IBA All Stars set to tip-off against Māori squads in Melbourne showcase

Joseph Guenzler Published June 6, 2025 at 10.00am (AWST)

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Indigenous Basketball Australia's All Stars are set to clash with Māori squads at Melbourne's State Basketball Centre next week. (Image: supplied)

Indigenous Basketball Australia has announced its 2025 men's and women's All Star teams, who are set to take on the Poitūkohu Māori o Aotearoa men's and women's teams in a double-header event next week.

Celebrating sport and cultural connection, the international showcase is set to be held at Melbourne's State Basketball Centre on Wednesday.

Former NBA, EuroLeague and NBL player Nate "Baby Shaq" Jawai will headline the men's team.

The Indigenous squads are stacked with talent, including players with NBL experience such as Biwali Bayles, Kian Dennis, Kobe McDowell-White and Tamuri Wigness.

The team will be coached by Cairns Marlins head coach Kerry Williams.

The women's team will be led by Shaneice Swain, who recently attended a WNBA training camp with the Los Angeles Sparks.

This year marks the first time IBA has selected a women's All Star team.

Bindal man from Far North Queensland and IBA Basketball Operations Manager Tyson Demos said it was an important milestone.

"The depth of Indigenous women's basketball talent in Australia is exceptional. Bringing these players together for an international showcase is a significant moment," Mr Demos said.

"Last year's inaugural men's IBA exhibition game against Sacramento State in Logan was a huge success.

"Expanding the event to include both men's and women's teams playing against the Poitūkohu Māori o Aotearoa, takes it to the next level.

"This event is about more than basketball, it's a celebration of Indigenous culture, identity and pride."

*Monique Bobongie and Teyahna Bond are among the talented players who will clash with Māori teams in the high-energy Melbourne showcase. (Image: supplied)*

South West Metro Pirates head coach Cassie Dover will coach the women's side.

Cultural performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance groups will be held throughout the evening.

IBA acknowledged the support of VicHealth, the National Basketball League (NBL), the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL), the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service and Healthy Deadly Kids for making the event possible.

Entry is free, with tickets available online.

Event Schedule – Wednesday, 11 June

4:30 PM – Doors Open

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

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).