Talented Athlete Program

The Talented Athlete Program (TAP) is a junior development camp run by Basketball NSW for U13 and U14 players who show potential to be a long term performance athlete.

TAP is run by Basketball NSW, specifically through the Performance Pathway staff who design, deliver, and select athletes for the program. At the trials and the TAP camp, BNSW will be supported by local network coaches. 

Entry to the TAP camp is by trial only. Athletes must attend a Metro or Country trial and be identified by Basketball NSW Performance Pathway staff before they can be considered for selection.

Yes. Attendance at an official trial is mandatory. There are no special consideration selections outside of the trial process.

No, athletes are only permitted to trial once.

Yes. All registered NSW athletes are welcome to trial, regardless of whether they are currently in a representative team.

Athletes should attend the trial that is appropriate for their location. Country-based athletes should attend one of the regional Country trial locations, while Metro-based athletes should attend the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre trial.

At a trial, athletes will learn skills and principles of play that will prepare them for TAP camp and future BNSW Performance Pathways trials.  Athletes will be assessed by Basketball NSW Performance Pathway staff across a range of criteria including character, athletic potential, and basketball skill. 

TAP operates at a level above regular club or association basketball. It introduces athletes to the training environments, coaching standards, and performance expectations that come with higher levels of performance — things they would not typically experience at club level.

Yes. TAP is a formal part of the Basketball NSW performance pathway and is designed as a stepping stone for athletes who may progress further through the state system.

TAP is one of the entry points in the Basketball NSW Performance Pathway.  The next step after the camp is the Performance Pathway trials which for U14’s are held 22-23 August in Illawarra for Country athletes and 5 September in Penrith for Metro athletes.

There are four separate TAP camps.  U13 girls, U13 boys, U14 girls, and U14 boys.  All four TAP camps are held at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.

Yes. Recovery is built into the program. Athletes will experience recovery strategies, refuelling breaks, and guided rolling recovery sessions so they understand how to look after their bodies during periods of training.

A typical day includes high-intensity on-court training sessions, classroom learning, recovery and refuelling breaks, and a reflection session at the end of the day where athletes review what they have learned and discuss their next steps.

Once selected, athletes will be sent a list of what to bring for the camp but as a general rule, prepare the following items;

• Basketball shoes (well fitted and court appropriate)
• Socks (bring extras — more than you think you’ll need)
• Compression shorts or tights if preferred
• Ankle braces or supports if you use them
• A change of clothes for off-court sessions
• Large water bottle (at least 1 litre — bring two if possible)
• Electrolyte tablets or sports drink powder
• Notebook and pen for classroom sessions
• Any prescribed medication with clear instructions

No. Athletes are responsible for arranging their own accommodation during the camp period.

Camp costs will be shared once confirmed. Further details regarding registration and payment will be provided to selected athletes at that time.

Yes. Parents who are interested in assisting on the floor as volunteer coaches during the trials are welcome to do so and can register their interest via the link provided on the TAP registration page.  Parents will not be privy to any selection discussions.

No. While parents can volunteer as coaches on the floor, they will not be involved in selection discussions or decisions. All selection decisions are made solely by Basketball NSW Performance Pathway staff.

Selectors assess athletes across three main areas: character (demonstrated through the BLUES values), height and athletic potential, and basketball skill.

What are the BLUES values and why do they matter? 

The BLUES values are the character framework used by Basketball NSW. They stand for Better people (striving to be their best on and off the court every day), Learning (being open to feedback and improvement), Unity (support connection associations, Metro and Country, girls and boys programs), Effort (consistently working hard), and Selfless & Supportive (putting the team and program first). Character is considered the most important selection factor.

Can my child be excluded from selection based on behaviour alone? 

Yes. Athletes who do not demonstrate the BLUES values during the trial process may be removed from selection consideration, regardless of their skill level or athletic potential.

Is selection based on current ability or long-term potential? 

Selection is based on long-term potential, not just current performance. Selectors may prioritise athletes who have physical traits that project well for future basketball, show developmental upside, and demonstrate strong character and learning behaviours — even if their current skill level is still developing.

No. Whilst it is nice to be selected, not being selected definitely does not close the door on future opportunities. Many successful athletes enter the Basketball NSW pathway much later in their development.  If not selected for TAP, the next opportunity to be identified for BNSW Performance Pathway programs will be U14’s, held 22-23 August in Illawarra for Country athletes and 5 September in Penrith for Metro athletes.

Skill is one of three assessment criteria and is absolutely considered. However, height and athletic potential do factor into selection given the physical demands of elite basketball. This does not automatically exclude smaller athletes, particularly those who demonstrate outstanding skill and character.

Yes. Athletes with exceptional projected height may be selected early in the pathway even if they are still developing other areas of their game. Height potential is a genuine selection factor at this stage of the pathway.

Selections are announced after the final trial. Announcements schedule will be announced at the trials. 

Yes. TAP runs separate camps for boys and girls across the U13 and U14 age groups.

Yes. We encourage all athletes to participate in trials as U13 and U14 athletes.

Yes. Basketball New South Wales will provide formal letter to help manage school absence.

Do I need to contact the school as well?
Yes. While Basketball NSW provides the official letter, we recommend parents/guardians also communicate directly with the school to ensure all absence procedures are followed.

Is the absence guaranteed to be approved?
Final approval sits with the school. However, the letter from Basketball NSW is designed to support your request and provide context around the significance of the program.

When will the letter be sent?
The letter will be provided after selections are finalised, giving families sufficient time to notify their school.