Our vision

As ABA grows, we envisage expanding our vision of development for Aboriginal student athletes, to embrace other student athletes from other regions of Australia. Our long-term strategic goals are inclusive of making South Australia the central hub for basketball and work / life skills development in Australia. We believe this can be achieved through the vision of expanding this Academy across SA.

More specifically, the Academy will provide a vehicle:

• for students to complete year 12 and progress into further tertiary study or meaningful employment
• for sporting participants in South Australia to gain access to programs that develop their ability by delivering high quality coaching, competition opportunities and expert advice
• to offer programs and pathways that have a strategic alignment with the formal talent development pathways of the peak state sporting organisations
• to contribute to higher levels of participation and improved standards of competition in the region
• to address the current under representation of the region in sport at state and national levels while promoting general sports participation at grassroots in schools and community sports associations
• to offer significant opportunities for volunteer training and mentoring support

It is envisaged that the Academy will provide a focus for the development of athletes in South Australia. ABA participants will acquire key skills such as goal setting, motivation, team work, and social skills, which will be valuable as these young people develop their careers and move forward in life.

Student criteria

ABA offers the opportunity for students to develop their basketball abilities while helping to shape their character and better prepare them for life after basketball.

The program targets students studying year 10, 11 or 12 that meet the following criteria:

• Are eager to learn the game of basketball
• Committed to educational opportunities
• Must enjoy structured basketball drills facilitated by qualified coaches and former professional basketball players
• Cardiovascular training
• Motivational presentations
• Workshops on the importance of education
• Understanding the importance of teamwork and leadership
• Committed to learning