Four games. Four wins and a successful home stand for the Centre of Excellence teams.
The CoE Men struck victories against Penrith (75 – 57) and Bankstown (97 - 89). A group of emerging prospects had an instant impact, with Jai Fa’ale, Luke Paul and Will Hamilton heavily involved.
The CoE Women went on a tear, with captain Zara Russell leading her team to a dominant blitz of the Panthers (112 – 42) before taking care of the Bruins (89 – 63).
There was a lot to like with Olivia Olechnowicz and Isabel Smith managing time at guard and we got the first look at Jay Sebasio excelling in her NBL1 debut.
COE WOMEN | MEL DOWNER PIVOTS TO VERSATILE CAPTAIN
Every NBL1 East season arrives with new faces and for the women’s program, this included the first official fixtures with Mel Downer in the Head Coach position
Downer was complimentary of her team and spoke with reverence on the role and versatility of captain Zara Russell.
“ Zara was great from the start in terms of on-court performance, but also in terms of leadership,” said Downer. “All the hard work that she's put in over the last two months since finishing up with the UC Capitals and coming back as a graduated athlete,”
“I was really happy for her that, you know, we've been doing a lot of workouts and a lot of extra conditioning and it's really paid off for her this weekend.”
Integrating Russell with elevated minutes in the guard position was a strategic necessity for Downer and the CoE Women.
“We're a bit light on at the minute in available guards with a couple of injuries that we’re managing,” said Downer.
“But that's the beauty of Zara’s skillset and versatility and that extends to our group in general. She can slide up or down depending what we need at that point in time, which makes it a real difficult matchup for other teams,”
“So yeah, having to put Zara on a spot with Liv (Olechnowicz) and Izzy (Smith) was just out of necessity, but one that we're able to do because of her skill set.”
It was a team performance, but the arrival of debutant Jay Sebasio was a highlight of the CoE Women’s home double.
“First ever NBL games ever for Jay and what a debut. She's going to be a menace,” added Downer.
“She's got phenomenal instincts and cutting capacity and ability to find the gaps off the ball. And then when she's got the ball in her hand in broken play, she's near unstoppable.”
“She's going to be a handful for the opposition and we're really pleased for her.
“Jay is the baby of the group, 2010 born, and her impact and approach was impressive in the way she was instantly able to play to her potential and had the confidence to slot in and perform straight away.”
COE MEN | DEFENSIVE DNA AND YOUNG STARS RISE
The challenge for the CoE Men’s program entering 2026 was managing the turnover of key players, (particularly at guard), whilst retaining familiarity in game style and DNA.
Assistant Coach, Braden Cotter reflected on the start for the CoE men.
“It was a strong start by the group. We definitely hit the targets we discussed in preparation. We talked about holding spacing better and the guards generated that,” said Cotter.
Luke Paul presented a matchup nightmare for the opposition with length and athleticism. Victorian young gun Jai Fa’ale provided a consistent threat with the ball in hand and Antonio Browne was efficient in his debut / first game against his hometown club Bankstown.
“I thought Luke Paul was fantastic as the on the floor general considering his age. Jai Fa’ale really stood out with his scoring ability and I thought he was equally as impressive on the defensive front,” said Cotter.
“I was impressed with Antonio Browne. Playing against the club that he only just recently departed. I thought he showed a lot of growth, was able to make some big plays,”
The guidance of senior leaders JK Mach, Ajak Nyuon and captain Flynn Pavely was essential, navigating foul trouble to make a decisive impact.
“All of our bigs’ had a lot of foul trouble. They didn't find the minutes and we were top heavy,” added Cotter.
“The thing about Flynn (Pavely’s) contributions in particular, was how he stood up in the critical moments,”
“He made a play against Bankstown that secured the win for us with a pass on a high split action. His basketball IQ was really on display there and he trusted his shot yesterday which kept us going,” said Cotter.
“We have discussions weekly with the senior guys on the responsibility of being mentors. That is central to our system, so guys like Flynn, JK, Ajak, they are a great presence for the team and program. Alex was central to our success this weekend with his leadership on the bench while injured.
“It’s a special crew to be around, and it's a privilege that Robbie and I get to do this every day,” said Cotter.
“It’s only the first games in a familiar system for a lot of the guys, so the focus will remain on establishing continuity.”
Both the COE Men & Women’s teams enter a three-week gap with many selected to represent their State & Territory at the upcoming the Foot Locker U18 National Championships.
Follow the Centre of Excellence in the NBL1 East via the tournament hub and Kayo Sports.
