Warriors NAIDOC Basketball Tournament, 2024

The Knights Basketball Club recently had the privilege of participating in the spectacular Warriors NAIDOC Tournament 2024 in Canberra, and we couldn’t be more stoked with the experience. Our under-16 boys’ team, competing in B Grade, had an unforgettable NAIDOC weekend filled with intense competition and cracking moments.

One of the highlights was Joshua Lai’s clutch performance in our final Pool B game. With just 2.2 seconds left on the clock, Joshua calmly nailed a decisive free throw that launched us into the semis. It was a nail-biting finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats!

Lucas Zhou also showcased his skills, securing an impressive 11th place on the leader scoreboard. In addition, we were immensely proud to see Leon Cui and Matthew Li recognised with good sportsmanship awards, reflecting the team’s commitment to fair play and respect on the court. And a special shoutout to Ewan Wills for winning the under-16 boys' 3-point championship, demonstrating remarkable precision and composure under pressure.

Beyond the excitement of the games, the tournament provided a fantastic opportunity for our boys to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during NAIDOC week. They gained a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and traditions of these communities, which added a profound and meaningful dimension to their experience.

Usually, the Knights team competes in the St George basketball comp at the Hurstville Aquatic & Leisure Centre. Playing in the Warriors NAIDOC Tournament was a ripper chance for our boys to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves against some top-notch teams in the Aussie capital.

The tournament was exceptionally well-organised, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that resonated throughout the event. It wasn’t just about the games but also about building lasting friendships and learning valuable life lessons.

A special thanks to three outstanding parents who went above and beyond to make this trip possible:

- Coach Andy Hu provided expert coaching for all the Knights' matches during the tournament.

- Team Manager Michael Lai meticulously organised and managed the Knights' trip to Canberra.

- Team Manager Leo Liang was in charge of coordinating the scoring for the Knights' matches, as well as handling video, post-production editing, and promotion.

A special thank you to Ewan Wills' father, Brendon Wills, who took on the important role of managing the bench. He carried out the task flawlessly and with great distinction.

Their dedication and organisational skills were crucial in ensuring that our players had a smooth and enjoyable experience in Canberra.

We can’t wait to participate again next year and hope for more opportunities to compete with teams from Canberra in the future. Thanks to everyone involved for your dedication and hard work in making the Warriors NAIDOC Tournament 2024 a truly memorable event for all.

U16 Boys Player List:

- Danny Liu
- Ewan Wills
- Jim Wang
- Joshua Lai
- Johnny Fang
- Matthew Li
- Leon Cui
- Lucas Hu
- Lucas Zhou
- Shaun Liang