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We're hosting our first ever Golf Day; fundraising to support the growth and development of basketball in the Illawarra! Held on the 6th of February at Wollongong Golf Club, the day will consist of a 4 ball Ambrose competition, with prizes throughout the day! Your entry includes green fees, breakfast and lunch, drink voucher - all while supporting grassroots basketball. Secure your spot below! Please note; businesses can be sent invoices. For all questions and enquiries, please contact nathan.loveday@snakepit.com.au

The Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is seeking one (1) Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) to join our team. Please note that this is a volunteer position. About the Role MPIOs are an integral part of Australian sport, especially at the grassroots level. The MPIO role provides: A confidential, impartial, first point of contact for members with concerns or questions Information and guidance to individuals about their rights, responsibilities, and options when raising an issue or making a complaint Support during the process of seeking resolution, including referral to the appropriate person or body Important to note: MPIOs do not investigate complaints, handle disputes, or mediate between parties MPIOs remain separate from management and Integrity Officers responsible for complaint handling and decision-making Their role is strictly informative and supportive, helping guide members in the right direction MPIOs may be based in clubs, associations, state sporting organisations, or national sporting bodies. Training Requirements The appointed MPIO will be required to complete the Member Protection Information Officer online training, available through Play by the Rules. This training equips MPIOs with the knowledge and skills to carry out their role effectively. Eligibility We are seeking candidates who are: Approachable, impartial, and excellent communicators Committed to supporting a safe, fair, and inclusive sporting environment Able to maintain confidentiality and neutrality at all times Willing to undertake the required Play by the Rules training modules Hold, or willing to obtain, a valid WWCC How to Apply Those interested are invited to submit an Expression of Interest including: Your name and contact details A short statement about why you are interested in becoming an MPIO Any relevant skills, experience, or background you bring to the role. By becoming an MPIO, you will play a vital role in ensuring our sporting community remains safe, inclusive, and respectful for all members. Applications close: 5pm, Friday 31st October

Basketball Illawarra is proud to announce the Head Coaches for our 2026 Junior Representative Program. Following a detailed selection process led by the IBA Selection Panel, the following coaches have been appointed to lead our Boys and Girls teams across the 2026 season. These coaches bring a strong mix of experience, leadership, and commitment to the development of our athletes and the values outlined in The Illawarra Blueprint . This group will guide more than 250 athletes across 24 teams competing in the 2026 BNSW Junior Premier League (JPL) and Southern Junior League (SJL). Please note: Positions listed as TBC  will be confirmed following the completion of 2026 Representative Trials  in October and early November. Congratulations to all appointed coaches — and thank you to everyone who submitted an expression of interest and took part in the process. Full team lists, including the remaining Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Managers, will be announced following Prep4Rep and the 2026 trial period. Senior Coaches will be announced shortly. Please stay tuned.

The Illawarra Hawks U14 Girls have returned from the 2025 Basketball Australia U14 Club Championships in Perth after a huge week representing Basketball Illawarra. Led by Head Coach Maddison Delaney, the team competed against the top 24 clubs in Australia at Willetton Basketball Stadium, in Perth. The Hawks finished 17th overall (5th in the Shield Division) after closing out their campaign with a hard-fought win over Manly Warringah in their final classification game. This result reflected their growth and resilience throughout the week. Delaney praised her group’s development and character across the tournament: “Representing Basketball Illawarra at the U14 Club Nationals is a very special achievement for the Club each year we qualify – and in 2025, we were very excited and proud to continue our rich history on behalf of Basketball Illawarra. Thank you to the athletes, parents, siblings, sponsors, and volunteer coaching staff for all of your efforts in making this season the very best it could be. Our time in Perth concluded an extended 12-month season for a very young group of athletes who have consistently competed, worked hard, and represented Basketball Illawarra with the highest level of respect, professionalism, and culture. I am extremely proud of their development across the entire year. This group of young female athletes have grown tremendously as players and, more importantly, as people. As a coach, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of athletes and parents to work with. Thank you to everyone who made our season possible — our family support network, sponsors, donors, and the wider Illawarra community.” Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters The Illawarra Basketball Association would like to thank the local businesses and families who made this trip possible through their generous sponsorship and fundraising support: Major & Team Sponsors • Enhanced Building • RJE Electrical Solutions • Cooks Confectionery • DeSantis Decorating Individual Player Sponsors • Mac & Me Industries • RJE Electrical Solutions • Coal Cove Contracting • Days Industrial • EcoAid • A&Z Kitchens • Raise Performance • Next Level Basketball • Litani’s Restaurant A special thanks also goes to all families who organised and ran bake sales, BBQs, car washes, and the Free-Throw-A-Thon at the Snakepit. Your generosity and support allowed these young athletes to travel, compete, and experience basketball at the highest junior level in Australia. IBA would also like to thank Head Coach Maddison Delaney and her staff, all parents and families who supported the team, and the wider Illawarra community who helped make the trip possible. The pride shown by this group is a reflection of the hard work across our junior representative pathway. Congratulations again to all players and staff — you’ve done the Illawarra proud.

The Illawarra Basketball Association is proud to announce that the Illawarra Hawks NBL1 Men’s team has secured the coveted wildcard entry to the upcoming NBL1 National Championships, to be held in Canberra from August 29–31, 2025. The Championships will bring together the five conference winners from across Australia alongside the wildcard selection, providing a stage for the best teams in the country to compete for national glory. Illawarra Basketball Association Executive General Manager, Nathan Loveday said how the wildcard is an exciting achievement for the region. “We’re extremely excited about the opportunity for our program to compete at the NBL1 Nationals through the wildcard entry. Off the back of a successful NBL1 East season, this is a fantastic chance to showcase the strength of our club on the national stage and continue building on the momentum our players, coaches and community have created this year.” Illawarra’s wildcard selection is recognition of the Hawks’ outstanding season in the NBL1 East competition, where they finished with the Minor Premiership. The opportunity to compete on the national stage is a testament to the strength of the Illawarra basketball community and the Hawks’ ongoing commitment to high-performance basketball. Head of Basketball, Ben Bagoly, expressed what impact a local association playing on the national stage has on the junior players at IBA. “This is a huge opportunity for our program. Being invited to the NBL1 National Finals as East Minor Premiers is a reward for the work our group has put in all year. More importantly, it shows our juniors and pathway players what it means to compete on a national stage. We’re excited to embrace the challenge and proudly represent Illawarra in Canberra.” The Hawks will travel to Canberra next week to represent both the Illawarra region and the NBL1 East conference, with fixtures scheduled across the three-day tournament. Fans can follow the team’s journey through the NBL1 livestream and Illawarra Basketball Association’s social media channels.

We’re excited to announce we’ve just signed a partnership with Westfund Health Insurance to bring Feel Good Cover to employees and players of Illawarra Basketball Association. Please find more details about our partnership and the special offer on the flyer! In the meantime, here's a bit about Westfund. You're in good hands. You might not have heard of them but Westfund has been around for more than six decades with origins dating back to 1881.They have over 110,000 members, and are one of Australia’s fastest growing funds. But there are a number of other key benefits that come with being a Westfund member, which we think you might want to know about: Great choice of providers Across both metro and regional areas you'll have access to a national network of doctors, health providers and one of Australia's largest network of contracted private hospitals. Get more back. As a not-for-profit health fund, Wesfund focuses on keeping premiums low and paying benefits back to their members. Did you know that 89c in every dollar of premiums goes back to members? Expert help when you need it. With local Contact Centres and Care Centres across NSW and Queensland, Westfund's teams are on hand to answer your questions. Easy to switch. You don't need to re-serve any waiting periods when you transfer to an equivalent or lower level of cover. Plus, Westfund offers a 30-day guarantee meaning you can try them for 30 days, and if you decide to cancel, they'll refund any premiums paid - as long as no claims are made.

Courtesy of Rob Sheeley Opportunities for logo placement on all four of our courts are now available for sponsors! Logo decals will be placed on our courts in January 2026 following the court resurfacing. Click here to see current availabilities. Contact our EGM Nathan Loveday at nathan.loveday@snakepit.com.au to enquire.

Dates: Sunday 28 th  September, Friday 3 rd  October, Tuesday 7 th  October (Boys Only), Wednesday 8 th  October (Girls Only), Thursday 9 th  October Cost: $100 (4 sessions) What to Bring : ·         Drink Bottle ·         Basketball (if you have one) ·         Reversible Training Singlet (if you have one) ·         Sweat Towel ·         Sporting Closed Shoes Where: The Snakepit, 37 Foley St, Gwynneville NSW 2500 When: Prep4Rep U12s (Year of birth 2015-17) SESSION 1 SUNDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 9:00AM - 10:30AM SESSION 2 FRIDAY, 3RD OCTOBER 9:00AM - 10:30AM SESSION 3 - BOYS ONLY TUESDAY, 7TH OCTOBER 9:00AM - 10:30AM SESSION 3 - GIRLS ONLY WEDNESDAY, 8TH OCTOBER 9:00AM - 10:30AM SESSION 4 THURSDAY, 9TH OCTOBER 9:00AM - 10:30AM Prep4Rep U14s (Year of birth 2013/2014) SESSION 1 SUNDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 11:00AM - 12:30PM SESSION 2 FRIDAY, 3RD OCTOBER 11:00AM - 12:30PM SESSION 3 - BOYS ONLY TUESDAY, 7TH OCTOBER 11:00AM - 12:30PM SESSION 3 - GIRLS ONLY WEDNESDAY, 8TH OCTOBER 11:00AM - 12:30PM SESSION 4 THURSDAY, 9TH OCTOBER 11:00AM - 12:30PM Prep4Rep U16s and U18 Girls (Year of birth 2009-12) SESSION 1 SUNDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM SESSION 2 FRIDAY, 3RD OCTOBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM SESSION 3 WEDNESDAY, 8TH OCTOBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM SESSION 4 THURSDAY, 9TH OCTOBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM Prep4Rep U16s Boys (Year of birth 2011/12) SESSION 1 SUNDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM SESSION 2 FRIDAY, 3RD OCTOBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM SESSION 3 TUESDAY, 7TH OCTOBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM SESSION 4 THURSDAY, 9TH OCTOBER 1:30PM - 3:00PM Prep4Rep U18s Boys (Year of birth 2009/10) SESSION 1 SUNDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 3:30PM - 5:00PM SESSION 2 FRIDAY, 3RD OCTOBER 3:30PM - 5:00PM SESSION 3 TUESDAY, 7TH OCTOBER 3:30PM - 5:00PM SESSION 4 THURSDAY, 9TH OCTOBER 3:30PM - 5:00PM

Written by Margaret Va'afusu'aga Courtesy of RobShots The Illawarra Hawks have clinched their spot in the NBL1 East Championship Final after taking down Centre of Excellence (CoE) 98 - 89, at Illawarra’s basketball haven. It was a miserable wet night in the ‘Gong but that didn’t stop more than 1,000 fans packing out the Snakepit to see their Hawks secure a spot in the ‘Big Dance’. NBL1 MVP Todd Blanchfield put on another clinic finishing the night with a double-double of 27 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. The skipper had plenty of shots from downtown, but it was his defensive pressure that inspired his side to stay hungry. Unlike their previous outing, Illawarra were unable to get off to a red-hot start. The visitor’s Nash Walker was proving to be a handful closing out the first half with 13 points to get his side trialling behind 44 - 37. And it looked like the 17-year-old was only getting started, opening the scoring right after half-time. Yet, the Hawks answered immediately with Kobe White-McDowell sinking a three to spark an offensive blitz from the home side. Matthew Mims led the charge in the third quarter to fire up not only his side but the Hawks faithful too. He dropped 13 points with three from long-range as well as shutting down any attacking momentum from Walker. CoE did well to stay in it with forward Che Brogan putting up 18 points and 4 / 6 three-pointers whilst Ajax Nyoun held it down in the key with 12 points and seven rebounds. However, with the Snakepit pumping, the hosts stayed determined to keep their finals hopes alive and fight off a potential late comeback from CoE. A play from Lachlan Dent in the last quarter set up for a lovely match moment for all. The guard made an executed steal for a fast breakaway down the line before finding an unmarked McDowell-White to fire one from deep. McDowell-White was short of a triple double, finishing the night on 19 points, 11 dimes and nine rebounds, while Dent had 14 points, seven rebounds, three assist and two steals. Quite achiever Kyle Leslie switched it on at both ends of the court, with the big man shooting 5 / 10 three-pointers contributing to his 19 points and five rebounds. But it was all Blanchfield at this final home game. Wollongong’s love for the 33-year-old is nothing short of pure admiration. His passion and leadership were laid bare on the court and fans were enjoying every second of it. In the final term, chants of ‘MVP’ went up as he took the free throw line – even his technical foul had the ‘Ill-a-war-ra’ cries echoing through the stadium. The feeling is mutual with the forward inking a two-year extension with Basketball Illawarra – and the way he’s going, he’ll only get better with time. For now, his focus is to bring a NBL1 championship to the Illawarra. The Hawks will now prepare to play Canberra Gunners, following their win over Sutherland Sharks 84 - 76 in the other Preliminary Final. NBL1 East Championship Final is 5.30pm, Saturday 16 August 2025 at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. Head to NBL1 for ticketing information. Get tickets here - bnsw.info/NBL1EGF24-TIX

Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is now inviting applications for Head Coach  and Assistant Coach  positions across our Waratah League Junior  and Waratah League Senior Representative Programs  for the 2026 season. Key Dates Applications Open:  Friday, 8 August 2025 Applications Close:  Monday, 25 August 2025 (9:00 AM) This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of basketball in the Illawarra, working within a program that values development, teamwork, and the Illawarra Blueprint. Who can apply? The application process is open to all coaches , whether you are a returning coach or new to the IBA Representative Program. Want to apply: Before clicking the EOI form link, please read the full IBA Representative Coach Selection Policy . Apply now by completing the 2026 IBA Representative Coaching EOI Form   For any questions about coaching in the IBA Representative Program, please contact:📧 Ben Bagoly – Head of Basketball ben.bagoly@snakepit.com.au

Illawarra Basketball Association is proud to announce that Christian “CJ” Maran has been selected to represent the Syrian National Team at the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup. CJ will depart this week to join the national team ahead of the tournament later this month. While the club and team will miss his presence both on and off the court, we’re thrilled to see CJ take the next step in his career and represent his heritage on the international stage. We remain hopeful he will return in time to contribute to the back end of the NBL1 East finals campaign. “It's a huge honour to represent Syria at the FIBA Asia Cup,” said CJ Maran. “Where my dad’s from and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I was fortunate to play in the qualifiers, but competing on this bigger stage is something really special. While it’s bittersweet to be stepping away from the Hawks during the NBL1 season, I’m proud to represent the Illawarra community on the international stage. I want to thank my family for their constant love and support, and to the Illawarra fans, staff, and wider community, thank you for making me feel so welcome. From the courts to the little things behind the scenes, your support has meant everything. To my teammates, you’re more than just teammates, you’re brothers. I’ve formed lifelong connections, and I’ll miss you all. To Flinny, Dino, Pete, Eric, and Cranney, thank you for helping me grow as a player and person. I’ve loved being part of the Hawks, and I truly hope to return and finish what we started.” Illawarra Hawks NBL1 Men’s Head Coach, Matt Flinn, shared: “CJ thoroughly deserves this opportunity and as a group we are so proud of him and the way he has transformed his game with us this season. No question it will leave an irreplaceable hole on the roster but it has always been my philosophy to recruit and develop players who have aspirations and ambition to play at the highest level they can. Unfortunately for us the timing isn’t great but personally, I am super pumped for him to get to the Asia Cup, represent his culture and continue to gain the exposure he needs to keep getting better on his basketball journey. Hopefully we can make the GF and get him back for the final. We wish nothing but the best of success for him.” IBA Head of Basketball Ben Bagoly added: “We couldn’t be prouder of CJ. He’s been outstanding on the floor, reliable, competitive, and team-first, but what’s been just as valuable is the role he’s played off it. Whether it’s mentoring Youth League players, helping guide our young NBL1 players, or being a fan favourite at school clinics, CJ has embraced Illawarra. We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.” The entire Illawarra Hawks family wishes CJ all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to welcome him back soon. Catch the Hawks in action this Saturday night at The Snakepit as they continue their push for finals don’t miss it!

Catch our NBL1 Illawarra Hawks at home for the LAST TIME in the regular season THIS WEEKEND! All Youth League and NBL1 teams are at home this Saturday, the 12th of July, from 11am, as they take on the Sutherland Sharks in the Freeway Cup! PLUS - Come and support our fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation by taking part in Pink Round while you're there! On Sunday our NBL1 Teams return to the Snakepit to take on the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders in the final home game of the regular season. Don't miss your chance to catch the Women's game before the season ends, and cheer on the Men as they push to finals! GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE: