NBA star makes history with Australian Indigenous Basketball League
January 22, 2020
Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) has announced the formation of the Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL), founded by three-time Olympian, NBA San Antonio Spurs star and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Patty Mills.
Under the powerful tagline ‘Own Your Story’, the competition run by IBA is targeted at under 14’s and will run across eight locations across the country, including the Torres-Strait Islands, with the first round taking place February 7 - March 28, 2021.
ICBL is the first competition aimed at discovering, engaging, supporting and empowering Aboriginal youths and Torres Strait Islander youths in a safe and positive environment. Beginning at a grassroots level, the programs will provide a platform for aspiring players to progress into basketball leagues in Australia and across the world, as well as Australian national basketball teams.
Canberra native, Mills, said he wants to offer pathways for the next generation of Indigenous youth. For him, the true outcome of his personal success has been in continuing his efforts as a community leader and his family’s legacy of providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"As a starting point, we will begin with the age group of under 14. The early adolescence years are crucial for a child's cognitive, emotional and social development - our complementary programs throughout the competitions of IBA will support these kids and their communities in embracing their culture and unlocking one's full potential in an environment that is safe and free from any discrimination.
"We want to give them the best possible chance to succeed. As we grow, we will expand to more regions and more age groups."
“What we will do with the IBA programs and competitions has never been done before and is the first-of-its-kind in this country’s sporting environment. It’s game-changing and we’re creating history,” said Mills.
Mills built the competition around the IBA's core principles of culture, education, health, safety and wellbeing. The community basketball competitions, national tournaments and development camps will allow underprivileged youths to preserve cultural practices, strengthen and promote their individual identity, while also leading a healthy lifestyle.
Member of the National Basketball League's (NBL) Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, and Cairns Taipans star, Nate Jawai, said: “As a proud Torres Strait Islander, I am incredibly supportive of Indigenous Basketball Australia and the real opportunity it would bring to my people – both on and off the court.”
“The IBA model will see young players supported in a positive and safe environment to fulfill their dreams; equipping them with invaluable tools, skills, and experience to flourish and succeed.”
‘Inspirational and Motivational Sessions’ will also complement weekly sessions, and every player competing in the ICBL will automatically be in the running to represent their region and proudly support their state colours during the National Indigenous Basketball Tournament on Queensland’s Gold Coast in April of 2021.