NBL1 set to star in U17 FIBA Oceania Championshis

16 NBL1 players will represent Australia in the upcoming 2023 FIBA Oceania Championships. 

Taking place in Papua New Guinea from 2-7 October, the women’s and men’s teams will be defending their titles from their last appearance. 

With the pandemic staggering the age groups for certain athletes, the Gems and Emus will compete for the U17 Oceania Championship at the start of next month. 

Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence star Saffron Shiels averaged 11 points per game in the NBL1 East competition this past season. 

While on the men’s side, star on the rise Roman Siulepa is coming off an NBL1 North Finals campaign with the South West Metro Pirates. 

The NBL1 will fully represent the Gems with all 10 players suiting up across the country this past season. The Emus have six players who played across the NBL1 competition this year. 

While on the coaching staff, the men's team features NBL1 North Mackay Metors coach Joel Khalu. 

This year’s edition of the tournament will serve as the first step in the qualification process for the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup with the top two finishers qualifying to the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Championship.

See the full rosters below: 

U17 WOMEN’S TEAM 2023 FIBA OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Opal Bird (BA CoE) 

Monique Bobongie (BA CoE)

Teyahna Bond (Cairns Dolphins) 

Jade Crook (Albury-Wodonga Bandits) 

Bonnie Deas (BA CoE) 

Hilary Fuller (Brisbane Capitals) 

Sienna Harvey (BA CoE) 

Sienna Lehmann (West Adelaide Bearcats) 

Lara Somfai (BA CoE) 

Saffron Shiels (BA CoE) 

U17 MEN’S TEAM 2023 FIBA OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Emmett Adair (BA CoE) 

Luke Fennell (BA CoE) 

Jacob Furphy (BA CoE) 

Ned Renfree (Ballarat Miners) 

Roman Siulepa (South West Metro Pirates) 

Nash Walker (NW Thunder) 

Jack Whitbourn

Cooper Rowlings

Goc Malual

Che Brogan