The Koorie Academy Allstars will make their first appearance at Summer Jam Championship 2025, taking place from February 7-9 at Melbourne's Peanut Farm Reserve.

The team, made up of nine young Indigenous athletes, will compete in the U21 division under the leadership of Gunai Kurnai man Uncle Ricky Baldwin.

Founded in 2019, Koorie Academy Basketball has provided pathways for young Indigenous athletes across Victoria.

For Uncle Ricky, the team's participation in Summer Jam is about more than basketball.

"This is our first time Koorie Academy is entering," he said.

"For me, it's about bringing mob together.

"It's far more than basketball—it's a brotherhood when we come together, and they're playing for their mobs and their community."

The competition kicks off on Friday, February 7, with the U21 Championship, where the Koorie Academy Allstars will make their debut.

The day also features the National Dunk Contest and the start of the Men's and Women's Pool Games, alongside live DJs, food vendors, and basketball activations.

Saturday, February 8, will see the World Dunk Contest, the Creator Cup, and the Wheelchair All-Star Game, continuing with more pool games and entertainment throughout the day.

The festival culminates on Sunday, February 9, with the Men's and Women's Championship Finals, a performance by Bandok Tati, and the always-popular Jam Eating Contest.

Across all three days, crowds can expect a vibrant mix of streetball action, live music, food, and cultural activations, making Summer Jam one of the country's most exciting basketball and community events.

With Indigenous players from Victoria and Western Australia, the Allstars will showcase talent, culture, and pride.

Uncle Ricky has built a team that can hold its own on the streetball courts.

"I've made sure I've got some bigs who will give as good as they get because in streetball, it can get rough," he said.

"And Malachi Desmond, Adam's son, he's a deadly little point guard with a really good skillset—he's come through the Binar program."

Uncle Ricky hopes the Allstars' debut will inspire more young Indigenous players to see Summer Jam as an opportunity.

"I hope we have a little bit of success so we can promote this and give young people an opportunity to say, 'I want to play in Summer Jam,'" he said.

"This could be a springboard for more opportunities, because I take teams overseas as well.

"Sport can open doors—it can give our people the chance to go overseas and play."

Regardless of results, Uncle Ricky believes the team's strength lies in their connection to each other and their culture.

"We won't win every game, but if we can compete, we'll make it hard for people to beat us," he said.

"One thing they haven't got—they haven't got black magic."

With their mix of talent, heart, and brotherhood, the Koorie Academy Allstars are ready to leave their mark on Summer Jam 2025.