Sports Basketball

The NSWIS Basketball Program is an integrated program that caters for elite development able-bodied athletes and elite wheelchair athletes.

The basketball component aims to develop the skills of able-bodied athletes to enhance their opportunities for State and National team/squad selection. It targets athletes aged 15 to 20 who are targeted for under-17 and under-19 national team representation or those identified as WNBL or NBL development squad athletes.

The wheelchair component aims to increase the success and improve the individual performances of athletes at open national and international competitions and events. It targets athletes who are identified in senior national squads.

Damian Cotter was appointed to the position of NSWIS Basketball Head Coach in September 2007. His primary responsibility is to drive and oversee the integrated able-bodied and wheelchair basketball programs and coordinate the development of the athletes through an individual focused approach. As a Level 2 Coach and having worked as the Director of Coaching for Knox Basketball Inc (2000-2007) and the Assistant Coach of the Australian 19 & Under Men’s National Team (2006-2007), Cotter brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and a fresh outlook to the NSWIS basketball program.

Cotter gained a greater understanding and belief in a holistic approach to the development of athletes through two (2) stints overseas. In Sri Lanka, he worked as a consultant to the Sri Lankan Basketball Federation and whilst in Singapore assisted in the development of youth basketball programs.

Gerry Hewson, NSWIS Basketball Assistant Coach, has an impressive coaching history that includes heading up ‘The Gliders’ (National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team) coaching staff, guiding the team to a silver medal performance at the 2004 Athens Paralympics.

As a player Hewson attended three (3) World Championships and four (4) Paralympics from 1988-2000. A highlight and major achievement of his playing career was winning gold in 1996. Personally, Hewson is a father of three (3) boys and describes himself as a Mr. Mum. Hewson is a strong believer and lives by the quote ‘Never be scared to ask … People may say yes’.

For full selection criteria and processes click here.

2009 - 2012 Proposed Basketball Program


NSWIS Basketball Scholarship Holders

Jackson Aldridge Kristen Barnes Josh Black Angus Brant Paul Brotherson Teagan Burke Jason Cadee Daniel Cinelli Dominique Cooks Matthew Dick

Nicole How Ashleigh Karatiana Molly Lewis Cassandra Mangos Razz Muir Sean Mullan Rhys Murphy Bradley Simpson Ashley Thomas

Brendan Dowler Kylie Gauci Katie Hill Tristan Knowles Bill Latham Tina McKenzie

Grant Mizens Troy Sachs Darren Skuse Sarah Stewart Brett Stibners Liesl Tesch