Werribee Basketball is pleased to call for applications for all junior representative Werribee Devils Teams for the 2019/20 VJBL season. The VJBL has been a key pathway for many of Australia’s best players & coaches. Coaching is one of the most rewarding things an individual can do. Come & join one of Victorian Basketball’s fastest growing and developing basketball associations.
Please see attached position description for the VJBL coaching roles.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
APPLICATIONS CLOSE SATURDAY, AUGUST 31st 2019
VJBL Coach Selection Process
- Coaching applications called for via WBA website and social media.
- Applications close Saturday 31st August, 2019.
- Appointed coach selection panel meet. Please note, interviews may be held at the discretion of the selection panel for existing coaches and all new coaches will be interviewed.
- Coaches appointed to an age group & gender prior to 2019/20 VJBL Representative Tryouts.
- Coaches appointed to specific teams at the conclusion of the 201/20 VJBL Representative Tryouts.
Please note: For applications to be accepted, they must be completed fully and correctly.
Any questions can be directed to the Player & Coach Development Manager, Reece Potter.
Email: reece.potter@wyndhambasketball.com OR Phone: (03) 9742 5440 & press 4
How do you rate the season?
This season started out slowly but finished as a great step forward for the YLW program at Werribee. After a productive pre-season we started off with a tough schedule, however soon found our strides winning 12 of our last 13 games. We maintained a strong core from the previous season and that helped the continuity of coaching. We made a conscious effort to play at a very quick pace and it proved to be successful not only for individual development but for team success. The group made finals which was again an improvement from last year.
What were the positives for the season?
Our strong focus on culture and development. The goal of the squad was to get 1% better each session as an individual and as a team. And looking at the results and the style of play from individuals and of the team I believe we accomplished this.
Obviously winning 12 games in a row was a massive positive for the season. Also having 2 girls earn college scholarships from this season was a massive positive for them as individuals and I couldn’t be more proud of those players.
What could have been improved?
We had a very offensive focus this season, as it took a lot of work to implement the style of play we were intent on playing. This meant that we could have been more strict and disciplined defensively. That will be something to build on next season. With only one player aging out, hopefully we can retain the core group of players and then can continue where we left off.
Who have been the standouts on court for your team?
The system we have implemented is quite egalitarian in its approach and it meant that we consistently had multiple contributors over the season. 8 of our players scored over 20 points at least once during the season, and we had 7 different leading scorers for games.
In saying that, Olivia Klaman had a brilliant year, and was the MVP of our team. Liv had some big games which included 32 points against Whittlesea and a 37 point game against Pakenham (including 9 3PM).
Alana Anthony also had a great year for us. She bought energy offensively and defensively and again proved to be one of the hardest covers in our competition.
Are there any YL2W players you could see making the leap into our Champ Women side next season?
This season we saw Ariyel Edwards make the transition to being a 2 way player with the Champ Women’s side and I think there are other players who could potentially look to make that jump. The program took a leap forward as a farm program for our Women’s team and I think we will see a clear pathway continue to develop in the next one to two years.
Q: How would you rate your season overall?
This season we retained three players from last year’s team. League leading scorer Konor Kulas, Mark Berezdecky and TJ Remy. We welcomed eight new players including import David Shepard. Konor and David didn’t arrive until two weeks before the season started so we had a difficult preseason with our two main players not being present for the bulk of our practice games. We then started the season with five games in 3 weeks and two of a league high seven double headers with six of those Sunday teams having the Saturday night off. We then had 20 days off to further upset our rhythm. I thought if we could win 10 games it would be a good achievement. We won 9 and had players miss a total of 29 games with injury and illness. Overall I would give us a C plus for the season. We struggled with fixturing and injuries all year but the second half of the season we played very well and had some huge wins.
Q: What were some of the positives out of the season?
Numerous. It was great to see a disparate group of individuals come together and play for a common goal. We had a solid group on and off the floor and we added Livai Smith 8 games in and then Tomi Ayilara 14 games in and the boys welcomed them with open arms. Youngsters Rhys Hislop and Makur Jongkuch also improved during the season. When we struggled early everyone stuck with it and that was one of the main reasons for our improvement and solid second half of the season. We had 5 guys that were still eligible to play YL and we were the youngest team in the league yet we competed well every week.
Q: What could have been improved?
As mentioned, the fixture was a challenge. Would also have been helpful to have Konor Kulas and David Shepard here with the team earlier. It was difficult to prepare only having them here for 4 training sessions before the start of the season. We also needed more consistency from our Australian players. We only had Jacob Formosa averaging double figures at 13ppg and he was fantastic for us for the whole season yet we had 7 guys score at least 17 points on one occasion. We had the ability but not the consistency and leadership that comes with experience and enough work off the court.
Q: Who have been the standouts on court for your team?
Konor Kulas and David Shepard.
Konor led the league in total rebounds (just over 13 per game) and also offensive and defensive rebounds. He also led the league in FTA and FTM and was second in the league in scoring at 27 ppg and remarkably increased his FG%, 3pt FG%, FT%, assists and rebounds from last year. He shot 56% from the floor, 38% on threes and 80% on free throws. Astonishing numbers for someone who is so closely guarded and respected around the league.
David led the league in scoring averaging 28ppg at a remarkable 51% from the floor, 40% on threes and 81% from the free throw line. He had the most 40 plus point games for the season (four) in the league, and his stats for the month of July were outstanding:
35.8 ppg at 58% FG. 66% on 2pt FG. 41 % on triples. 80% from the line along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists per game.
Both Konor and David put in countless hours off the court and their hard work paid off for both them and the team.
Both should be All Stars this year and should be in the top 3 for league MVP.
Q: What was your personal highlight for the season?
Probably the win v Casey at home. They beat us pretty good in game 1 at Casey and then on the buzzer in game 2. One of their imports had a fair bit to say in game 2 and called us losers and said we couldn’t win a game. We beat them in game 3 by 17 points and led the whole way after we played poorly the previous evening. They had the Saturday night off and came in fresh and confident. We were banged up and playing our fifth game in 15 days. It was the first game I really thought we played like I knew we could for 4 solid quarters. We were tough, uncompromising and played hard and withstood every challenge they threw at us. It was an inspiring victory and I was so happy for the team and how they earned the win.
I also want to thank my Assistant Coaches, Jackie Gibson, Felipe Valdebenito and Jason Bryant for all their help and support during the year and also to the entire Werribee staff and volunteers for their assistance and cooperation both during and prior to the season. Also a big thanks to Tabitha and Blake for their love and support from October to August. It’s a long year!
(Photo thanks to Larry Heywood)
Q: How would you rate your season overall?
I think the season went OK. There were definitely areas for improvement, which we saw throughout the season, however, the group also showed a lot of strong qualities in many games. The team was quite young, so there were ups and downs along the way, but one of our key goals were to work as a group to develop for next season.
Q: What were some of the positives out of the season?
The team were constantly pushing each other to develop and get better, the growth from the start of the season to the end was great to see. Some games we would have standout players, but most of our games saw the entire group playing well. The pride the players showed in each other and the team overall gave us a great boost in many of our games.
Our shooting was hot and cold early on, but towards the end of the season, the team started to make better decisions, leading to making more shots at a higher percentage. Ball movement and willingness to play for each other was also one of our biggest strengths.
Q: What could have been improved?
Consistency was our biggest flaw this season as many of the young players were finding their way and players came in and out of the lineup due to injuries. Often our inconsistency was seen mostly in our shooting and ball control throughout the season.
Q: Who have been the standouts on court for your team?
The team was usually quite balanced, however, captain Kevin Brandariz stepped up every game to lead the team with the right attitude and mindset. Young Aaron Dolny showed many great signs in nearly all of his games, scoring in various ways and leading the entire division in 3 pointers made. Asi Fauui was a great contributor before and after his injury, while Fisto Bizima had several strong games, including a 44 point game (the most by a single player in the division).
Q: Which players could you see making the leap into our Champ Men side next season?
Andrew Strolla is the only player we will lose due to his age – he could definitely make the jump for next season with his size, athleticism, IQ, and team-first mindset. Kevin and Fisto would be ready for the step up, if called upon. Big man Aaron Gadsden could also make the jump with his combination of size, athleticism, and work ethic. There are also a few others that may have the opportunity at times throughout the season.
(Photo thanks to Larry Heywood)
When Sarah Elsworthy arrived in Victoria to play the 2019 Big V season, her future as a professional player was far from certain.
Sarah had made a big splash as a rookie for Adelaide Lightning, but didn’t have a playing contract in 2018/19 and stayed with the squad as a train on player.
Fast forward 6 months, Sarah has helped guide our Champ Women’s team to an impressive 11-2 record (with hopes of an exciting finish to the season!) and she will head back to her home state with a freshly signed full-time player contract with Adelaide Lightning in the WNBL.
Sarah explained that after the 2018/19 season, she was determined to find a program to help her take the next step in her basketball career.
“I made the call to play at Werribee and work really hard on my game. I wanted to utilise the opportunity to play under a great coach like Reece Potter and learn as much as I could from him and from the Big V environment,” Sarah said.
When she was looking at playing options for 2019, Sarah confesses Werribee and the Big V was not front of mind.
“I have to admit, I probably came over to Victoria thinking I needed to be in the NBL1 league, but I’m so pleased I ultimately made the call to come to Werribee,” Sarah said.
“There have been so many benefits to playing here and in the Big V that I hadn’t considered. Becoming a leader within the team and driving the standards has helped develop my game in a way I never would have been able to at other levels,” Sarah explained.
“I’m glad it has proven to be a successful pathway.”
Sarah is hopeful that her success can be used as motivation for other players.
“I’d love Werribee junior players to see my journey as proof of just how valuable the Big V pathway can be.”
“Last year I was a train-on squad member but wasn’t offered a contract – so to fight my way back onto the playing roster with a full playing contract has been pleasing. Now I can’t wait to test myself again at the top level in this country,” Sarah said.
Reflecting on her time so far at Werribee, Sarah said she has really enjoyed the supportive environment from coaches, players and all WBA members.
“I’ve loved this season with Werribee and after such a strong start, I’m pumped to see what we can do in the back half of the season!”
Werribee Basketball in partnership with Coach Liam Flynn is really excited to be bringing NBA assistant coach Matt Hill to Werribee for 2 player clinics and a coaching clinic.
Coach Hill will be running x2 player development sessions broken up by age group.
U12 & U14 Session Details (athletes born 2006 – 2010)
Date: Sunday 21st July, 2019
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee (Court 1 & 2)
Cost: $65* per athlete (places are extremely limited)
What to bring: Basketball and drink bottle
U16 & U18 Session Details (athletes born 2002 – 2005)
Date: Sunday 21st July, 2019
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee (Court 1 & 2)
Cost: $65* per athlete (places are extremely limited)
What to bring: Basketball and drink bottle
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Please ensure you select the correct age group!
These clinics are for athletes who are serious about their basketball and looking to improve their game. Athletes will be broken up in sessions based on age, experience and skill set.
NBA COACHING CLINIC DETAILS
Date: Sunday, 21st July 2019
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Court 8 @ Eagle Stadium (35 Ballan Rd Werribee)
Open to: All Werribee Basketball domestic & rep coaches*
Cost: FREE
WBA COACHES CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
When TJ Remy hit the floor for the Champ Men against Blackburn last week, it was his 100th time representing the Devils at Big V level.
Playing a combination of Youth League and Champ Division, Remy is proud to have played his entire Big V career in the Werribee singlet.
“It was a really proud moment,” Remy said. “I enjoyed going out there knowing it was my 100th – it definitely added something special to the game for me.”
“I have to admit, even my first score last week felt extra special. It’s a fair bit 100 games in Big V – and to do it all for Werribee is great, I loved it,” Remy explained.
Remy is Werribee through-and-through. He played juniors all the way through here and credits many of his early coaches in helping to shape the player he has become today.
“I still remember my first influential coach – Paul Montalto. I was a content player as a really young kid, just hung back a bit and did what I had to. Paul really got in my ear and helped me to push myself to get the best out of my game.”
At just 22, Remy is still young enough to be playing in our Youth League side and had it been up to him, he might still have been.
“I was planning to play out in Youth League until I was too old, then try out for the Champ team. It was Warren (CM coach Warren Estcourt) who encouraged me to play last year and I’m really grateful he has been so supportive over the last two years.”
After a slow start, the CM are starting to click with results turning their way. Remy believes there’s still plenty of life in this group.
“I think we’re really pushing for a run, we’re really starting to gel as a team. As players we’re all still really hopeful of making a run for the finals – that certainly remains our goal,” Remy said.
In his first year at Werribee, Jacob Formosa also played his 100 Big V game, an outstanding effort.
The CM take on Hume City Broncos this Saturday night at Eagle Stadium, hoping to begin that run towards the finals!
The CW start the night at 6:30pm, also against the Broncos and the Men hit the floor at 8:30pm.
Get the diary out and put this in – Save The Dates for our 2019/20 VJBL rep tryouts!
While it’s a few months away, we wanted to give everyone as much time as possible to plan around the dates!
As per our process – athletes can attend 2 of the 3 tryouts for their age group to be considered for teams.
Further details about times and how/
Topic – Teaching Man to Man Defence
*Learn to teach individual containment;
*Shell/help defence principles;
*Purposeful communication; &
*Boxing out/rebounding;
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Date – 19th May, Sunday
Time – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Location – Eagle Stadium (Court 8)
Cost – FREE
Former Werribee junior and 2018/19 WNBL Champion Maddy Rocci is back in town and she’s showing off a nice new championship ring!
Back home for a well-earned rest, Maddy will be making special guest appearances at a number of our Aussie Hoops and school sessions.
Maddy said she was thankful for the start she got at Werribee (in rep and playing domestic with Iramoo) and was more than happy to help develop the next generation of stars.
“It’s all started for me at Werribee Basketball and the coaches I had helped me develop. Paul Jones was one of my coaches and he and everyone else helped me get to where I am today.”
Maddy is living proof that the player pathway here at Werribee has limitless potential.
“There were multiple opportunities to leave Werribee during my junior years, but I never wanted to and now I am proof you don’t have leave Werribee to reach your ultimate dream,” Maddy explained.
“Ultimately if you are willing to work hard the opportunities are here at Werribee and you really can go on and play at a higher level from here.”
If you see Maddy with a big smile on her face, she says she’s still riding high after the championship win. “It’s only my second season and never thought I’d have a WNBL championship at the age of 20 – so it’s all a bit surreal.”
“About two minutes to go we started celebrating – but when that final buzzer went we just jumped on the court and started celebrating with the team,” Maddy said.
And the celebrations didn’t end on the final buzzer either. “It was a big party. One of the Canberra Capital’s sponsors Bentspoke put on a function for us after the game, so we celebrated hard.”
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