Wyndham Basketball is thrilled to announce it has secured the hosting rights of the 2021 Australian U18 Championships and Kevin Coombs Cup.

In a massive coup for the association, Basketball Australia’s prestigious U18 event will see elite junior basketballers come together in Wyndham to be crowned Australian champion. Alongside the Kevin Coombs Cup – Basketball Australia’s premier Wheelchair junior championship – the tournament is sure to be a highlight for local players, sports fans and the community.

Photo L-R: Tate Wheatland (Werribee referee), Reece Potter (Vic Metro U18G Head Coach), Peter Maynard (Wyndham City Councillor), Joanne Ryan (Federal MP for Lalor), Lauren Jones (Werribee SDP player), Robbie Coyle (Werribee Basketball GM), Paul Jones (Werribee Basketball President), Rod Gaut (Eagle Stadium Manager), Kane Hynes (Werribee SDP player), Alison Dixon (Western Leisure Services CEO), Jason Bryant (Kevin Coombs Cup Vic Metro A/Coach), Chithic Machar (Werribee & Victorian Wheelchair athlete)

Eagle Stadium will play host to both tournaments as Werribee ­­Basketball and Wyndham show off our ability to host events on a national scale.

Highlighting the significance of the event to our wider region, Werribee Basketball was joined by Joanne Ryan MP, Councillor Peter Maynard and Western Leisure Services CEO Alison Dixon in making the announcement.

Werribee Basketball’s General Manager Robbie Coyle outlined the exciting benefits of bringing a championship of this stature to Wyndham.

“For Werribee Basketball to be hosting the National Championships here in Wyndham is massive and the whole event is going to energise our entire community. We hope it serves to inspire the next generation of players, referees, coaches and volunteers,” Coyle said.

“It will provide a fantastic stimulus for the local business community too. Recent economic reports from previous hosts Townsville and Ballarat outline a direct economic impact of between $2 million and $4 million, and an indirect impact boosting the local economy even further.

“Werribee is a world class tourism destination and we want to encourage the visitors for these championships to get out and discover what we’ve got. With Avalon Airport on our doorstep, and wonderful attractions like the Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Mansion, Pacific Werribee and Shadowfax Wines,” Coyle added.

“We know our local community will get behind the 2021 Australian U18 Championships and Kevin Coombs Cup to ensure we show off our region and our ability to compete on the national stage.”

Basketball Australia Executive General Manager, Paul Maley, commented on the importance of the Australian Under-18 Championships and Kevin Coombs Cup and acknowledged the excellent bid from Werribee Basketball.

“The championships are an integral part of Basketball Australia’s High Performance pathway, bringing together some of the nation’s top young talent, with many athletes potentially progressing through to NBL and WNBL ranks, before also vying for Australian national team representation, including at Olympic and Paralympic levels.

“The tender from Werribee Basketball was of a very high quality, and we know they will put together an excellent event. We’re excited about the prospect of hosting a major tournament at Eagle Stadium and in such a fast growing region of Melbourne,” Maley said.

The tournament will be held 10-17April 2021, further scheduling details will be released at a later date.

We would like thank all athletes for attending the 2019/20 Werribee Devils VJBL tryouts. We would also like to thank all the coaches and volunteers who helped us during the tryouts.

Congratulations to all successful players and best of luck for the coming season. To the players who were unsuccessful in making a team, we sincerely thank you for your efforts and wish you the best of luck in your future basketball endeavors.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. U16.4G seeking additional players to complete the team. Please email info@wyndhambasketball.com if you know someone interested in playing. If additional players can’t be sourced by 10am Friday 18th October, unfortunately the team will not be able go ahead.
2. Any team named without a head coach is not guaranteed to go ahead unless a suitable coach can be sourced by 10am on Friday 18th October. If you’re interested in being a head coach CLICK HERE.
3. Further assistant coaches will be confirmed after consultation with the head coaches. If you’re interested in being an assistant coach CLICK HERE.

Click on the age/gender to see full team lists:

U/12 Girls 

U/12 Boys

U/14 Girls

U/14 Boys

U/16 Girls 

U/16 Boys

U/18 Girls 

U/18 Boys

***IMPORTANT*** Please read the following information in relation to your selection in a team:

1. All athletes will receive an acceptance email from their appointed team coach. For teams listed without a head coach currently, you will receive your email from Werribee Basketball staff.
2. Athletes must reply and accept their position in the team before 5pm on Friday 18th October. Failure to accept your position by 5pm Friday 18th October may result in your position on the team being given to another athlete.
3. In addition, to secure your place in the team, a Commitment Fee of $80 is due to be paid by Friday 18th October 2019.  Please note the Commitment Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
   

   CLICK HERE TO PAY THE COMMITTMENT FEE

4. For the full fee structure for the 2019/20 season please CLICK HERE. Athletes and parents should consider the financial and time commitment required to play VJBL rep basketball before accepting their position.
5. Teams are not finalised until the start VJBL Grading Phase 2. Athletes may be moved between teams based on commitment, attitude, performance, attendance etc. OR if the selection panel deems it necessary due to issues with selections at the end of Grading Phase 1.
6. Teams that are yet to have a coach appointed are NOT guaranteed to play VJBL and will be withdrawn if a suitable coach cannot be sourced by 10am Friday 18th October.
7. Compulsory information Sessions will be held for all players and parents in coming weeks. These are important sessions that further explain the information in the handbook. Details will be confirmed shortly.
8. Uniform fit-out for new players will be held on Sunday October 20th during training times.

This season, we have split the Youth League and  U21s tryouts to allow for a less congested and confusing tryout process for players and coaches.

This structure allows ambitious athletes to tryout for YLM first and then if they miss out, still tryout for U21s.

Youth League Women: 

• Sunday 27th October (11:00am – 12:30pm) @ Eagle Stadium (Court TBC)
• Thursday 7th November (7:30pm – 9:00pm) @ Eagle Stadium (Court 7)

Please register by emailing YLW HC, Mason Rogers via mason.rogers@wyndhambasketball.com

U21 Girls

U21 GIRLS CAN CLICK HERE TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN PLAYING THIS SEASON

Youth League Men 

• 24th October (7:30pm – 9:00pm) @ Thomas Carr College
• 29th October (7:30pm – 9:00pm) @ Thomas Carr College

Please register by emailing YLM HC, Grant Duca via grant.duca@wyndhambasketball.com

U21 Boys

• Thursday 31st October (7:30pm – 9:00pm) @ Thomas Carr College
• Thursday 7th November (7:30pm – 9:00pm) @ Thomas Carr College
• Sunday 10th November (11:00am – 12:30pm) @ Eagle Stadium (Courts TBC)

Click HERE to register FOR U21 BOYS

If you have any questions about this process or the tryouts please feel free to give the office a call on 9742 5440 or email Jackie.gibson@wyndhambasketball.com

Following an extensive recruitment process, Werribee Basketball is pleased to announce Robbie Coyle as our new General Manager.

Coyle joins Werribee with 15+ years of sports industry experience including most recently as the Course Leader of two industry leading sports degrees at Holmesglen Institute, which included industry partnerships with Basketball Victoria, St Kilda Football Club, Fox Footy, Herald Sun, Croc Media, Melbourne Stars, AFL Victoria, Cricket Victoria and Tennis Victoria.

Coyle’s appointment follows other recent WBA appointments including Jackie Gibson (Coaching and Programs Coordinator) and Emilee Harmon (Basketball Development Officer), and hot on the heels of the Women’s Big V State Championship win.

Robbie said he is thrilled to join such an exciting and progressive sports association, led by an engaged, strategic and future scaping executive and staff.

“Werribee Basketball is more than a sports association. We are a large community organisation in terms of our membership, reach and inclusive nature; attributes which cannot be overstated particularly given we are one of, if not, the biggest community sports associations in the western suburbs,” Coyle said.

“We are growing exponentially in terms of our participation numbers and suite of programs, ensuring we are a sport for all, as basketball truly is everyone’s game. This is highlighted by being the 3rd highest Aussie Hoops participation numbers in Australia – and I hope we can drive towards number 1!”

“I look forward with great anticipation to working closely with our stakeholders including the clubs, coaches, players and our army of volunteers to continue to provide value.

“Additionally, I look forward to working with the Wyndham City Council, Western Leisure Services and the Wyndham business community as we can facilitate and provide unrivalled opportunities from a partnership perspective such is the scope of the association.”

Werribee Basketball President Paul Jones said the board were thrilled with the appointment of Coyle.

“Robbie is passionate about sport and has a particular affinity with basketball, so Werribee Basketball was really pleased to secure a candidate of his credentials,” Jones explained.

“Robbie’s sport business, marketing and partnership expertise coupled with his leadership experience will benefit, complement and enhance our staff profile.

“This appointment, alongside Jackie Gibson and Emilee Harmon solidify the strong position we are in as we continue to invest in our representative and participation programs, and by extension, the community in Wyndham and the western suburbs.”

Coyle has started with Werribee Basketball and is based from the Head Office at Eagle Stadium.

Werribee Basketball is delighted to reveal our new Basketball Development Officer (BDO) is NBL1 star Emilee Harmon.

Emilee comes to Werribee from the Wodonga Basketball Association where she was playing NBL1 for the Albury Wodonga Bandits and working as BDO for the association.

Prior to her office role at Wodonga, Emilee has always worked hard off the court throughout her successful playing career in Australia, coordinating Aussie Hoops programs, running school basketball clinics and working extensively with domestic teams.

On the court she has been a star in NBL1 and SEABL, playing for Albury Wodonga Bandits, Nunawading and Launceston. Prior to her professional career Emilee was a star college player with Ohio State University.

Emilee is excited to get into her work here at Werribee.

“I love the game, so to have the opportunity to work in basketball and help grow the game is a real privileged for me,” Emilee said.

“To come to a growing association like Werribee is really exciting. The grassroots programs here are well established and I can’t wait to drive further growth,” she added.

“I hope to continue to advance the quality of our programs, ensuring we are always developing our junior athletes.”

Werribee Basketball’s Player and Coach Development Manager Reece Potter said Emilee brought a wealth of experience to the table and would prove to be a great asset to our program.

“Emilee is a distinguished basketballer, but it was her experience working at junior levels that we think makes her the perfect fit for this role,” Potter explained.

“She’s an enthusiastic coach and I’ve got no doubt she will drive our grassroots programs to become even bigger and better,” he added.

“Emilee will provide a strong female role model around the association, which we hope will inspire both young girls and boys to take up our great game.”

Emilee replaces Jarrod Moore in the BDO role, who took up a role with Basketball NSW.

Werribee Basketball is pleased to announce our 2019/20 VJBL coaches for the Werribee Devils Junior Representative Program.

Werribee Basketball Association received 50 applications to coach in the program this year and we thank all who applied. WBA would like to congratulate all coaches on their appointments and thank them for their commitment to the Werribee Basketball Junior Representative Program.

Click the below links to see age-level and gender coaches:

U12 GIRLS

U12 BOYS

U14 GIRLS

U14 BOYS

U16 GIRLS

U16 BOYS

U18 GIRLS

U18 BOYS

U21 GIRLS

U21 BOYS

Please note: The WBA does not allocate coaches to specific teams (e.g. U12.3 boys) until the end of the Representative Tryout process. This is to ensure that we uphold the highest amount of integrity and transparency in our selection and tryout process. This method is also in place to protect coaches against scrutiny surrounding selection of teams being based on who they coached last year or players they have built relationships with. Finally it protects our parent coaches against accusations that their child only made the team because the parent is the coach.

Questions can be directed to the Player & Coach Development Manager, Reece Potter.

Phone: (03) 9742 5440    OR    Email: reece.potter@wyndhambasketball.com

Werribee Basketball is pleased to open registrations for the 2019/20 Werribee Devils Junior Representative Tryouts.

Werribee Basketball can announce our Big V Champ Women’s head coach Reece Potter has signed on to coach for the 2020 and 2021 season.

After a watershed 2019 season, where the team was promoted from Division 1 to the Championship division and went on a dream run culminating in the Grand Final series win against Keilor.

On top of being a newly minted championship winning coach, Potter has as impressive a basketball coaching resume as any 27 year old in the country.

He has experience as a coach in the WNBL, SEABL (now NBL1), Australian junior teams and the National Championships with the all-conquering U18 Vic Metro team.

Potter said he was pumped to continue to build what has been a successful 2 year stint as Werribee Devils head coach.

“To win the championship last season was a great thrill. And I’m excited by the challenge of trying to back it up again next year,” Potter said.

“What has been really pleasing is alongside the on-court success, the players have understood the importance of community engagement and enjoyed fantastic support from huge numbers of junior players – and their parents – particularly through the finals series,” he added.

“There’s a lot of work to put in to try and go back-to-back, but I’m up for it and I know the team will be too.”

WBA President Paul Jones said securing the services of Reece again for the 2020 season was a great result for the Big V program.

“Winning the 2019 CW Championship was an outstanding achievement by our players and coaches, so having the Championship Winning coach back to lead the CW program for another 2 years is exciting for our Big V Program,” Jones explained.

“Alongside our new Men’s Coach John Dorge, it’s a fantastic head coaching panel that we know are the right people to drive the program onwards and upwards,” he added.

The Championship Women coaching panel will be rounded out by Championship cult hero Corey Michailidis and Liam Paul as assistant coaches.

Reece Potter’s resume:

Werribee Basketball Association, Jan 2017 – Present

• Big V Head Coach (Women), September 2017 – Present

Basketball Australia, April 2017 – Present

• Australian U17 Women Assistant Coach (Oceania – New Cal), June 2019 – August 2019
• Australian U15 Women Assistant Coach (Oceania – PNG), October 2018 – December 2018
• Australian U17 Women Assistant Coach (Oceania – Guam), April 2017 – June 2017

Basketball Victoria, September 2017 – Present

• Vic Metro U18 Women Head Coach, Sept 2017 – Present
• State Development Program (SDP) Satellite Head Coach, Sept 2017 – Present

Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), September 2014 – Present

• University of Canberra Capitals – Scout, Sept 2017 – Present
• University of Canberra Capitals – 1st Assistant Coach, Sept 2016 – Mar 2017
• Sydney Uni Flames – 1st Assistant Coach, Sept 2014 – Mar 2016

Launceston Tornadoes Basketball Club, September 2014 – December 2016

• SEABL Women’s Head Coach, Sept 2014 – Dec 2016

Basketball NSW, September 2009 – December 2015

• High Performance Programs – Network Coach, September 2009 – September 2016
• NSW Country U18 Women State Team – Assistant Coach, September 2011 – April 2014
• NSW Country U16 Women State Team – Development Coach, January 2011 – July 2011

Maitland Basketball Association, January 2009 – September 2014

• Director of Coaching and Development, August 2013 – September 2014
• Junior Representative Head Coach, January 2009 – August 2014

Qualifications

• Performance Coach (Level 3) Accreditation, Basketball Australia, 2018
• Master of Education (Sports Coaching), University of Sydney, 2016 – Present
• Graduate Certificate in Sports Coaching, University of Queensland, 2015

Coaching Awards and Achievements

• 2019 Big V CW Champions (Werribee Devils Women’s Head Coach)
• 2019 National Champions (Vic Metro U18 Women Head Coach)
• Basketball Victoria 2018 Coach of the Year (Male)
• 2018 National Champions (Vic Metro U18 Women Head Coach)
• 2018 FIBA Oceania Gold Medal (Australian U15 Women Assistant Coach)
• 2018 Big V D1W Playoffs (Werribee Devils Women’s Head Coach)
• 2017 FIBA Oceania Gold Medal (Australian U17 Women Assistant Coach)
• 2016 SEABL Conference Finalists (Launceston Tornadoes Head Coach)
• 2015 SEABL Preliminary Finalists (Launceston Tornadoes Head Coach)
• 2015 WNBL Preliminary Finalists (Sydney Uni Flames Assistant Coach)
• 2014 Australian Junior Country Cup Champions (NSW Country U18 Women Head Coach)
• 2012 Australian Junior Country Cup Champions (NSW Country U16 Women Head Coach)

Werribee Basketball is thrilled to announce our new Big V Championship Men’s coach is Australian Boomers legend, John Dorge.

Dorge’s impressive playing resume is highlighted by more than 150 games in green and gold through the 80s and 90s. Standing at 209cm, Dorge was a towering presence on court throughout his successful professional career in the NBL, which included 8 Grand Final series and five years as captain of South East Melbourne Magic.

Since retiring from playing, Dorge has built an impressive coaching resume.

His experience as a head coach in the NZ NBL was highlighted by winning the “Coach of the year” award in 2007. Dorge then returned to Australia and worked as a lead assistant coach in the NBL with Cairns Taipans, plus as a personal coach to Chris Anstey while he was playing in the NBA for Dallas and Chicago.

His coaching journey now leads to Werribee and Dorge is excited to take a team on the up in the top division of the Big V.

“I can’t wait to get into my new role as head coach of the Werribee Devils Champ Men side,” Dorge said.

“Looking at it from afar, Werribee is an exciting place to be right now, the association is clearly on the up. I’ve seen what the women have done this season and would love to build that kind of excitement around the men’s team as well!”

In recent years, Dorge has worked as head coach at St Monica’s Basketball Academy and Camberwell Grammar School. He explained that this teaching experience had helped develop his coaching philosophy.

“I want to help develop a group of players and drive the program from our juniors in VJBL through Big V Youth League and into our Champ Men’s side. I’ve got a holistic view on player development and look forward to building a sustainable program of success,” Dorge explained.

“Back in the days when I was still playing, Werribee’s men’s side was one of the strongest in the state outside the NBL. I’d love to see us get back into that position of strength,” Dorge said.

Werribee’s Player and Coach Development Manager Reece Potter said the association was pumped to secure John’s services as Big V coach.

“John is a legend of Australian basketball and will be an outstanding asset to our Championship program,” Potter said.

“He is humble and hungry to drive sustainable success. He understands the importance of developing local talent and mentoring up and coming coaches. I look forward to working with John over the next two years and seeing what he can do for basketball in Melbourne’s West. Exciting times ahead for our Big V program,” Potter added.

To round out the Champ Men’s coaching panel, Dorge brings with him assistant coach Peter Fleming and they will be joined by last year’s development coach Jackie Gibson.

John Dorge’s resume:

Coaching Experience

2019                 Head Coach                   Melbourne University Black Angels

2012-2019        Head Coach                   Director of St Monica’s College, Basketball Academy

2008 – 2009     Head Coach                   Camberwell Grammar School

2007               Head Coach                   Harbour Heat NZNBL

2007                Coach of the Year          New Zealand NBL

2005 – 2007     Assistant Coach            NZ Breakers NBL

2000 – 2005     Assistant Coach             Cairns Taipans NBL

2004                Head Coach                   Cairns All-star Team Tour of China

Personal Coach to Chris Anstey 

1999 – 2000     Chris Anstey                 NBA:  Dallas Mavericks / Chicago Bulls

Specialist Coaching Associations

1998/99           Specialist Coach            Nunawading Basketball Association Melbourne

1998/99           Head Coach                   Gladstone College Intensive Training Program

1998/99           Head Coach                   Box Hill Senior Secondary College Basketball    

 2012/17           Head Coach                   Director of St Monica’s College Basketball Academy

NBL Playing Career

1992 – 1998                       SE Melbourne Magic (92/96 Champions)

1990 – 1991                       Geelong Supercats

1985 – 1989                       Brisbane Bullets (85/87 Champions)

International Playing Career (Over 150 games)

1996                                 Atlanta Olympic Games

1992                                 Barcelona Olympic Games

1991                                  Oceania Championships

1990                                 World Championships Argentina.

1990                                 Goodwill games in Seattle

1987                                 Oceania Championships

1985 -1996                        Australian Boomers Team / Squad

Other   Russian Series / Lithuania Series / Magic Johnson All Star Series

Members will be voting on 2 special resolutions at the WBA’s AGM on December 8.

Please click on the title to view each item.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION 1 – CONSTITUTION CHANGES

SPECIAL RESOLUTION 2 – NAME CHANGE

WBA CONSTITUTION DRAFT 2019 (CHANGES MARKED UP)

WBA CONSTITUTION DRAFT 2019 (CLEAN VERSION)

The AGM is at Eagle Stadium on Sunday, December 8 at 10am.