Every year, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) serves as a stepping stone for some of Australia’s most promising basketball talent. For six athletes, that next step has now arrived.
Jai Fa’ale, Reece Anticevic, Aspen Crase, Lily Mapp, Olivia Olechnowicz and Jade Sherrington will all move on from the program, bringing their respective CoE journeys to a close.
Jai Fa'ale will join Melbourne United ahead of NBL27, having made a significant impression during his time at the CoE. Emerging as one of the standout performers in the NBL1 East competition, Fa’ale led the team with 21.19 points per game, with his scoring ability being a feature of the program’s 2026 campaign.
His impact extended to the international stage, representing the Australian Emus at the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup. Averaging 17.5 points per game, Fa’ale played a key role in Australia’s gold medal winning campaign, earning selection in the tournament’s All-Star Five.
Olivia Olechnowicz leaves the CoE having established herself as one of Australia’s brightest young prospects, as she joins the Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL for season 2026/27.
Well known for her defensive capabilities, Olechnowicz featured in both the Sapphires and Gems squads in the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup and FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
In 2026 her performances were particularly impressive, being nominated as the Best Defensive Player at the FIBA U17 World Cup, and selected in the tournament's All-Star Second Team, with averages of 12.1 points and 3.3 steals per game.
For Lily Mapp, one season at the CoE provided an opportunity to further develop her game and test herself against strong competition. Averaging 7.33 points and 8.48 rebounds per game in the NBL1 East, Mapp brought an interior presence on both ends of the court.
Her year also included valuable international experience with the Australian junior programs, collecting gold at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and bronze at the FIBA U17 World Cup. Her plans for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.
Jade Sherrington also leaves after making her CoE debut in 2026. A late addition to the squad, Sherrington featured in 10 NBL1 East games, gaining valuable experience during her first season in the program.
Alongside her contributions to the CoE, Sherrington also enjoyed a memorable year at the international junior level, representing the gold medal winning Gems at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, as well as the bronze medal Sapphires at the FIBA U17 World Cup. Like Mapp, her next move for 2027 is still to be determined.
Having spent two years at the CoE, Aspen Crase leaves Canberra with plenty of development behind her and exciting opportunities ahead.
The South Australian has continued to make strides in her game, capping off her time in the program with a gold medal alongside the Gems at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
Crase will have the opportunity to test herself across two environments, joining both the Adelaide Lightning in the WNBL, as well as pursuing a college opportunity with Davidson in the United States.
Rounding out the graduating group is Reece Anticevic, who departs after one season at the AIS.
The West Australian will head home to join the Perth Lynx for the WNBL season, bringing with her a vast skillset and championship pedigree following her gold medal winning campaign at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
