CoE Men’s Head Coach Adam Caporn and NBA Global Academy Director Marty Clarke have officially announced the new CoE Men’s and NBA Global Academy scholarship holders.
The CoE has in the past hosted Australian players such as Patty Mills, Lauren Jackson, Aron Baynes, Belinda Snell, Matthew Dellavedova and Liz Cambage.
The program brings together the best young players from around Australia to live and train together in a high performance environment with the assistance of elite coaches.
These are the players who have received scholarships to Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence:
Banjo Talbot – NSW
“Banjo is an exciting post player from Manly, NSW. At 211cm and with good athleticism he has the ability to be a force around the basket.
He is a natural shot blocker with both hands and pursues rebounds relentlessly.
Banjo demonstrates a strong work ethic and positive attitude that will enable him to maximise the development opportunities the CoE/AIS has to offer.”
Lucas Schmidt – QLD
“Originally from Yeppoon, QLD, by way of Brisbane Boys College, Lucas joins the CoE after winning a silver medal with Queensland South at the 2018 U18 AJC’s.
Lucas is a 211cm post player with a strong body and good touch around the rim. He is a willing passer with good vision and shows good potential as a shooter.
He will working hard to maximise his physical gifts and will be a terrific contributor to the program.”
Josh Bannan – VIC
“Josh joins the CoE after leading Victoria Metro to a bronze medal at the U18 AJC’s and competing with the U17 Australian team at the recent World Championships in Santa Fe, Argentina.
A versatile left-handed forward, Josh is relentless attacking the basket and is a talented young scorer.
He is also an elite student and dedicated worker that will leave no stone unturned in finding out how good he can be.”
Luke Travers – WA
“Joining the Centre of Excellence from Rockingham, WA, Luke was an outstanding performer and Gold Medallist in the U18 AJC’s and is also fresh off a strong U17 World Championship campaign.
A gifted athlete with a unique feel for the game, he fits the mould of the modern position less player and going forward will do some exciting things on the international stage.
He is a dynamic open court player who will be working hard to improve his skill set so that he can continue growing the ways in which he can impact games.”
Director of the NBA Global Academy Marty Clarke has also announced the two new NBA Global Academy Scholarship holders;
Taran Armstrong – TAS
“After a stand out performance at U18 Australian National Championships, Taran (Taz) has continued to impress at every showing.
Taz brings a sound understanding of the game and an intense desire to improve his own game.
His crafty play belies his age and high level offensive repertoire is on show in pick and roll play.
Taz will be working hard on building his strength and become a pesky defender, as well as developing his leadership skills to help influence the young Global Academy squad.”
Blake Jones – QLD
“Blake has shown glimpses of the potential he possess over the past 2 years and is now adding the experience of international play in an effort to fast-track his development.
Blake has the unique blend of height, skill and smarts that if he combines them with hard work, suggests he should have a bright future at senior level. He has a natural shooting stroke and plays with composure that is rarely seen in a young player.
Blake will be working hard in the gym to add bulk to his 6’9 frame and improve his explosiveness which will help him compete against high level players.”
The athletes will join the returning scholarship holders for term three and four of the 2018 school year. The full list of athletes attending the CoE are listed.
| Program | Name | DoB | State | Year Joined | Notes |
| CoE | Banjo Talbot | 4/10/2001 | NSW | June 2018 | |
| Lucas Schmidt | 9/05/2002 | QLD | July 2018 | ||
| Joshua Bannan | 26/02/2001 | VIC | July 2018 | ||
| Luke Travers | 3/09/2001 | WA | July 2018 | ||
| Hunter Clarke | 6/08/2001 | TAS | July 2018 | Graduated from NBA GA in July 2018 | |
| Wani Swaka Lo Buluk | 9/06/2001 | WA | July 2018 | Graduated from NBA GA in July 2018 | |
| Kyle Bowen | 6/10/2000 | WA | June 2017 | ||
| Alexander Ducas | 11/12/2000 | WA | January 2018 | ||
| Jashua Kunen Gatbel | 19/10/2000 | VIC | July 2017 | ||
| Isaiah Lee | 10/04/2000 | NSW | July 2018 | ||
| Hunter Goodrick | 24/02/2000 | NSW | January 2018 | ||
| *Daniel Grida | 26/04/1998 | WA | April 2017 | Graduated, extended stay for SEABL Finals | |
| *Callum Dalton | 4/05/2000 | QLD | January 2016 | Graduated, extended stay for SEABL Finals | |
| NBA GA | Blake Jones | 28/02/2002 | QLD | July 2018 | |
| Taran Armstrong | 15/01/2002 | TAS | June 2018 | ||
| Anyang Garang | 8/09/2000 | SA | June 2017 | ||
| Tamuri Wigness | 26/03/2002 | QLD | April 2017 | ||
| Kane Waters | 1/02/2002 | WA | January 2018 | ||
| Aly Khalifa | 22/11/2001 | EGYPT | January 2018 | ||
| Francisco Farabello | 1/11/2000 | ARG. | July 2017 | ||
| Hyunjung Lee | 23/10/2000 | S. KOR | January 2018 | ||
| Efemena Abogidi | 11/10/2001 | NIG | July 2017 | ||
| Aashay Verma | 18/04/1999 | IND | November 2016 | ||
Basketball Australia
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