14 April 2026
Author: Siddharth Yellepeddi
Melbourne, VICTORIA – Victoria's basketball community is Victoria’s basketball community is set for a worldclass showcase, with Basketball Victoria proud to host the Chinese National Under18 Men’s Team for a four game international exhibition series from 27 April to 1 May 2026.
Bringing elite international basketball to Melbourne, the series celebrates the continued growth of the game while creating meaningful development opportunities for Victorian players, coaches and technical officials. It also provides a high-performance environment for the visiting Chinese squad as they prepare for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
Basketball Victoria General Manager of Leagues and Competitions Greg Jeffers said the series highlights the strength and depth of the Victorian basketball system.
“Any opportunity for those involved in our leagues to be given the opportunity to compete against an international opponent, especially one as recognised as China, is one we look to actively facilitate,.” Jeffers said.
“The players and coaches selected for the NBL1 South and Big V ‘Select’ teams are individuals that are not only deserving, but will represent their association, their league and Victorian basketball in a positive fashion. Invitations for Technical Officials will be selected in a similar manner and announced accordingly.”
Celebrating the Chinese National Program
The visiting Chinese squad arrives as one of the premier youth programs in the world. As they prepare for the 2026 U18 FIBA Asia Cup, they bring a wealth of recent international success to our courts. Following an impressive 3rd-place finish at the 2024 U18 Asia Cup and a strong campaign at the 2025 U19 World Cup, this group is clearly the future of Chinese basketball.
Basketball Victoria is honoured to provide the platform for the team’s final preparations on the road to the Asia Cup.
The Select Series: NBL1 South and Big V
The exhibition series tips off with a showcase of our Victoria’s elite leagues.
On Monday 27 April, the NBL1 South Under-25 Select team brings together the league’s brightest rising stars. They will be led by Head Coach Sam Woosnam (Dandenong Rangers), along with Andrew Cutler (Nunawading), Kaleb Sclater (Melbourne Tigers), and Development Coach Ainslie Howard (Geelong United).
On Tuesday 28 April, the Big V Championship Select team takes the floor under the leadership of Matt Foster (2025 Championship Coach, Hume City), supported by Nathan Heywood (Sunbury) and Mason Rogers (McKinnon).
Future Stars: National Performance Program (NPP)
On Thursday 30 April, the focus shifts to Victoria’s elite youth pathway, with the Basketball Victoria NPP squad facing the Chinese U18 side.
This game provides a valuable opportunity for our state's top emerging prospects to test themselves against a national program – right here at home – and reflects the strength of Victoria’s athlete development pathway.
Basketball Victoria General Manager of Pathways Dom Linossier said the experience would be invaluable for athletes and staff alike.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our Victorian NPP athletes to deepen their understanding of the level of play required in international competition,” Linossier said.
“We are grateful for the chance to further invest in the development of our coaches, athletes and referees through experiences like this”.
The Final Stop: Melbourne Tigers
The series wraps up on Friday 1 May at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), where the Melbourne Tigers, led by Australian basketball legend and NBL1 Head Coach Andrew Gaze, take on the Chinese U18 side in what promises to be a fitting finale to a big week of basketball.
Exhibition Series Schedule
- Monday 27 April – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs. U25 NBL1 South Select
CourtSide, Port Melbourne
- Tuesday 28 April – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs. Big V Championship Select
CourtSide, Port Melbourne
- Thursday 30 April – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs. Victoria NPP
CourtSide, Port Melbourne
- Friday 1 May – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs. Melbourne Tigers
MSAC, Albert Park
Admission is free.
No tickets required so simply turn up on the night. Seating is limited however, so we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.
Basketball Victoria invites fans, families and the wider community to come along, support our local representatives and help welcome the Chinese U18 National Team to Melbourne.
Let’s pack the stands for a week of worldclass hoops.
