Posted on 24 June, 2011
This is the first time Kilsyth Basketball has hosted an Australian Junior Under 16 Championships and the Association is honored to be selected to host such a prestigious event. It shows the faith, respect and understanding Basketball Australia has in the Kilsyth Basketball community.
The Under 16 Australian Junior Championships provide young athletes with the opportunity to play in an elite tournament representing their State on the National stage.
Andrew Bogut, current Australian Boomer and NBA star with the Milwaukee Bucks was the first Australian to be drafter number one overall in the NBA draft back in 2005. Since then he has established himself as one of the toughest competitors in the NBA as well as one of the stars of Australian Basketball.
Born in Melbourne, Bogut grew up in Endeavour Hills not too far from Kilsyth and was fortunate enough to be selected to play basketball for Victoria and from his own experiences knows all about the numerous benefits of being able to compete at an Australian Junior Championship, “If you have not participated in the National Junior Championships before, I encourage you to consider the diversity, achievement, excitement and sense of connection associated with participation”.
“It is a wonderful honor to be the Patron of the Under 16 Australian Junior Championships and I wish all the players, coaches, organizers, officials and volunteers every success in what will be a most captivating and memorable event” Bogut concluded.
Australian Junior Championships have been an important stepping stone in the career pathway of Australian basketballers. Many of Australia’s best players took part in Australian Junior Championships before going on to represent Australia at Olympic or World Championships level, including Opals Lauren Jackson and Kristi Harrower and Boomers Patrick Mills and Mark Worthington.
The Championships are a great illustration of the young and exciting talent that plays basketball in this country, and a great event for basketball lovers and families alike. With the Championships being run in the second week of the school holidays (9-16 July) they represent a great school holiday activity for the Kilsyth Community.
Tickets for the Championships are on sale now and can be pre purchased from the office by calling 9728 1033, prices are as below;
Weekly Pass
Family (x2 Adults/x2 Children) $120
Adult $60
Child (Aged 10-16)/Concession $20.
Day Pass
Family $15
Adult $10
Child/Concession $5.
