Basketball NSW is excited to announce the upcoming U15 & U17 Challenges, an evolution and revamping of the High Performance Shootout events. These Challenges, now part of the Basketball NSW Community & Growth sector, offer a unique opportunity for players and coaches to engage in high-quality training, mentorship, and development experiences after trailing and being selected from the 2024 High Performance Trials.
The Challenges program, first trialled in 2023 as part of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Legacy Program, was launched to celebrate the legacy of Australia’s basketball icons. In 2025, the Challenges will honour two Basketball NSW Hall of Famers: Suzy Batkovic OLY and Glen Saville OLY.
The Basketball NSW Challenges aim to foster the growth of basketball by offering structured, competitive environments for skill development, teamwork, and knowledge-building. Participants will benefit from:
- 3×3 Training Sessions and Games
- 5 on 5 Training Sessions and Games
- Female Empowerment Sessions (U15 & U17 Girls)
- Experience featuring Suzy Batkovic and Glen Saville
- NBL and WNBL Game Experiences
Players who participated in the High Performance trials have been notified of their selection to attend the U15 & U17 Challenges. These athletes were chosen based on their performance and potential demonstrated during the trials, ensuring that participants will train and compete in a structured and high-calibre environment.
Basketball NSW, Programs Manager Adam Marjoram, highlighted the importance of engaging this age group.
“The U15 and U17 age groups are crucial for retaining young athletes, particularly girls, in basketball,” said Marjoram.
“This is often the stage where we see a higher dropout rate, and programs like the Hero Challenges are designed to inspire, educate, and empower these players. By combining basketball training with off-court learnings about resilience and empowerment, we hope to foster a love for the game that lasts a lifetime for both genders.”
The 2025 Challenges will feature Suzy Batkovic a highly decorated Olympian who was a part of three medal-winning Australian Opals’ teams and Glen Saville, one of the most decorated players in NBL history and former Australian Boomer. Both are esteemed members of the prestigious Basketball NSW Hall of Fame.
- Suzy Batkovic: Named after an iconic junior NSW Country basketballer and Australian Opal, Suzy began her journey in Newcastle at 12. Overcoming adversity and team setbacks, she excelled with NSW Country, the AIS, and in junior international competitions. Her career soared as she won championships in the WNBL, WNBA, and EuroLeague, and became a three-time Olympian with the Australian Opals.
- Glen Saville: An Illawarra basketball legend, Glen was instrumental in leading the Hawks to their first-ever NBL championship in 2001. With 527 NBL games, multiple MVP awards, and two Olympic appearances, Saville’s career exemplifies excellence and dedication.
U15 & U17 Girls Challenge (Suzy Batkovic)
Dates & Schedule:
- Friday, 17 January: 3 PM – 7 PM (3×3 Training & Games)
- Saturday, 18 January: 9 AM – 5 PM (5 on 5 Training & Games)
- Sunday, 19 January: NBL/WNBL Game Day at Qudos Bank Arena
- Sydney Flames vs. Adelaide Lightning (11:45 AM)
- Sydney Kings vs. Tasmania Jackjumpers (2:30 PM)
Location:
Sutherland Basketball Stadium, Waratah Park, Rawson Ave, Sutherland NSW 2232.
U15 & U17 Boys Challenge (Glen Saville)
Dates & Schedule:
- Sunday, 19 January: 12 PM – 5 PM (3×3 Training & Games)
- Monday, 20 January: 9 AM – 5 PM (5 on 5 Training & Games)
- Monday, 20 January: NBL Game at WIN Entertainment Centre
- Illawarra Hawks vs. Brisbane Bullets (7 PM)
Location:
Berkeley Indoor Stadium, Fred Finch Park South West, 22 Hooka Creek Rd, Berkeley NSW 2506.
Selected Athletes:
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the talented athletes selected for the 2025 Challenges! To view the full list of selected athletes and celebrate their incredible achievements, please visit our Challenges webpage HERE.
For more questions, head to our Challenges webpage HERE to read the FAQs.
To explore more about Suzy and Glen’s achievements, visit our Hall of Fame webpage HERE.
