The Ford Dealer Network and Basketball Australia are proud to recognise and celebrate the coaches, team staff and athletes who exemplified leadership, sportsmanship and character throughout the 2026 Foot Locker U16 National Championships.
Across the week, the Ford Dealer Network acknowledged individuals who embodied the values of Australian basketball through five award categories: Built Tough, Building Together, Community, Beyond the Court and All-Rounder.
The Built Tough Award recognised athletes whose performance & behaviour embodies resilience & grit and relentless commitment.
The 2026 recipients were Caleb Dyer (South Australia Metro) and Tully Pepper (WA Country).
The Building Together Award recognised those who display leadership by putting their team first – demonstrating commitment to moving others forward and showing up when their teammates need it most.
This year's recipients were Levin Maher (Northern Territory) and Eliza Boucher (Tasmania).
The Community Award celebrates a staff member or spectator who puts the basketball community first, showing outstanding sportsmanship, inclusivity and support.
The award went to ACT Head Coach Thomas Commins and Victoria Metro Manager Bianca McCulloch.
The Beyond the Court Award recognised team managers who went above and beyond to support their teams throughout the championships.
Recipients were Northern Territory Team Manager Dina Campbell-McQuillan and South Australia Country Team Manager Erin Blott.
The All-Rounder Award celebrated those who contribute to the team's success on and off the court, and within their team culture, showing versatility, commitment and the true spirit of the competition.
This year's recipients were ACT Assistant Coach David Close and Victoria Metro Assistant Coach Morgan Tolley.
All award recipients received a medal along with an Australian basketball prize pack featuring a backpack, towel and cap.
Basketball Australia thanks the Ford Dealer Network for its continued support of the Foot Locker U16 National Championships.
