Jawai leads historic Indigenous All-Star clash

• IBA brings the best Indigenous players together at the same time
• For the first time in the event's history, IBA will have a women's team participating in the series
• The night will be livestreamed on basketball.com.au

Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) has unveiled its star-studded 2025 men's and women's All Star teams ahead of their highly anticipated double-header against the Poitūkohu Māori o Aotearoa teams. The event, celebrating both sporting excellence and cultural connection, will take place at Melbourne's State Basketball Centre on Wednesday, 11 June.

Former NBA, EuroLeague and NBL player Nate Jawai, who is set to retire after the game, headlines the men's team in what promises to be a showcase of Indigenous basketball talent. Standing at over 209 cm, Jawai brings international experience and dominant presence to the IBA Men's All Stars squad.

Cairns Marlins head coach Kerry Williams has been appointed to lead the men's team.

In a significant milestone for Indigenous basketball, 2025 marks the inaugural selection of an IBA women's All-Star team. This historic squad will be led by Shaneice Swain, who recently attended a WNBA training camp with the Los Angeles Sparks before signing with Nunawading in the NBL1, demonstrating the increasing pathways available for Indigenous women in basketball.

South West Metro Pirates head coach Cassie Dover has been entrusted with coaching duties for the women's team.

The women's roster includes Abby Cubillo, Dallas Loughridge, and Jess McDowell-White among others, showcasing the depth of Indigenous women's basketball talent across Australia.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the event aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori culture. Cultural performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance groups will feature throughout the evening, emphasising the event's significance beyond basketball.

The cultural exchange between Australian Indigenous peoples and New Zealand Māori represents an important connection between First Nations communities across the Tasman, strengthening ties through sport and cultural expression.

In a move to maximise community involvement, entry to the event is free, with tickets available online.

The event offers a full evening of basketball, beginning with doors opening at 4:30 PM. The schedule includes:

• 5:00 PM – Curtain-raiser: Koorie Academy vs. Knox Raiders
• 6:00 PM – IBA women's All Stars vs. Poitūkohu Māori o Aotearoa women's team
• 8:00 PM – IBA men's All Stars vs. Poitūkohu Māori o Aotearoa men's team

This structure provides basketball fans with the opportunity to witness emerging talent in the curtain-raiser before the main international matches.

The formation of these All-Star teams represents a crucial step in the development pathway for Indigenous basketball players. By creating elite-level opportunities and international exposure, IBA continues to strengthen the basketball pipeline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes.

Indigenous Basketball Australia, established to provide pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander basketball players, has been instrumental in developing talent across the country.

Full Team Rosters

IBA Men's All Stars:

• Amarco Doyle
• Anthony Mundine III
• Biwali Bayles
• D'antae Woods
• Johny Narkle
• Kian Dennis
• Kobe McDowell-White
• Nathan Jawai
• Tamuri Wigness
• Tidjane Diop
• Wundarra Thomas (development player)

IBA Women's All Stars:

• Abby Cubillo
• Ambah Kowcun
• Dallas Loughridge
• Indiah Bowyer
• Jasmin Fejo
• Jess McDowell-White
• Leichan Williams
• Monique Bobongie
• Neseya Parker-Williams
• Shaneice Swain
• Teyahna Bond
• Remi Langmaid (development player)

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