In a tribute to a well-balanced development program and passionate coaches, Dubbo Basketball (DBA) had six young players attend the U15 and U16 DLeague at Hills in Sydney last weekend.

These were in addition to the three U14s we featured last week.

“This is the first time we have had nine athletes in total attend DLeague. This innovative program showcases the most talented 30 metro and 30 country players in the state. Coaches involved in NSW State programs attend to observe the players in action,” Claire Hargreaves from DBA said.

“All of our players are also part of the Western Region Academy of Sport Program which had the orientation weekend this Saturday in Bathurst.

Basketball is growing and going from strength to strength in Dubbo, all we need now is space to grow with the building of a new stadium,” Claire added.

DBA has been hosted by the Dubbo Sports Centre for at least 30 years. It has hosted State League matches, Western championships and some early National Basketball League trials with Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne teams.

Indeed, when current WRAS and NSW Netball coach Linda Macleod, who featured on the Dubbo Photo News front page two weeks ago, was employed along with former Australian Wallaroos Rugby coach Dwayne Nestor they attracted the Canberra Capitals and Australian Institute of Sport team

The AIS squad showcased the unique skills of 15-year-old Lauren Jackson. Known as the best player in the world when she retired for the first time a decade ago, the great champion stunned the basketball world when she returned for the WNBL last season and made an unbelievable comeback to the Opals, bowing out after the recent World Cup.

There have been plenty of stars who’ve been on the boards and in the paint on the Dubbo Courts. With the positive environment and professional coaching there is optimism more DBA players will emerge and reach the highest levels.