12 of the best young wheelchair basketball teams to compete in Brazil

Basketball Australia is pleased to announce the Australian Under-23 Spinners team set to compete at the 2025 IWBF Men’s U23 World Championship, to be held from 12–20 June in São Paulo, Brazil.

Bringing together 12 of the best young wheelchair basketball teams from across the globe, this event will take place at the Centro de Treinamento Paralímpico Brasileiro.

Led by Head Coach Brett Stibners, the squad features a strong mix of international experience and rising stars, with Eithen Leard and Jaylen Brown returning after their recent Paris Paralympic campaign.

“Selections were tough. It showed me that wheelchair basketball in Australia is strong, and it will be for many years to come,” said Stibners.

“I’m confident the experienced athletes will provide leadership and guidance to the younger players, and I’m hoping the up-and-coming athletes will bring energy and enthusiasm.

“Jaylen and Eithen lead from the front and are actively involved in everything we do on and off the court.”

The Spinners, who qualified through the Asia Oceania Zone, will join a competitive Group A alongside Canada, Israel, Germany, Turkiye, and host nation Brazil.

“I see Germany and Turkiye as probably our tougher opponents in the group stage,” added Stibners.

“But we can’t take the other teams lightly - they all had tough qualifying tournaments and earned their spots at the World Championship.”

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