28th August 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Melbourne, VICTORIA – EOIs are now open for the 2027 Victorian Under-20 State Team trials and Basketball Victoria’s inaugural U19 State Development Program.
A new opportunity is opening for Victoria’s emerging basketball talent, with Basketball Victoria launching its first U19 State Development Program alongside selection for the 2027 Victorian Under-20 State Teams.
Designed for athletes born in 2009, the new U19 State Development Program will help bridge the gap between junior and senior basketball, giving emerging players another opportunity to develop their game and remain connected to the state pathway.
Athletes who would like to be considered for the U19 State Development Program must submit an Expression of Interest for the Under-20 State Team trials. Both trials will be conducted concurrently, making the upcoming selection process the entry point for each program.
Basketball Victoria General Manager Pathways, Dom Linossier, said the new program would create an important development opportunity for athletes transitioning beyond junior basketball.
“The step from junior to senior basketball is a significant one, and the new U19 State Development Program has been created to better support athletes through that transition,” Linossier said.
“It gives our emerging players another opportunity to develop, be challenged and remain connected to the state pathway. We’re excited to introduce the program and encourage eligible athletes from across Victoria to put themselves forward.”
Basketball Victoria is also inviting athletes born in 2008 or 2009 to submit an EOI to trial for the 2027 Victorian Under-20 Women’s and Men’s State Teams.
Eligible athletes must be participating in a competition conducted by Basketball Victoria, such as the VJBL, JCCs, CBL, Big V or NBL1.
Selection consideration will include:
- Athletic ability, size and skill level likely to contribute to success at a National Championship
- The ability to fill a role required by the coaching staff
- Compatibility with the team’s playing style and values
- The athlete’s personality and character
Successful athletes will be notified by email and provided with further trial information. The first trial will be held on Sunday 27 September 2026.
The Victorian Under-20 Women’s and Men’s State Teams will be selected first. Depending on eligibility, Victoria Navy development teams may then be selected in either or both divisions.
Athletes selected in a Victoria Navy team will also be considered emergency players for the corresponding Victorian team. Navy selections will consider long-term athlete development, with priority given to bottom-age athletes born in 2009, the benefit an athlete would gain from competing at a National Championship and a healthy balance of country and metropolitan representation.
The 2027 Australian Under-20 Championships will be held from 24–31 January 2027.
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Key dates
Expressions of Interest close: 5pm, Friday 11 September 2026
First trial: Sunday 27 September 2026
Athletes born in 2009 who want to be considered for the inaugural U19 State Development Program must register through the same form and attend the Under-20 State Team trials.
