Famous Rioli name making waves on basketball court as Ayvah Rioli impresses at U18 Club Championships

She is part of one of footy’s most famous extended families but, with a little inspiration from uncle Willie, Ayvah Rioli is forging her own path at the U18 Club Championships.

Ayvah Rioli was heartbroken for her uncle Willie Rioli when his Port Power fell short to Sydney in Friday night’s AFL preliminary final.

The 15-year-old basketball prodigy, who is leading the way for Indigenous team Binar at the Basketball Australia U18 Club Championships at Hoops Fest this week, understands the importance of her roots, steeped in Aboriginal and sporting tradition.

Granddaughter of trailblazing Indigenous footy legend Maurice Rioli Sr, Ayva counts the likes of Willie, Cyril, Daniel and Maurice Jr as family.

Willie, particularly, has been a guiding light in Ayva’s life as she chases a dream of one day representing Australia as an Opal.

Ayvah Rioli with uncle Willie Rioli, who has been a strong mentor as she seeks a career pathway in basketball.

“I’m really close with Willie Rioli, he comes around my house all the time,” Ayva said.

“Yeah, I feel sad for him that they lost but he did all he could and I’m proud too.

“He talks to me a lot about having a good support system and leaning on them and we talk about family.

“I’m my own person, but it gives me confidence to know so many people in my family have played high level sport.”

She shares her family’s talent for football, recently joining the club synonymous with the Rioli name, South Fremantle.

“I’ve just started playing footy at my family’s club and it’s just been amazing to be able to play on the same ground as all my family that played there, it just feels like home,” she said.

Ayvah Rioli with Uncle Cyril Rioli, an AFL legend, and her family.

Fear not, though, as much as Ayva loves the Sherrin, she’s firmly focused on a future in basketball, given the broader opportunities it can offer.

“I started only playing footy this year and footy’s only based in Australia, while basketball can take me around the world,” she said.

“I want to go play college in America, that’s one of my dreams and, if I get good enough, hopefully play for Australia.”

The Year 10 Mercedes College student has caught the eye of talent watchers at the Perth tournament, held at Joondalup’s HBF Arena during the inaugural celebration of basketball.

Ayvah Rioli is leading the way for Indigenous team Binar at the Basketball Australia U18 Club Championships at Hoops Fest. Picture: keen2kapture

At nearly 6’, she’s the team’s primary playmaker but confidently says ‘I can be anywhere, to be honest’.

“I can be a big and I can dominate in the keyway if that’s what my team needs,” she said.

“My best skills, I think I’ve good leadership, I think my teammates can look up to me because I take pride in what I do, I try to have a good work ethic,” she said.

Ayva picked up the round ball in grade 2 after mum Tania Millar saw her play basketball and immediately said ‘Oh, yep, that’s it’.