SYDNEY – In a groundbreaking moment for Australian basketball, the Royals Basketball Club’s young female athletes have marked their international debut with a spirited performance at the 3×3 Manila Hustle Season 2 Invitational Tournament, held on February 3-4, 2024. This participation represents the first foray of an Australian team into this high-level competition, showcasing the burgeoning talent and ambition within the nation’s basketball circles.
Founded in 2022, the Royals Basketball Club has rapidly grown to encompass over 230 members, reflecting a broad and inclusive approach to the sport. The club’s strategic development program aims to broaden its geographical reach, offering its members the chance to participate in both interstate and international competitions, thereby enhancing their skills and exposure.
The tournament saw Royals’ athletes Jolzyne Impreso (17), Jacinta Crescini (16), Naiobe Reid (19), and Whitney Matalavea (17) compete against seasoned professionals from across Asia. Despite their youth, the team emerged as fan favourites, with their dynamic performance and unique cultural heritage resonating strongly with the Filipino audience. Impreso and Crescini, of Filipino descent, captivated fans with the prospect of future representation at the Philippines National team, while Matalavea and Reid, with Samoan-Australian and New Zealand-Australian backgrounds, respectively, highlighted the multicultural strength of the Australian team.
The athletes are not strangers to high-level competition, with all four currently playing at the pinnacle of their age groups within the National Basketball League (NBL1) and Youth League clubs, the Inner West Bulls and Hornsby Spiders. Their participation and performance in Manila speak volumes of the quality of training and competition within Australia, demonstrating that even at a young age, athletes are prepared to face international challenges.
Led by Head Coach Karen Emery, the Royals’ preparation for the tournament was meticulous and strategic, aiming not only to compete but to make a significant impact. Emery’s leadership and vision were instrumental in navigating the team through this international endeavour, marking her first foray onto the global stage and setting the foundation for her legacy within the sport.
Despite not clinching a victory in their pool, the Royals’ journey at the 3×3 Manila Hustle Season 2 Invitational Tournament is a testament to the club’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for its athletes. It underscores the potential pathways outside traditional routes, particularly in women’s basketball, opening doors for future participation and success on the international stage.
