A team of talented Indigenous basketball players are jetting off to America, where they will compete in junior varsity tournaments across the United States.
The ten athletes, aged 14 to 16, head off next month as part of PCYC NSW’s inaugural Indigenous All-Stars program.
It's an exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in all things basketball.
Gangalidda Waanyi player Jarvis Watson has always dreamed of playing overseas, though he didn’t expect that dream to become reality so early.
“This is something that I've always wanted to do, but I never thought I'd get the opportunity,” he told NITV.
“When we go over there, we're playing for Australia and we're representing our mob, and I'm so excited to make all my family proud. It means everything.”
Strong on the court and in culture
Jared Hickson, an Erubam Le player from the Torres Strait Islands and Dunghutti Country, feels honoured to represent his culture and his roots.
He says is especially excited to experience it with his teammates, who he calls his brothers.
“I feel so honoured that I get to represent where I get my culture from, all my roots … just the experience of actually travelling, colleges coming to watch us play and creating that bond and friendship with all the boys.”
The international experience will be a first for the entire team, who represent four Nations from six PCYC locations across NSW; Awabakal (Lake Macquarie), Biripi (Taree), Dharug (Hawkesbury), Wiradjuri (Bathurst and Wellington), Wiradjuri Mawang Gaway (Wagga Wagga).
The program was created to provide exposure for international prospects, while also building leadership, teamwork and personal skills through mentorship and opportunities to connect with iconic basketball legends, including Naghiralgal, Meriam and Kokotha man Patty Mills.
Chosen from the 650 participants of the community-driven Nations of Origin tournament, each player demonstrated not only their athletic abilities, but also their values shaped by culture and community.
Last Friday marked a major milestone for the team's ongoing journey, with their official jerseys unveiled during a presentation at PCYC Auburn.
Designed by contemporary artist Luke Penrith, whose ancestry is connected through the Wiradjuri, Wotjobaluk, Yuin and Gumbaynggir Nations, the jersey’s artwork is a reminder that this experience is not only about athletic achievement, but about ‘carrying the pride and tradition’ of First Nation’s culture.
Penrith’s son, Jurrah, who is part of the inaugural team, shared with those in attendance the meaning of the Southern Cross and how it will always guide them home.
“The u-shape figures in the stars represent our ancestors watching over us and guiding us, their spirit always present, offering strength, wisdom and protection.”
After growing up with an uncle who played in Darwin for NBL, Hickson wanted to follow in his footsteps and now, looks forward to what his future holds; hopefully, a career in the NBL or NBA where he gets to represent his mob.
Sport has long been an important space for First Nations young people in Australia, even though equitable pathways have not always been guaranteed.
Historically, athletes have faced systemic barriers, such as geographical isolation and limited access to facilities.
Despite these challenges, Blak athletes have consistently excelled, often rising to prominence through resilience and community supports, rather than structured development systems.
PCYC NSW has been running their Nations of Origin program for 13 years.
Hundreds of young Indigenous players have participated, playing different sports through the community-led initiative.
CEO Ben Hobby says this was the catalyst for the organisation to look at different pathways which would provide a sporting avenue where players could have a life-changing experience.
“We want them to aspire to something greater, show them the art of the possible, what can happen in their lives when they get a little bit of help around them. It’s about getting young people active in life, but it’s also about leadership, resilience and setting your sights high.”
It is also not a one-off, the CEO explains, as they plan for it to occur on a multi-year basis, along with looking to announce an all-Indigenous female basketball team in 2027.
While similar pathway programs are growing across the country, advocates say that sustained success will depend not only on performance, but on supporting the cultural, social and emotional well-being of young players.
