Australia is set for Apia, Samoa with both the men’s and women’s teams gearing up for the U17 Oceania Cup taking place from 8-13 December.
Following a dominant year for Australia’s junior basketball programs, the Australia U17 men’s and women’s programs will head into Samoa as the favourites with a blend of fresh faces and heightened energy which has been on display through the selection camps.
Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence GM, Peter Lonergan noted that the region is developing and strengthening.
“Having the chance to not only compete in the zone but assist in the development of players and coaches throughout the Pacific is something valued by Basketball Australia,” Lonergan said.
Australia U17 Women's Preview
The Australian U17 women’s team returns to the Oceania stage with confidence, aiming to add another Oceania Cup to a growing trophy cabinet. Many of the Australian players participating in Samoa have also just come off the back of a gold medal performance in the U16 Asia Cup in September.
Returning standouts include Sitaya Fagan (VIC), Madison Ryan (VIC), Jemyma Manyok (QLD) and Olivia Olechnowicz (QLD), many of whom played key roles in Australia’s Asia Cup triumph.
Under head coach Zoe Carr, the team again boasts a deep and balanced roster, with contributions expected across the entire floor. The team’s disciplined approach with an emphasis on defence, versatility and scoring balance have become hallmarks of the program, with this group poised to build on that identity.
New Zealand looms as the strongest challenger, with the rest of the Oceania field ready to test Australia’s composure and depth across the tournament.
Australia U17 Men's Preview
Australia’s U17 men enter the tournament with the most successful record in the region, having won eight of the past nine U17 Oceania Cups. With such a rich history at the tournament, Australia has witnessed some of the most successful Oceania athletes represent the green and gold in the Oceania Cup including the likes of Josh Giddey, Dante Exum and Jack White.
Head coach Brenton O’Brien leads a refreshed squad built on athleticism, size and defensive presence. The team features highly touted names across the squad, including U16 Asia Cup MVP Luke Paul (WA), who headlines the roster alongside William Hamilton (VIC) and other rising standouts across the country.
Australia’s high tempo, efficient style will be on full display as the team aims to lock away a ninth Oceania Cup with an Oceania field that continues to strengthen.
How to follow the action:
| Men’s | ||
| Monday, 8 December | 11:30am AEDT | GAME ONE V FIJI |
| Wednesday, 10 Decembe | 1:30pm AEDT | GAME TWO V GUAM |
| Access the men's tournament page here. | ||
| Women’s | ||
| Monday, 9 December | 11:30am AEDT | GAME ONE V FIJI |
| Wednesday, 10 December | 9:00am AEDT | GAME TWO V GUAM |
| Access the women's tournament page here. | ||
