Broadmeadows unveiled as Basketball Victoria high performance hub
A high performance hub to help train Australia’s future NBL, WNBL and US college basketball stars has been unveiled in Broadmeadows. It will be one of 10 in Victoria designed to give talented players access to elite level coaching in their backyard.
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Broadmeadows has been unveiled as a Basketball Victoria high performance hub.
The hub — set to be one of 10 across the state — has been designed to help talented players reach elite leagues such as the NBL, WNBL and US college basketball.
Athletes at each hub will be given access to elite level coaching focused on skill development, strength and conditioning and tactics.
Coburg basketballer AJ Magbegor, who will train at the Broadmeadows Stadium hub, said his dream was to become an NBA player.
“It will be easy access, I live pretty close to here,” the 15-year-old said.
“I know a few coaches here so they’ll be able to help me with my goal.”
The State Government has splashed $5 million — as part of a $101 million investment in Victorian basketball’s future — to help bring seven of the 10 hubs to life.
The other centres will be located in Geelong, Werribee, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and Traralgon.
Basketball Victoria will independently establish the remaining three at the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South, Casey Stadium and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Chief executive Nick Honey said each facility would enable high performance basketballers to access elite training in their own region.
“This will be a world class high performance program that we’re really excited about,” he said.
“Not only will there be opportunities for players but there will be opportunities for other participants within our sport, particularly high performance coaches.”
Sport Minister Martin Pakula said Victoria was the heart of basketball in Australia with more than 50 per cent of participants registered in the state.
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“I think that’s a great outcome for Broady,” Mr Pakula said.
“With record numbers of Victorians signing up to play basketball we’re making sure communities like Broadmeadows have the best facilities and programs to develop the next Ben Simmons and Liz Cambage.
“These new hubs will be real winners for their local areas, working side-by-side with local competitions.”
Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire said it was a great result for the about 8000 basketballers in Hume.
jack.paynter@news.com.au