“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.
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…
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
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA – The 2019 Australian Indigenous Basketball (AIB) National Tournament held at Early Settler Stadium in Cairns this past week lived up to the hype Cross Over Dribble was told…
Binar (WA) and Darwin Rebels (NT) celebrate together after their 14 & under girls’ game. Picture: Adam McKay
Like all sporting competitions there were winners and there were losers, however not one of the sixty attending teams from across the country left disappointed. The celebration of culture through sport brought amazing basketball talent on-court, combined with proud community support off-court. Festivities commenced with an Opening Ceremony in front of 1200-plus spectators. On the same night, fans were also treated to 3-point shootout competitions and a slam dunk contest. Cairns local Indiah Bowyer took out the women’s shootout, while Fred Williams from the Darwin Razzle Storm collected the men’s crown. Alex Duke from Binar captivated the huge crowd with his aerial acrobatics enroute to winning the slam dunk title. 149 games were played across five days, with teams battling for grand final spots in the 14 & under, 17 & under and senior divisions. Kayin Bau from the Torres Strait Islands were too good in the 14 & under girls’ decider, defeating Binar from Western Australia, 44-31. Monique Bobongie from Kayin Bau top scored with 15 grand final points, the 13-year old also earning tournament MVP honours following a week of stellar performances.
A huge community gathered for the opening ceremony of the tournament
On the back of some relentless defence, the Binar 14 & under boys were dominant in their grand final, defeating the Garbutt Magpies (QLD), 57-36. Binar cousins Malachi and Cumoram Desmond combining for 25-points, the latter securing tournament MVP honours. The Darwin Rebels from Northern Territory were far too good for Binar, 52-35 in the 17 & under girls final. Tiayana Sing lead the way for the Rebels with 20-points, including four, long-range trifectas. Sing’s Rebels teammate Molly Althouse taking home tournament MVP silverware. A 21-point outburst from MVP Ronan Coppin led Binar to the 17 & under boy’s national title. The Western Australian’s defeated the NQ Phoenix Blaze, 64-50. Ezekial Corowa was the best for the Blaze finishing with 19.
It was a deadly contest between the Townsville Bouncers and Mulungu Mareeba U14B
In the Senior women’s division, the Darwin Rebels proved too good for the NQ Phoenix Fire, 57-47. Adelaide Lightning WNBL development player Jasmin Fejo dropping 21-points for the Rebels in a polished performance. Rebels shooting guard Ambah Kowcun was named MVP of the division, averaging 16 points per game across 8 games. In the marquee men’s division matchup Erub United capped off an undefeated week taking down the Cairns Black Marlins, 55-47. Erub United forward Chris Cedar winning MVP honours after dropping a game-high 17-points.
Wundarra Thomas in action for the Southern Lightning
AIB Chief Executive Officer and Tournament Director Joel Khalu spoke of the success of the tournament. “Our organizing committee were blown away with how well everything went,” Khalu said. “All of the participating teams were fantastic, both on and off the court. The vibe throughout the venue was positive all week.” “We had lots of nail-biting finishes and the crowd support across all the matches created an unreal atmosphere for the players, particularly for our junior teams.” “There’s a few things our committee will look to change for future AIB tournaments but overall, for a first time, we’re absolutely thrilled.” “Based on the outcomes achieved, we have no doubt it will continue to grow and be bigger again in 2020.”
Elijah Hastie in action for the Townsville Bouncers
The Australian Indigenous Basketball National Tournament was proudly supported by the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council.
Australian Indigenous Basketball (AIB) is a non-profit incorporated association, operating as the recognised body for Indigenous Basketball in Australia and is responsible for the delivery of key strategic priorities.
Our friends can keep up to date with all AustralianIndigenousBasketball events by following their Website, Facebook and Instagram.
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 