Six athletes are headed for Canberra to join Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), strengthening both the men’s and women’s programs with an exciting group of emerging talent.
On the men's side, Isaac Riddle (SA), Yahya Basaran (VIC), Curtis Evic (NSW) and Antonio Browne (NSW) are set to join the squad, with three of the four already having experience representing Australia at junior level.
Yahya Basaran stood out at the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup in Samoa, where his 211cm frame and developing skillset made an immediate impression.
CoE Men’s Head Coach Robbie McKinlay said the young centre’s growth had been particularly encouraging.
“Yahya has tremendous international size and ability and has continued to develop his skill package. We are excited about his progression in recent months. Yahya was a standout at the recent National Performance Camp.”
Isaac Riddle also emerged at the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup, with the 203cm forward proving himself as a multi-faceted presence capable of rebounding and scoring in a variety of ways.
“Isaac has continued to work on all aspects of his game and is someone we feel has the athletic ability and worth ethic to progress to the next level. These two attributes will fit in seamlessly at the CoE,” said McKinlay.
NSW Metro’s forward Curtis Evic arrives off the back of a strong showing at the Foot Locker Under-20 National Championships.
McKinlay praises Evic's versatility as an added dimension to the program.
“Curtis is a skilled forward who is coming off a successful U/20 Nationals helping NSW claim the gold medal. The skill set Curtis brings to the CoE is exciting.”
Antonio Browne has been heavily touted as one of the country’s most promising prospects, having recently represented Australia at the 2025 U16 Asia Cup.
The 193cm forward provides a lot of excitement, particularly with the opportunity to progress his skills at the CoE, as McKinlay is confident the CoE will provide the perfect setting for his continued development.
“Antonio has a natural feel for the game and is a young guard with plenty of upside. Antonio has progressed through the pathway, and we are looking forward to having him in Canberra.”
The women’s program has also secured two impressive additions, with Eliza Shanahan (VIC) and Jay Sebasio (QLD) set to become the CoE’s newest recruits.
Eliza Shanahan has been on the radar for several years following strong performances for Victoria at national tournaments and selection in multiple Australia squads.
CoE Women's Head Coach Melissa Downer said Shanahan arrives in Canberra after a standout year having played a key role as a prolific scorer for Rowville Secondary College in their championship ascent at the Australian Schools U17 Championship.
“A member of the 2025 Under 16 Sapphires squad, Shanahan is recognised for her elite shooting capability, and strong basketball IQ. She also brings a proud basketball pedigree as the daughter of former AIS scholarship holder and three-time NBL champion Matt Shanahan,” said Downer.
Jay Sebasio, meanwhile, has emerged as one of Queensland’s most exciting young prospects.
Her performances across school and state competitions caught the attention of the CoE staff, being a standout player across competitions which has propelled Sebasio as a rising star across the nation.
“Jay Sebasio joins the Centre of Excellence after a dominant year in Queensland, highlighted by a National Schools Championship title with Brisbane State High School and a runner-up finish at the Basketball Queensland Under 18 State Championships with Logan Thunder. “
Sebasio serves as a terrific prospect under the guidance of freshly appointed CoE Women’s Head Coach Melissa Downer, who aims to highlight Sebasio’s diverse skillset.
“A crafty guard with a natural scoring mentality, Sebasio showcased her offensive firepower with a 35-point performance in the State Championship Grand Final. Known for her great instincts and ability to get two feet in the paint at will, she brings creativity, pace and play-making ability.”
