Gippsland United are on the hunt for a new Director of Coaching and Development!
Applications can be made by sending your Cover Letter and Basketball resume to operations@gippslandunited.com.au.
Applications close Monday September 30 at 5:00pm.
Should a suitable candidate be identified before the date above, the role may be filled and applications closed early.
The Gippsland United Division 1 men toppled a strong Whittlesea outfit to secure a place in the 2024 Big V Division 1 Grand Final.
On a night when the Gippsland faithful turned up (attendance of over 350 people) to GRISS, the team proved to be too strong offensively and defensively with contributions across the board leading to their best performance of the year.
With Jalin Wimberley getting into foul trouble in the first quarter, the rest of the squad showed out, giving RMIT something to think about with the different ways the team can score even without superstar import Jalin in the game.
The Grant Final v RMIT is a rematch of 2 weeks ago at the same venue (Eltham High School) in which RMIT came out strong, scoring 42 points in the first quarter and the game was over from there.
RMIT has been the team to beat all year and on the back of an MVP-worthy season from Steve Coffey will go into the game as the favourites but that’s exactly what GU want. Being the underdogs from Country Vic up against the Melbourne-based University powerhouse is the mentality the team has thrived on since joining the Big V competition.
With the larger goal of both teams to make the jump to the Championship division there is a little extra to play for Saturday night, with a sell-out crowd, the energy is likely to be loud and electric and even hostile toward both teams with Gippsland selling out their allocation with 135 supporters buy tickets.
The game can be live-streamed through the Basketball Victoria website and a special watch party is being held at the Traralgon Bowls Club.
Registration to Gippsland United tryouts for the upcoming VJBL season is now open. Below you will find dates planned for these tryouts.
All athletes aspiring to try-out for Gippsland MUST register via the link below.
To confirm your registration you will receive 2 emails from PlayHQ (1 is an invoice, the other is a registration confirmation).
If you do not get these emails you will NOT be registered and unable to participate in the tryouts.
What to bring to try-outs:
No GU or Association gear to be worn!
Age Groups
Please note: U14, U16 and U18 Try-outs are closed try-outs, Parents/Guardians will not be allowed to be in the court through the session.
Dates
Try-outs will take place on the dates below:
Try-out 1 – Friday, October 4
Try-out 2 – Friday, October 11
Try-out 3 – Friday, October 18*
Age Group 1 Team’s to be selected after Try-outs 1 and 2.
*Try-out 3 will be for 2 Team athletes only and the date may vary depending on coaching appointments.
Times and Venues
Times and venue for each age group will be determined closer to try-out dates but will be held in either Traralgon, Churchill or Moe with allocations given depending on the number of athletes registered to try-out.
Athlete Eligibility
Per the Gippsland United VJBL Athlete Eligibility Policy (found here) all athletes must meet the below eligibility criteria:
Register Here: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/79cbc7
Registrations strictly close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 8.
Late registrations will not be accepted!
Keep an eye on the Gippsland United website and Facebook page for any updates.
In a thrilling end to the Big V Division 1 Men’s season, Gippsland United beat a classy Warrandyte outfit to secure 3rd on the ladder just edging out Bulleen.
With this win comes a Qualifying Final against Whittlesea this Saturday Night (Aug 3) and a critical double chance in the finals!
This will be the third matchup against Whittlesea who have gotten our measure both times, but with the list healthy and performing well, the trip to Mill Park won’t be like last time.
Gaining local superstar Ben Barlow, who missed the last game V Whittlesea, will see United gain another scoring punch this time around to complement the impressive work of superstar import Jalin Wimberly.
United defenders will need to put time into the Pacer’s import Meekness Payne who had 23 points and a whopping 18 boards in the last match-up only 2 weeks ago.
Follow our social media pages if you can’t make it to Mill Park and stay up to date with all the action in the #BigV24 Finals Series.
The Gippsland Physiotherapy Group Gippsland United is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers WNBL Foundation and VicHealth to launch an Anti-Vaping Campaign.
This initiative is specifically designed to influence individuals aged 14-25, aiming to share critical facts and empower young people to see vaping for what it really is.
Together, we are committed to “Uncloud” the misconceptions surrounding vaping and create a healthier future for all.
Vaping has become a pervasive issue among young people, often perceived as a safer alternative to smoking. However, growing evidence highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including addiction, respiratory issues, and potential long-term health consequences.
The Uncloud Anti-Vaping Campaign seeks to counter these myths with fact-based information and real voices, fostering a collective movement to resist and ultimately stop vaping.
At the heart of our campaign is the belief in the power of community. We encourage young people to come together, share their experiences, and support each other in the fight against vaping. By creating a strong, united front, we can make a significant impact and encourage others to say ‘no’ to vapes from the outset.
Visit UNCLOUD to learn more – https://www.uncloud.org/
Earlier this week, current head coach Jayden McMillin indicated he would not be returning for the 2025 Big V season.
With this news, the club has been proactive in advertising the role to attract the best candidates to help develop our next wave of Big V stars!
Coaches looking to apply for the role must submit an application with their basketball resume outlining the following:
~Coaching Experience.
~Coaching Philosophies.
~Coaching Aspirations.
~Coaching References.
The key skills we are looking for in a coach are:
~Experience developing athletes in an elite program.
~Strong communication skills.
~Organised and process-driven.
~Working with Children’s Check
~Club Coaching Accreditation Level at a minimum.
~Working collaboratively with D1 Mens Coach as well as VJBL U16 and U18 Coaches to promote the pathway.
State-level coaching experience (within Basketball Vic or other State bodies) is highly desirable and any applicant with this level experience is encouraged to detail this experience in their application.
Coaches holding an Association Coach Accreditation are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration will be discussed and negotiated with the successful applicant.
Please note, that only coaches who are identified as suitable to interview will receive correspondence from the club, and all applicants will be treated as confidential.
It is with great excitement Gippsland United would like to announce the appointment of our 2025 Youth League Womens Coach, Australian Basketball Royalty, Belinda Snell.
A local Mirboo North girl Belinda has been to the peak of basketball, representing and captaining Australia she has won two silver medals in basketball at the 2004 & 2008 Summer Olympics, a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a gold medal at the 2006 World Championships, and a bronze medal at the 2014 World Championships.
Belinda started playing basketball at the age of eight in Mirboo North playing many tournaments with the Mirboo North Ridge Raiders, many domestic games at Churchill on a Friday night, followed by travelling to Knox to play state league junior basketball and some experiences playing with the Gippsland Pacers women’s team.
Over her career Belinda has amassed a number of accolades in the WNBA, WNBL and in Europe highlighted below:
– WNBA Champion (2007)
– WNBL Champion (1999, 2001 and 2017)
– EuroLeague Champion (2011)
– Spanish LFB Champion (2010 and 2011)
– French LFB Champion (2008)
– PLKK (Poland) Champion (2013)
– 4 x WNBL All Star Five (2001, 2004, 2005 and 2012)
– WNBL Top Shooter Award (2005)
On top of this, Belinda currently sits 4th All Time in WNBL career points (4770) , 4th All Time in WNBL Career Assists (1109), 11th All Time in WNBL Career Rebounds (1995) and 16th All Time in WNBL Games Played (323).
Post her playing career, Belinda has coached at SEABL level with the Sydney Uni Sparks, and at NBL1 Level with Frankston, as well as being an Assistant Coach with the Southside Flyers for three years including their 2020 Championship season.
Returning to Gippsland basketball, we cannot wait for Belinda to help pave the way for aspiring Gippsland Athletes that look to progress from VJBL Basketball into Big V level basketball and help the next wave of female athletes realise their basketball dreams.
On behalf of all of the Gippsland United family, we would like to welcome Belinda and her family to GU, we couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds.
Proudly supported by: Gippsland Physiotherapy Group CME Installations Gippsland Motor Group Traralgon Bowls Club
Gippsland United are taking Expressions of Interest’s for a Head Coach to develop and lead a new and exciting Women’s Youth League Team for the 2025 Big V Season.
Coaches looking to apply for the role must submit an application with their basketball resume outlining the following:
~Coaching Experience.
~Coaching Philosophies.
~Coaching Aspirations.
~Coaching References.
Key skills we are looking for in a coach are:
~Experience coaching female athletes.
~Strong communication skills.
~Experience developing athletes.
~Organised and process driven.
~Working with Children’s Check
~Club Coaching Accreditation Level at a minimum.
State level coaching experience (within Basketball Vic or other State bodies) is highly desirable and any applicant with this level experience is encouraged to detail this experience in their application.
Coaches holding a Association Coach Accreditation are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration will be discussed and negotiated with the successful applicant.
Please note, only coaches who are identified as suitable to interview will receive correspondence from the club, and all applicants will be treated as confidential.
Email operations@gippslandunited.com.au for any enquiries or to submit your basketball resume and references.
Gippsland United and Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association have been able to secure an extremely valuable partnership with Traralgon Bowls Club, who boast one of the premier sporting and function venues in Gippsland.
The partnership will see the Traralgon Bowls Club become the ‘home’ of both GU and TABA, hosting all functions and being the venue of choice for all GU and TABA families for post game meals, and a place to catch up and celebrate success and future successes.
The bistro is open 7 days for lunch and dinner, with an exciting new spring menu featuring a big range to choose from and fantastic value.
With a range of function spaces to select from as well as mouth-watering event menus and all inclusive packages, host your next event with Traralgon Bowls Club.
To check out their menu, function rooms or other offerings visit https://www.traralgonbowls.com.au/ and make sure you support those who support us!
BASKETBALL – BIG V – TOM HAYES (LATROBE VALEY EXPRESS)
BIG V side Gippsland United have signed professional basketballer Jalin Wimberly, a new import from the United States ahead of the upcoming 2024 season.
The 25-year-old moves to the region from Leesburg, Georgia in the US, after completing his college basketball career.
Wimberly played at Andrew College (Junior College), Purdue University Fort Wayne – an NCAA Division 1 school, and Reinhardt University in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
“Everything has been pretty good so far, I can’t really complain about my basketballing experience,” he said.
“I’m blessed to be in this position, so nothing has been too hard on me just yet, but if it does, I’m capable of handling adversity.”
Despite growing up on the other side of the world, life in Gippsland is not all too different compared to Leesburg, Georgia, according to the import.
“I feel great, scenery is nice, I love the atmosphere, everybody is very welcoming of me so I love it,” he said.
After being asked if living in Gippsland will take some transitioning, Wimberly laughed.
“It’s actually pretty similar, so I’ve had the chance to adapt to it.
“It looks just like my hometown, nothing’s changed.”
Wimberly only arrived in Australia on January 9, and already has the ball rolling, going on a training camp and mingling with his new teammates in the last couple of weeks.
Having no prior knowledge of the Big V competition until his arrival, he remains confident he will be able to handle the task with Gippsland United.
“I haven’t had a chance to see it yet, but I’m very confident that I can handle the competition very well,” Wimberly said.
With the ability to play as a shooting guard and a small forward, Wimberly offers versatility on both the front and backcourt which is every coach’s dream.
He believes his strengths lie in both areas, with his ability to score on offense and trusting in his abilities on defence.
Standing at 6′ 4″ (193cm) tall, Wimberly’s athleticism only compliments both of those attributes, and he hopes to make an instant impact with United.
“Just being able to fit in with the guys, just get everybody open as well as find myself within this team,” he said.
It’s fair to say that basketball in Australia, especially in regional Victoria, isn’t as big as it is in the US, but Wimberly sees past that and says that everyone around the world is playing the same game.
“I don’t expect too much, basketball is basketball everywhere else,” he said.
“I’m just ready to see what the fans (are) like, I’m gonna try to bring a special thing to the team here.”
The Big V competition gets underway on the weekend of March 16 and 17, and the full fixture is set to be released in due course.
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