Inside an extraordinary week in Aussie hoops

• Complete guide to 2025 Australian Under-16 National Championships
• Growing list of school holiday basketball camps in Australia
• Learn more about Berwick College, the boys team representing Australia
• 2025 NBA Draft Tracker: Where every player was selected

Heat Check Episode 15 is a celebration of Australian basketball talent making waves at home and abroad.

With OKC crowned NBA champions, Aussie sharpshooter Alex Ducas shared the spotlight alongside Kiwi Ousmane Dieng, the NBL off-season is buzzing too — Parker Jackson-Cartwright re-signed with the Breakers, while Keanu Pinder confirmed a bold move to Japan.

On the women’s side, Steph Talbot drew praise from WNBA coach Natalie Nakase, and the Gangurrus stunned China in 3x3 World Cup action.

NBA draftees Alex Toohey, Tyrese Proctor, and Lachlan Olbrich earned deserved attention, while Reyne Smith and Alex Higgins-Titsha positioned themselves for Summer League breakthroughs.

Sam Mennenga’s Lakers opportunity, Biwali Bayles’ New York nod, and Johnny Narkle’s 50-point outburst added to the excitement.

From Rio Bruton to Justin Tatum’s unbeaten streak in Indonesia, the episode underscored one message: Aussie hoops is building something special.