23rd April 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
MEDIA RELEASE
Melbourne, VICTORIA – Basketball Victoria is proud to unveil the selected athletes and coaches for the upcoming U18 China Select Series. The four Victorian based teams are set to take on the Chinese National Under 18 Men’s Team across an exciting week of international exhibition matches from 27 April to 1 May 2026.
Bringing together elite talent from across Basketball Victoria’s high-performance pathways and leagues, the series is a rare opportunity for local athletes to compete against international opposition on home soil, while giving fans the chance to witness the next generation of basketball talent up close. It also provides an important preparation opportunity for the visiting Chinese squad ahead of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
The series opens with a powerful showcase of Victoria’s senior league talent, as two high-performance select teams’ step onto the court.
On Monday 27 April, the NBL1 South Under 25 Select team features a dynamic group of emerging stars, athletes who are already making their mark at senior level and are now earning the chance to test themselves in an international setting. Fast, fearless and full of talent, this squad represents the next wave of elite Victorian basketball.
NBL1 South U25 Select Team:
Elliott Brown – Sandringham Sabres
Tom Carroll – Ringwood Hawks
Christian D’Angelo – Nunawading Spectres
Mason Gaze – Melbourne Tigers
Harrison Hornery – Eltham Wildcats
Tana Kopa – Keilor Thunder
Marach Marach – Geelong United
Brody Nunn – Knox Raiders
Ryan Rapp – Dandenong Rangers
Austin Shelley – Frankston Blues
Jordan Straatsma – Bendigo Braves
Kobe Williamson – Knox Raiders
Head Coach – Sam Woosnam - Dandenong
Assistants – Andrew Cutler – Nunawading and Kaleb Slater - Melbourne
Development Coach - Ainslie Howard – Geelong United
On Tuesday 28 April, the BIG V Championship Select Team takes centre stage bringing together standout performers from across the competition. These are players who have consistently delivered at a high level and now have the opportunity to represent their association and Victorian basketball in a big-time environment.
Big V Championship Select Team:
Aaron Dolny – Melbourne University
Ben Barlow – Gippsland United
Ben Crowe – Camberwell
Dylan Moore – Warrandyte
Haydon McIntosh – Hume City
Jackson Dean – Pakenham
Joel Rimes – Melbourne University
Liam McInerney – Bellarine
Luke Liesegang – Camberwell
Matt Berkec – Gippsland United
Mitch Barry – McKinnon
Nathan Marshall – Sunbury
Head Coach – Matt Foster – 2025 BigV Champ Coach
Assistant Coach – Nathan Heywood - Sunbury
Assistant Coach – Mason Rogers - McKinnon
Basketball Victoria General Manager of Leagues and Competitions Greg Jeffers said the selected squads are a strong reflection of the quality and depth of Victorian basketball. “These teams are a genuine reflection of the talent we see across NBL1 South and Big V, and it’s exciting to see that recognised in this kind of international exhibition series,” Jeffers said.
“There’s real quality in these line-ups, and just as importantly, real pride in the chance to represent their competitions and Victorian basketball on a bigger stage.”
After a short break, the focus then shifts to the future, with Victoria’s most exciting young prospects preparing to meet the challenge of international competition, on Thursday 30 April.
The Basketball Victoria National Performance Program (NPP) squad features athletes identified through the state’s elite pathway system, players with high level potential, strong foundations and the hunger to keep rising. For this group, the match on Thursday 20 April, is more than an exhibition; it is a chance to measure themselves against one of the world’s leading youth programs.
Victorian NPP Team:
Chandler Siegle – Eltham
Riak Akhuar – Wyndham
Lucas Byrne – Ballarat
Ryder Cleary – Eltham
Sonny Maxwell – Macedon Ranges | Keilor
Jackson Hood – Ballarat
Josh McCann – Eltham
Bailey Marshall – Frankston
Alex Gray - Macedon Ranges | Sunbury
Sam Haslett - Macedon Ranges | Melbourne
Charles Webb – Knox
Head Coach – David Peters
Assistant Coach – Brenton O'Brien
Assistant Coach - Fernando Rios-Rodriquez
Assistant Coach - Nathan Geer
Team Manager – Leanne Yeoman
Basketball Victoria General Manager of Pathways Dom Linossier said the opportunity would be a valuable step in the development of the selected athletes. “This is exactly the kind of experience that supports our athletes in their pursuit and understanding of what is required to succeed at the next level,” Linossier said.
“To take on international opposition in a high-performance environment, in front of a home crowd, is both exciting and incredibly valuable. We’re looking forward to seeing this group embrace the challenge.”
The series then concludes next Friday 1 May, at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), where a Melbourne Tigers Select squad will take the floor in what promises to be a fitting finale to a huge week of basketball.
Led by Youth Men Head Coach Slavenko Kajtaz, the Tigers line up is set to bring experience, intensity and big-game presence, closing out the series with a showcase match worthy of the occasion.
Melbourne Tigers Select Team:
Billi Delichristos
Wilson Amos
Patrick Twigg
Kai Garnaut
Luca Laird
Samuel Haslet, its my pleasure to
Denzell Prezens
Winston Hall
Aidan Antess
Quentin Marchiori
Finn McGinty
Archer Donaldson
Geordan Hitchener
Head Coach - Slavenko Kajtaz
Basketball Victoria is proud to provide the platform for Team China's U18 Men's final preparations on the road to the Asia Cup competition and encourages fans to come along and support our selected athletes.
Entry is FREE; however tickets are required and numbers are strictly limited. Register NOW to secure your seat via the links below
Don’t miss your chance to be part of a special week of world-class hoops.
Ticket holders are encouraged to make a donation to the RSL's ANZAC Appeal at each match, with Basketball Victoria collecting contributions throughout the event to support the appeal. Donations can be made online here, or in person at the matches.
Exhibition Series Schedule:
Monday 27 April – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs U25 NBL1 South Select
Hoop City Courtside, Port Melbourne
Click here for tickets.
Tuesday 28 April – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs Big V Championship Select
Hoop City Courtside, Port Melbourne
Click here for tickets
Thursday 30 April – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs Victoria NPP
Hoop City Courtside, Port Melbourne
Click here for tickets.
Friday 1 May – 7:00pm
Chinese U18 Men vs Melbourne Tigers
MSAC, Albert Park
Click here for tickets.
-ENDS-
For media enquiries, please contact:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0414 609 006
