WELCOME TO GEELONG UNITED BASKETBALL’S WEEKLY UPDATE.
IN THIS EDITION:
WNBL Update:
Our squad hit the court last Friday afternoon for their final home game of WNBL 26.
A tough task lay ahead in reigning premiers Bendigo, who up to this point Geelong had never beaten throughout their two seasons in the league. However, it was the home side who would come out firing, surprising the Spirit to claim a 7 point win and another major scalp for the season – Venom now having defeated all top end sides in Townsville, Perth and Bendigo.
Next up was a road trip to Sydney on Sunday afternoon, where once again Geelong would show some true grit, silencing a Flames side who were looking to make one last attempt at a finals berth. Claiming back to back wins for the first time this season, Geelong walked away 13 point winners.
Next up, we’re hitting the road once again for our final regular season game. We’ll look to spoil another season at AIS Arena when we take on the UC Capitals who desperately need the win to have any hope of making the final four.
Catch all the action live on ESPN or Disney+.
NBL1 Update:
Things are starting to take shape ahead of the NBL1 season, which kicks off for our Geelong sides on March 28.
Some big signings have already been announced, with plenty more big names still to come!
Our women’s squad are looking to go one better than last season, where after a perfect regular season and finals campaign, they fell agonisingly short at the final hurdle, going down to a tough Knox outfit in the Grand Final.
The team though will be boosted by the re-signing of captain Jaz Shelley, alongside speedy point guard Lilly Rotunno.
As for the men’s squad, the man who many consider one of the GOAT’s of Geelong Basketball, DeMarcus Gatlin is back for another season with united. Another huge signing was also announced late last week in current Cairns Taipans NBL star, Lachlan Barker.
Coach Development Sessions:
We’re excited to launch our 2026 Coach Development Sessions!
These FREE sessions focus on leadership, culture, confidence, and wellbeing, giving coaches practical tools they can apply immediately in their teams and programs.
Whether you’re new to coaching or highly experienced, these sessions are about learning, sharing, and continuing to grow as coaches.
Building Team Culture & Leadership
Monday, February 24 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Presenter: Mark Neeld
Mark Neeld is the current CEO of Geelong United Basketball and brings extensive experience in high-performance sport, including time as an AFL Head Coach. In this session, Mark will share lessons from his coaching and leadership journey, focusing on how strong team cultures are built and sustained, and what true leadership looks like in practice. Coaches will gain insight into creating environments built on connection, accountability, and shared purpose.
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Coaches: Own Your Voice, Own Your Future
Tuesday, March 3 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Presenter: Megan Moody
Megan Moody is the Geelong United NBL1 Women’s Head Coach, General Manager of Pathways, and a multiple championship-winning coach. This session is designed specifically for female coaches and will focus on building confidence, owning your voice as a leader, and developing a clear pathway in coaching. Megan will share her experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, with a focus on leadership, growth, and empowering others along the way.
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Mental Health Toolkit For Coaches
Sunday, March 29 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Presenter: Chris Lytas – Right Mate
Chris Lytas is the founder of Right Mate, a men’s mental health charity. Chris will lead a practical workshop focused on mental health awareness in young people. Coaches will learn key signs to look out for, how to approach conversations with individuals who may be struggling, and how to best support players, staff, and themselves in a safe and meaningful way.
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Registrations are now open, so get in quick to reserve your spot here.
GUB New Balance Apparel Store:
The GUB New Balance Apparel Store is back open for a short time only!
All winter items are available, and will be dispatched mid March.
Get your orders in now here.
Community Development Program:
Looking to build your skills and get an extra training session in each week?
The Community Development Program is a great opportunity for players in the GUB Community Competitions to grow their game in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Each session focuses on:
- Skill development
- Game IQ
- Confidence building
Led by Program Coordinator Courtney Burke, the program offers a fun and engaging space for players to learn, improve, and enjoy basketball even more.
Full details here.
Future United Stars:
Do you want to be a star of the future?
The Future United Stars program is a skill development program that will teach players how to be able to play competitively.
This program will be coordinated by GUB’s Coach & Athlete Development Manager, Simon Nicholson and coached by GUB’s U12 VJBL Coaches.
Find out more here.
Shooting School:
Want to take your game to the next level? Our Shooting School is designed for junior players in the Geelong United Community Competition who are looking for an extra session focused on improving shooting skills through game-like activities.
- Learn proper shooting technique
- Practice in real-game scenarios
- Build confidence and consistency
Each session will be made up of a mix of high-volume repetitions with focused skill development and game-like scenarios.
Find out more here.
Step Above Skills Sessions:
Take your game to the next level!
Geelong United Basketball’s Step Above Skills Sessions are all about stepping up your game and learning the skills that will help you get ahead of the pack.
TOPIC: Life in the Fast Lane – mastering success in the full court.
These sessions are for VJBL athletes and others wanting to improves their skills by attending one or both sessions. Hosted by special guest Geelong United NBL1 players, each session will be focused on specific skills based development that will help all athletes better their game.
Find out more here.
Our mailing address is:
Geelong United Basketball
Beyond Bank Stadium
20 Crows Road
Belmont, Victoria 3216
Australia
