Basketball

The 2025/26 program is currently in progress.
Please CLICK HERE  to be notified when applications open for the 2026/27 program.

The Central Coast Academy of Sport basketball program is supported by Central Coast Granite and provides a unique opportunity for local basketball players looking to gain further individual skill development and competition opportunities that will assist them in their chances of gaining future state team selection and higher honours.

The Central Coast Granite Basketball program runs annually from October (trials) to April (representative Basketball off season) with regular squad training sessions focused on individual skill development. Team elements are introduced leading into competition opportunities such as Inter-Academy Camp and the annual Your Local Club Academy Games, which conclude the program each year in April.

In addition to on-court training sessions and competition opportunities, athletes receive access to sport science testing and educational seminars to assist with their personal development off the basketball court.

The CCAS Central Coast Granite Basketball Program is a program endorsed by Basketball NSW.  The program is part of the BNSW athlete pathway and includes athletes in the Developing Athlete Program (DAP) and State Performance Plan (SPP).  For further clarity, athletes who are selected to the State Performance Plan (SPP) are eligible for the CCAS program.

The Academy program ‘sits’ between local representative basketball and higher order representation such as NSW State Country Team selection. The program exists to up-skill athletes and assist them in progressing to higher representation in the sport of basketball.

 

CCAS Basketball Athletes will receive the following benefits:

  • 3 Month Mingara gym, track and pool membership

  • Access to a network of specialised coaches and guest coaches

  • Access to purchase CCAS merchandise pack

  • Athlete education covering key topics including, Drugs in Sport, Leadership, Load Management, Media Training, Motivation, Nutrition, Social Media, Sports Psychology

  • Basketball skill development

  • Functional movement screening

  • Face to face strength and conditioning sessions during the duration of the program (November-April)

  • Personal development

  • Playing opportunities to represent CCAS at the 2026 Inter Academy Camp

  • Playing opportunities to represent CCAS at Your Local Clubs Academy Games in Tamworth

  • Weekly face to face on court training sessions at Central Coast Adventist

The program is open to male and female basketball players who are registered with a Basketball NSW affiliated association (Central Coast Waves or Central Coast Basketball Rebels).

Athletes should be or aiming to competing in the U14 – U16 age groups in BNSW Leagues including: Junior Premier League (Metro), Metro Junior League (Metro), North Eastern League (Country), Southern League (Country), Western League (Country) or sanctioned events.

In 2027 players must be bottom age under-14s (2014-2015) to top age under-16s (2012-2013) to be eligible for the 2026-27 program.

Athletes must be residents of the NSW Central Coast region and a current financial member of both their Local Association and Basketball NSW.

 

There will be two phases for trials

All details TBC for the trial dates

2025/26 Program Coaching Staff

CCAS Basketball Program Head Coach -Liam Loader

Liam is an energetic and motivated basketball coach passionate about developing talent and fostering elite athletes. Since 2021, he has served as a head coach with the Central Coast Rebels, where he has been instrumental in enhancing the team’s competitive edge and player performance. In 2022, he took on the role of assistant coach for the NBL1 Crusaders Women’s team, furthering his exposure to high-level playing.

A dedicated coach with a commitment to excellence, Liam has also worked as a Basketball New South Wales High-Performance Coach, contributing to various High-Performance Programs (HPP). His experience extends to coaching at Central Coast Grammar School, where he was recently appointed women’s Firsts coach. Last year, he played a key role in the CCAS women’s program, which achieved a silver medal at the Academy Games, showcasing his ability to nurture talent and drive success.

Liam’s coaching philosophy centers on elite development and talent identification. He believes in empowering athletes through clear expectations and continuous encouragement, fostering an environment where players can thrive. By focusing on individual strengths and promoting a growth mindset, he aims to unlock each athlete’s full potential.

His approach is grounded in the belief that every player can excel with the right support and guidance. Through personalized coaching strategies, Liam strives to create a culture of resilience and determination, preparing athletes not just for the game, but for life beyond the court. With a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the sport, he continues to inspire the next generation of basketball players.

 

Main Squad

Airlie Owen
Alyce Rumpler
Amarliyah Howes
Ayla Gates
Chelsea Hughan
Danielle Hay
Eboni Broussard
Elsie Smith
Grace Garwood
Jessica Watt
Lila Sayer
Lily Dart
Matilda Barrett
Molly Smith
Vienna Duke
Willow Hayes
Zali Heffernan
Zali Ohlback
Zoe Rawling

Aditya Manuaba
Ayaan Aluwihare
Axel Goodier
Bodhi Pratt
Brodie Draper
Brooklyn Tupaea
Cooper Thomas
Elias Portas bailey
Hamish Kennedy
Macklyn Roberts
Mason Potestas
Max Power
Nixon Thomas
Noah Pangrath
Noah Thoroughgood
Oscar Stanmore
Parker Hickson
Will Chapman
Xavier Potestas
Zach Timbrell
Zenon Barkley

 

  • CCAS Squad training including face-to-face on-the-court skills and Strength & Conditioning  is on Tuesday (weekly) at Central Coast Adventist School Erina, from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm
  • Inter Academy Camp (All athletes invited)
  • Your Local Club Academy Games Tour (Only for selected athletes) Tamworth

Explore a variety of scholarship opportunities available through the Central Coast Academy of Sport to support athlete development and growth:

Our Basketball Partners

Our Platinum Partners