NBL1 South Select Team to Face Team China U18 Men

NBL1 South has assembled an Under-25 Select Team to face Team China Under-18 Men on April 27, as part of Basketball Victoria’s Select Series.

The showcase will bring together some of the conference’s top young players for an international matchup, tipping off at 7:00pm at Courtside - Port Melbourne.

The Select Team will be led by Dandenong Rangers head coach Sam Woosnam, who continues to break new ground in Australian basketball.

Woosnam is currently the only female head coach in the NBL1 South Men’s competition and brings championship experience to the role, having guided the Kilsyth Cobras Women to the 2019 NBL1 Women's title.

She will be supported by assistant coaches Andrew Cutler (Nunawading Spectres) and Kaleb Sclater (Melbourne Tigers), alongside Development Coach Ainslie Howard (Geelong United), and Team Managed by Leanne Yoeman (Basketball Victoria)

Several players return to the Select Team environment, with Tom Carroll, Austin Shelley and Christian D’Angelo all featuring in the NBL1 South 2025 Select Team that took on the Adelaide 36ers in a pre-season game last September.

The larger percentage of the selected playing group have had exposure to the NBL environment, either as development players or training players, highlighting the strength of the South's emerging talent.

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Basketball Victoria General Manager of Leagues and Competitions Greg Jeffers said the opportunity to face international opposition is one the league continues to prioritise.

“Any opportunity for those involved in our leagues to be given the opportunity to compete against an international opponent, especially one as recognised as China, is one we look to actively facilitate,” Jeffers said.

“The players and coaches selected for the NBL1 South and Big V ‘Select’ teams are individuals that are not only deserving, but will represent their association, their league and Victorian basketball in a positive fashion.”

The visiting Chinese National Under-18 Men’s Team arrives as one of the premier youth programs in the world, using the series as preparation for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.

Following a third-place finish at the 2024 U18 Asia Cup and a strong showing at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, the squad brings significant international pedigree to the Select Series.

The matchup will provide a valuable development opportunity for the selected players while also adding an exciting international element to the NBL1 South calendar.

Playing Roster
Elliott Brown – Sandringham Sabres
Tom Carroll – Ringwood Hawks
Christian D’Angelo – Nunawading Spectres
Mason Gaze – Melbourne Tigers
Harrison Hornery – Eltham Wildcats
Tana Kopa – Keilor Thunder
Marach Marach – Geelong United
Brody Nunn – Knox Raiders
Ryan Rapp – Dandenong Rangers
Austin Shelley – Frankston Blues
Jordan Straatsma – Bendigo Braves
Kobe Williamson – Knox Raiders

Team Staff
Sam Woosnam – Head Coach (Dandenong Rangers)
Andrew Cutler – Assistant Coach (Nunawading Spectres)
Kaleb Sclater – Assistant Coach (Melbourne Tigers)
Ainslie Howard – Development Coach (Geelong United)
Leanne Yeoman - Team Manager (Basketball Victoria)

Game Details
NBL1 South Select Team vs Team China Under-18 Men
Monday 27 April - 7:00pm
Courtside - Port Melbourne

Admission is free. No tickets required so simply turn up on the night. Seating is limited however, so we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.

Basketball Victoria Announcement 14/04/2026: Global Hoops Hits Melbourne as China’s U18 Men Arrive for International Exhibition Series

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