Basketball
Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October
The SWSAS Basketball program is delivered in partnership with Basketball NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.
This program provides a high‑performance development pathway for talented young Basketballers, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. It aligns with the Basketball NSW Development Pathway and connects athletes to state and national pathways.
Athletes receive targeted skill development, seasonal training support, and preparation for high‑performance trials. The program includes practical education in areas such as S&C, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management, along with opportunities to represent SWSAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.
Program Partners
Program Benefits
Selected athletes receive:
- High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
- Access to quality training facilities
- Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
- Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
- Opportunities to represent SWSAS at events
- Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
- Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games and Inter-Academy Basketball activities (invitation only)
Additional SWSAS benefits:
- Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
- Support for award and scholarship nominations
- Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
- Promotion through SWSAS media channels
Athlete Eligibility
Program Eligibility Criteria
Athletes must:
- Turning 15 or 16 in 2027 (born 2011 or 2012)
- Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Basketball.
- Be a registered member of a Basketball club within the South West Sydney region.
- Reside in one of the following LGAs: Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Wollondilly.
Athlete Levy
Key Dates
Program Delivery Period
October 2025 – April 2026
Key Events (Indicative)
- Your Local Club Academy Games: 17th-18th April, 2026 (Tamworth)
2025/26 Squad
Jeff Cooper – Head Coach
Paul DeFries – Assistant Coach
Peter Biela – Assistant Coach
Emily Paulic – Assistant Coach
Sue Paulic – Manager
Lachlan Barlow
Max Biela
David Cunningham
Michael Dameen
Logan Darragh
Jake Diver
Beau Diver
Holly Dunk
Harper Kathrada
Willow Lester
Noah Manuain
Jaxson Manuain
Beau Orazi
Peyton Palmer
Alexis Rootsey
Mitchell Taylor
Hayden Stoddart
Benjamin Wood
