Designed for the current basketball player wanting to take their game to the next level, the Basketball Academy gives talented Year 7 to 11 students the opportunity to further develop their basketball ability through player development, game tactics, strength and conditioning by exploring a basketball pathway.

The Academy follows the structure of a Specialised Physical Education (SPE) class, made up of practical and theoretical lessons. This structure reflects the commitment of the College towards the basketball development of all players/students within the Academy.

Throughout the year, students will also have the opportunity to hear from keynote guest speakers who are current or past players and coaches of the game of basketball and their experiences.

In addition to student basketball development, students will be led through umpiring and coaching principles to encourage involvement in other roles of our game and supporting the growth of basketball.

Students are provided with a holistic basketball education; players of the Academy will also have the opportunity to achieve a Community Beginner Level 0 Umpiring and Community Coach Accreditation, recognised by Basketball Western Australia. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about Exercise and Sport Science principles such as Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Injury Prevention, Goal Setting and player analysis that prepare students for senior school Physical Education Studies.

Students in the program will have the opportunity to play in ACC and SSWA tournaments throughout the year, as well as competing in the weekly CAS season. Mater Dei College has competitions against schools such as Scotch College, Willetton Senior High School and other leading basketball specialised schools.

Students will develop individual skills, knowledge and understanding of the game with a strong focus on teamwork, consistency and hard work.

Entry to the MDC Basketball Academy is subject to a successful application and subsequent acceptance into Mater Dei College. The general College entry application process is conducted in the year in which the applying student is in Year 5. When in Year 6 students who are successful in their application to the College will be contacted and invited to trial for entry into the Basketball Academy and consideration for a Basketball Scholarship. The upcoming trail is being held at the College’s Bernie Boss Hall on 31 October from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. 

Skill and fitness tests for the Basketball Academy will be held at the end of Term 2.  Selection is based on both academic performance and physical skill levels.

The MDC Basketball Academy is committed to providing players with the highest standard of coaching and teaching.

CJ Jackson is our Specialist Head Coach. His background includes being a former Assistant Coach of the Perth Wildcats and General Manager of Basketball WA. CJ has spent nearly 30 years within the SBL/NBL1 competition, including being a Head Coach, Player and President. CJ has an immense amount of knowledge of secondary school basketball and the WABL competition. This will allow CJ to mentor the students and have a positive impact on their basketball journey.

Mr Ryan Coutts is the Director of Basketball and Head of Physical Education, and Mr Jordan Webster is a Basketball Coach within the Basketball Academy. All staff are accredited with a Basketball Western Australia (BWA) Level 1 Basketball Coaching Qualification combined with experience playing at a high standard. Ryan has also coached at the WABL Championship level.