatu their second win of the season. Fellow Sabre Harry Reemst dropped 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists shooting 12/13 from the free throw line while West Adelaide Bearcat Lachy Hunter was big on the glass with 13 points, 8 rebounds (5 offensive) and 5 assists adding to the 18 total for the team. LTU were led by Troy Schaeche with 12 points and 6 assists and NBL1 South Eltham Wildcats Sam Trezise (11 points) and Christian Yammouni (10 points and 9 rebounds). The game also featured Ovie Magbegor for the Eagles of course the older brother of WNBL Championship Melbourne Boomer, WNBA and Australian Opal player Ezi however the Waatu did a good job curbing his game on the glass and scorecard keeping him to 6 points and 11 rebounds.

Harry Reemst (front right) of the Waatu averaged 23.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and added 15/17 from the free throw line in Round 4. Photo supplied by Adelaide University Sport

The Waatu backed it up the next day in the round with a solid win over the RMIT Redbacks 85-70. Hunt started where he left off to finish with a double double of 23 points and 11 rebounds along with 7 assists but the sharp shooting of Norwood Flames SDL player Nikolas Stefanovic was player of the match as he torched the Redbacks beyond the arc. Stefanovic finished with 20 points including 6/7 triples and broke the game open. Reemst was outstanding in his second game of the week as well with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. The Redbacks captain and centre James Smith was hard to contain as he finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds while fellow VBL players Caleb Bruggerman (14 points and 6 rebounds) and Hayden Mitchell (12 points and 6 assists) kept the Redbacks in the contest.

The Waatu now sit 6th on the ladder heading into their next games…

Waatu Women work hard but Eagles and Redbacks prevail

Keen to make an impression in their opening game, the Waatu women were solid for the opening minutes until the LTU Eagles super star Meghan Stagoll took over to open up a sizeable lead for the away side and eventually the 3rd placed La Trobe ran away with it 42-120. The NBL1 South Eltham Wildcat Stagoll finished with 39 points with counterpart Jamie Weddle not too far behind with 14 points while giant Eilish Feehan caused problems on the glass for Stepney’s women. Evie Lovell continued her solid form to lead the home side with 15 points and forward Abby Lowman dropped 11 points.

Bree Grillett (pictured) has brought a lot of energy and hustle to the Waatu Womens this season. Photo supplied by Adelaide University Sport

A huge chance awaited in the second game the next day against the equally winless RMIT Redbacks and the Waatu gave a good account of themselves. At quarter time it was 11-18 with the Waatu minus guard Tiara Hatchard missing the remainder of the game due to a whack to the mouth. Enter SDL player Sophie Cardillo (15 points) who influenced the contest heavily along with Josie Harris and Tamika Reid who struck some long bombs to keep them in it. In the end the Redbacks bite on the rebounds through Sophie Owen (19 points and 13 rebounds) and their captain Ruth Burrows (13 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists) was too much as they closed the Women out 45-63 in the finish; but it was along with the Round 1 game one of the best performances of the season for the Women.

The Waatu will next play at home in Round 5 of the UBL April 26 and 27 against the Curtin University Carnabys and the Federation University Falcons at the ABH Gym at 2:00pm and 4:00pm and even though its early in their introduction into this national college style competition; there is definitely already some success, enjoyment and pride for these teams…

RD 4 Men AU Waatu 74 (Reemst 24, Hunter 13, Cranna 11, Hunt 10, Datario 7) defeated LTU Eagles 69 (Schaeche 12, Trezise 11, Yammouni 10, Debney 9, Toaishara 7)

RD 4 Men AU Waatu 85 (Reemst 23, Hunt 23, Stefanovic 20, Homburg 9) defeated RMIT Redbacks 70 (Smith 24, Bruggerman 14, Mitchell 12, Brennan, Jovic 7)

RD 4 Women AU Waatu 42 (Lovell 15, Lowman 11) defeated by LTU Eagles (Stagoll 39, Weddle 14, Feehan 13, Gray 10, A Burrows, Kirk 9, Keogh, McCarthy 7)

RD 4 Women AU Waatu 45 (Cardillo 15, Reid 9, Harris 8) defeated by RMIT Redbacks 63 (Owen 19, R Burrows 13, Delzoppo 9, Bendel 8)

“Dance” begins at ICBL South Australia

(3 minute read)

“Our dance is just beginning” were the words echoed through the community centre room at Ingle Farm Recreation Centre as the inaugural Indigenous Community Basketball League launched Sunday the 7th of February 2021.

With the face of the man who inspired the joining of Indigenous basketball groups Patrick Mills front and centre at every venue across Australia, a generation of basketball players took the court for the first time creating an atmosphere too difficult to describe in words.

Here are Patty Mills opening words of the league…

Inspired by these words and an attitude to go and get it, local Indigenous Youth group Yellaka provided a “Welcome to Country” to remember led by Karl Telfer as a crowd of close to hundreds (all covid safe naturally) then witnessed four boys teams take the court in two very close games before the girls finished off the day.

Adelaide Lightning and recently signed NBL1 Central Norwood Flames star guard Ally Wilson, the regional coordinator was most proud to see the indigenous girls take the court. “I love it and can’t wait for my girls to get out there being a girl basketballer myself, I am excited to see them play.”

2021 Round One of the Indigenous Basketball Australia – South Australia. Photo by Kelly Barnes/AllStar Photos

Wilson has been busy behind the scenes along with several others getting the SA region of the league up and running and when starting new competitions in such a targeted approach, it takes much effort and work. “Its been a busy couple of weeks to get it up and running and off the ground but we are here now and super excited to get started”

The event was also attended by plenty of basketball royalty including former WNBL Lightning and Australian Opals players Rachael Sporn and new mum of two Laura Hodges along with former Adelaide 36er and the current head of the Australian Basketball Players’ Association Jacob Holmes. Several Indigenous figures were present as well including Professor Peter Buckskin (Former Dean of Aboriginal Engagement and Strategic Projects at UNISA), TSI Elder Uncle Eddie Peters and former Port Adelaide Power Aboriginal Programs coordinator and one of the most respected leaders in Indigenous sports Paul Vandenburgh.

The coaches featured former Port Adelaide Power AFL footballer Danyle Pearce, Dan Fejo (NBL1 Central Woodville Warriors), Malachai Ah Matt (NBL1 South Adelaide Panthers), Zac Scott (Port Adelaide Athletics Club), Temaana Sanderson-Bromley (West Adelaide Bearcats) and Mathew Chambers to name a few. The turnout of the Indigenous community past and present really showed the need for the league. “I think it means a lot for the Indigenous community and it hasn’t happened before as its the first in Australia and here in Adelaide,” Wilson described the overall atmosphere of the launch and what it means moving forward in the coming months.

The day was capped off with the news that ambassador Mills NBA record breaking 784th game was the most by any Australian in the league, it occurred on the same day as the launch of the ICBL. “Thats crazy it’s worked out like that, Patty has been so supportive of this venture so its really great that its happened like that,” Wilson described the breaking news on Sunday.

I agree Ally, it seems the right timing that Mills record occurred the same day as a new dance begun for the Indigenous community and basketball in South Australia…

Written by Tristan Prentice

IBA follows Mills lead to form League

The Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL) developed through NBA Champion, three-time Olympian and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian Patty Mills and reformed Indigenous Basketball Australia is coming to South Australia. The Cross Over Dribble got an exclusive look at the new venture with IBA as well as some thoughts from head of basketball at the IBA, Tyson Demos…

PATTY MILLS AND INDIGENOUS BASKETBALL AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCE DATES AND LOCATIONS OF THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY BASKETBALL LEAGUE

(5 Minute-Read)

Providing an opportunity to #OwnYourStory for Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths to advance from the grassroots level to the world stage

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (January 12, 2021):

ICBL is the first competition aimed at discovering, engaging, supporting and empowering Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths in a safe and positive environment. Beginning at a grassroots level, the programs will provide a platform for aspiring players to progress into basketball leagues in Australia and across the world, as well as Australian national basketball teams. “To continue my efforts as a leader for my people and to follow my family’s legacy of providing legitimate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through my sport of basketball is the true outcome of my personal success and accomplishments.” says Patty Mills. “What we will do with the IBA programs and competitions has never been done before and is the first-of-its-kind in this country’s sporting environment. It’s game changing and we’re creating history. He adds, “As a starting point, we will begin with the age group of under 14. The early adolescence years are crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development – our complementary programs
throughout the competitions of IBA will support these kids and their communities in embracing their culture and unlocking ones full potential in an environment that is safe and free from any discrimination. We want to give them the best possible chance to succeed. As we grow, we will expand to more regions and more age groups.”

Former and current NBL players Tyson Demos (Left), Nate Jawai (Middle Back) and Pat Mills (Centre) have all been involved with the reforming of Indigenous Basketball Australia Photo: IBA

Harnessing the spirit of the IBA’s commitment to pathway development, each player competing in the ICBL will automatically be in the running for selection to represent their region, and proudly sport their state colours at the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament on Queensland’s Gold Coast in
April 2021. Unique to this program are the ‘Inspirational and Motivational Sessions’ that will complement the weekly competitions. Role models and motivational speakers will share their personal stories of setting and achieving goals and will also be offering their support to the participants on their journey
to success. “As a proud Torres Strait Islander, I am incredibly supportive of Indigenous Basketball Australia and the real opportunity it would bring to my people – both on and off the court.” adds Nathan Jawai, Forward
and Centre of the Cairns Taipans. “The IBA model will see young players supported in a positive and safe environment to fulfil their dreams; equipping them with invaluable tools, skills and experience to flourish and succeed. I strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths to sign up today to participate in the Indigenous Community Basketball League and the innovative IBA programs. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing the talent of tomorrow emerge and sharing the same court as
them one day.”

Head of Basketball at the IBA former Illawarra/Wollongong guard Tyson Demos shared with the Cross Over Dribble who’s role is to facilitate the delivery of IBA basketball activities, competitions and events about the need for an indigenous basketball competition across the country.

“IBA has been established to overcome the many challenges and barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face in the current Australian basketball systems and structures. Our goal is to create pathways and opportunities at the grassroots level and give them every opportunity to be successful – both on and off the court,” Demos shared with the Cross Over Dribble.

The South Australian branch of this venture will be featured at the Westside Basketball Association already deeply ingrained in growing indigenous basketball programs through the Aboriginal Basketball Academy (ABA), the initiative of the Woodville Warriors District Basketball Club that has been around since 2016. For regional coordinator Ally Wilson the current Adelaide Lightning WNBL and Eastern Mavericks NBL1 Central player, it makes perfect sense for Demos to have her bring it all together to support her community.

Tyson Demos: “We are privileged to have Ally involved with the program as a Regional Coordinator for the SA Region. Ally is a phenomenal basketball player, but also an incredible mentor and role model for all young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls. It will be amazing experience for these kids to hear Ally’s story in hope it will inspire them to “own their story.” Photo: IBA

There is still a much large scope for the program to support youth outside the direct delivering of the basketball program as Demos explains. “Using the power of sport, the ICBL will be vital for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities because it provides a one-of-a-kind program offering a safe and positive environment where the kids can really thrive. The unique inspiration and motivation sessions held by each of the Regional Coordinators will complement the sporting competitions and will offer the kids access to positive role models to help them along their journey. These sessions will help build their self-confidence, strengthen and promote their individual cultural identity and equip them with important life skills such as setting and owning goals, accountability and resilience.  We can’t wait to get started.”

Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths who are under 14 years old in the 8 regions identified are encouraged to register for the ICBL by visiting the official IBA website where they will find the contact details of their Regional Coordinator.

To learn more about ICBL and how to get involved, please visit the IBA website: indigenousbasketballaustralia.com or follow IBA on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn using #OwnYourStory

Media Release shared as a courtesy of IBA with additonal content added by editor of Cross Over Dribble with permission of IBA and supporting organisations, please contact IBA for further inquiries

Article compiled by chief editor Tristan Prentice