Geelong United Basketball Weekly Update – July 28

WELCOME TO GEELONG UNITED BASKETBALL’S WEEKLY UPDATE.

IN THIS EDITION:

WNBL Update:

WNBL season is back this October!

With a new coach and a new look roster, our squad is sure to be one of the teams to watch in WNBL 27!

New Signings:

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We’re excited to announce the massive signing of our two import players for the upcoming season, please welcome Han Xu and Wanglai Zhang to Geelong!

From the international stage to our city – we couldn’t be prouder to have them join the Venom.

Early Bird Memberships:

Early bird memberships are launching sooner than you think – Be the first to know! Get the full details here.

NBL1 Update:

Nbl1 Award Winners

Our GUB Pathways Awards Night was held last Wednesday evening at the Geelong Arena, with a fantastic crowd in attendance to celebrate our NBL1 players from the 2026 season.

For our Women’s squad, Mackenzie Drew picked up the Coaches Award following a fantastic season of development. Jordan Vasquez was awarded the Players’ Player as voted by her peers for her contribution to the club throughout the season, and Lilly Rotunno won the Women’s MVP following a stellar season as Women’s captain.

For the men, Paul Gakmar picked up the Coaches Award following a great contribution not only on the floor but amongst the community. DeMarcus Gatlin was recognised by his peers as the Players’Player, and Lachlan Barker was crowned MVP following a standout season with the club.

In Loving Memory of Trevor Price:

Trevor Price Geelong United Basketball

It is with great sadness that we announce that Trevor Price passed away on the 23rd July 2026 after a battle with cancer.

Trevor was an assistant team manager with the NBL program before moving into the role of Team Manager for the Geelong Supercats when the NBL team folded and the team entered into the SEABL in 1997, a position he held for over 10 years before retiring in 2007, and was an integral part of 2 National Championship teams in 1999 and 2006

Trevor’s hard work, commitment and unwavering support helped shaped the club over many years.

Trevor loved his role with the club, and his popularity among fans had him often undertaking some crazy antics, like entering games during team announcements on the back of a motorbike, or abseiling from the rafters.

Trevor was loved by all the players he was involved with, and unfortunately was unable to attend the 20-year reunion of the 2006 National Championship team at the last NBL1 home game due to his ill health.

Our thoughts are with Trevor’s Wife Binh, his two sons Cody and Jackson and his family and friends.

Rest in peace Trev.

BigV Youth League Update:

Bigv Award Winners

Our GUB Pathways Awards Night was held last Wednesday evening at the Geelong Arena, with a fantastic crowd in attendance to celebrate our BigV Vic Youth Champ players from the 2026 season.

For our Women’s squad, Neve Terpstra picked up the Coaches Award following a breakout year, while Mackenzie Drew scored her second award of the night voted by her peers as the Players’ Player. The MVP honours went to Aleks Connolly who had a terrific season that saw her leading the way on the stat sheet across multiple contests throughout the teams’ 2026 campaign.

For the men, Ryan Drinkwater was awarded the Coaches’ Award following some fantastic contributions throughout the season, while JT Norling scored the Players’ Player award as voted by his peers. MVP honours went to Bailey Bruce who had another great year, not only increasing his impact on the scoreboard, but also his general presence on the floor to help his team towards some fantastic success throughout their second year in VYC.

VJBL Update:

VJBL Teams of the Week

VJBL 2026/27

The date is set, and we’re ready for our first round of tryouts this September!

We’re inviting new players who have not previously played VJBL to attend our New Player Try Outs ahead of the official October VJBL selections.

This session is compulsory for eligible players wanting to be considered for upcoming VJBL Try Outs.

Get more details here.

GUB is now seeking Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches for the 2026/27 VJBL season.

With support from Coach & Athlete Development Manager Simon Nicholson, a growing team of experienced Coaches, and a clear style of play across all teams — our coaches are backed to lead, learn, and elevate their craft in a player development-focused environment.

Whether you’re a returning coach or ready to take the next step, GUB offers a place to grow and make a real impact in the VJBL space. Submit your Expression of Interest now and be part of something bigger.

Community Comp Update:

Community Spotlight Series:

GUB’s Community Spotlight Series aims to shine a light on our community clubs that make up the majority of our weekly competitions.

We’ll be checking in with all club presidents to find out not only about them, but also some club history and what’s happening behind the scenes.

Most recently, we checked in with Anthony Barnett – CC Eagles Basketball Club. Click here or below to read more.

Champs League Weekly Wrap:

The GUB Champs League Weekly Wrap is back.

Each week we give you all the big results, plus a deep dive into our game of the week on both women’s and men’s sides of the draw.

Check out all the latest from round 14 here.

A24 Finance Geelong United Basketball

Beginner Ref Course:

Our Beginner Referee Course is coming up on August 9 for aspiring referees aged 12 and over!

To join in on the course, head to our Referee page and fill out the form!

We Are Hiring:

Click here to apply

VWBL Coach & Squad Announcement:

Vwbl Coach & List - Post

GUB is pleased to announce the appointment of our new VWBL Head Coach, 𝙂𝙖𝙗𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙪𝙧𝙞.

With a talented list assembled for the upcoming season, we look forward to seeing what you all achieve when it all kicks off in September!

TAC Geelong United Tournament 2026 (Koorr Koorr Ngitji):

GUB will once again be holding a celebration of our sport by Coming Together (Waddawurrung: Koorr Koorr Ngitji) at a festival of basketball!

Now in its fifth year, the tournament will be held from October 31-November 1, 2026 across the multiple venues that host Geelong United’s community games each week.

Over the course of the weekend, teams will play a minimum of four games against other VJBL clubs, country associations and community teams from across the nation.

Practice Like A Pro:

Geelong United Basketball’s Practice Like a Pro Program is a high-performance morning training opportunity designed for both community competition and VJBL players who are serious about improving their game.

Train in a professional environment, build consistency, and develop the habits elite players rely on — all before school. Led by experienced high-level coaches, each session focuses on skill development, game intensity, and attention to detail.

Find out more here.

GUB Rep Ready Program:

Ready to start your VJBL journey?

Take the next step into representative basketball with our Geelong United Rep Ready Program — designed to give athletes the edge heading into tryouts.

Find out more here.

SEDA Information Session:

Are you interested in completing Years 11 and 12 while immersed in the sport and recreation industries?

If so, SEDA College could be a great option for you.

As a registered player with Geelong United Basketball, we are pleased to invite you to learn more about the Basketball Victoria Sports Development Program offered by SEDA College.

About the school

The Basketball Victoria Sports Development Program at SEDA College aims to bring out the best in you as a student. The College has four key areas that define their approach and sets them apart from other schools:

Learn directly from industry experts and have the opportunity to work at peak events including game days and family days
Students get outside the classroom, learn by doing and undertake activities for schools and the community developing their coaching, event management and marketing skills
SEDA’s ‘one teacher, one classroom’ model allows teachers to take on a true mentoring approach. Teachers walk alongside you and support your individual journey
Students develop an individual career plan, where the focus is on developing key personal qualities and transferable skills to prepare for further study or employment across a range of industries

If this is of interest to you, we encourage you to contact SEDA College or register for the Geelong Information Session on Monday 20th July. Visit https://seda.vic.edu.au/event-registration-geelong/ for more information. Registration required.

Please note a selection process will be conducted by SEDA College staff for students to be accepted into the program.

Find out more here.

Geelong Barwon Netball League:

Geelong United Basketball and AFL Barwon have teamed up to bring you the Geelong Barwon Netball League!

This senior women’s competition will showcase the skill and athleticism of netballers from across our great region.

Competition Details:

13 April 2026 – 24 August 2026 (including finals)
Games will be played at Grovedale College (19 Wingarra Drive, Grovedale, VIC, 3216)
Games will be scheduled to start between 5:50 pm – 9:30 pm

Teams will need to provide:

A scorer for each game
Own uniforms and bibs (Clash bibs are available should the need arise)

Find out more and register for the competition here.

Wheelies Basketball Comp:

Our Wheelchair Basketball Competition is a fun, supportive space that welcomes everyone of all abilities.

Playing basketball gives everyone an opportunity to develop greater confidence, skills and strengths, make new friends and learn about teamwork. The emphasis is on creating a supportive, social, inclusive and fun environment.

Working closely with our local networks, Geelong United Basketball runs this competition on Tuesday nights, accommodating a variety of ages and skill levels.

Our team are run by volunteer members that cover Greater Geelong from Lara in the north to Leopold in the east, the Surf Coast and the Golden Plains.