Basketball Australia has officially announced the squad for the U16 Sapphires, the nation’s elite under-16 women’s basketball team, who will attend a crucial training camp at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Canberra from June 16 to June 19. This camp serves as the final preparation stage before the team embarks on their journey to compete at the FIBA Asia U16 Cup in Malaysia, scheduled for September 10 to 22. The announcement brings with it a great deal of excitement and pride, especially for Basketball New South Wales (NSW), which celebrates the selection of four exceptional young athletes from its junior ranks. These four rising stars, Addison Bonham of the Illawarra Hawks, Sasha Clague representing the Norths Bears, Emma Lukell from the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, and Angela Tako of the Penrith Panthers, have earned their places in the squad through a combination of skill, dedication, and impressive performances in the lead-up to selection.
The selection of these four NSW juniors not only highlights the strength and depth of talent within the state but also reflects the high standard of basketball development programs and coaching in NSW. Each athlete’s journey to this prestigious national squad underscores the commitment required to compete at the highest level in Australian basketball’s youth ranks. These players have demonstrated outstanding abilities on the court, both in individual skill and teamwork, which have caught the attention of national selectors. Their inclusion in the Sapphires squad signals a bright future not only for their individual careers but also for the NSW basketball community that has nurtured their growth.
The U16 Sapphires team is one of the country’s key pathways for young female basketball players aspiring to reach the senior national team, the Opals, and eventually, the global basketball stage. Participation in the FIBA Asia U16 Cup represents an invaluable experience for these young athletes to test themselves against some of the best talent in the Asia-Pacific region. The tournament offers a competitive environment where emerging players can showcase their skills, gain international exposure, and further develop their game under the guidance of elite coaches. For the Sapphires, the 2025 FIBA Asia U16 Cup also carries the weight of continuing Australia’s tradition of excellence at youth international competitions, building on their recent dominant campaign at the 2024 FIBA U15 Oceania Cup.
The training camp in Canberra, held at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, is designed to prepare the squad physically, tactically, and mentally for the upcoming international challenge. Over the four-day camp, the athletes will undergo rigorous training sessions focused on refining their individual skills, enhancing team chemistry, and embedding the tactical systems that the coaching staff plans to deploy during the tournament. The camp also includes strength and conditioning work, video analysis, and team-building activities aimed at fostering unity and resilience among the players. This holistic approach to preparation ensures that the Sapphires will be in peak condition when they step onto the court in Malaysia, ready to compete against formidable international opponents.
Addison Bonham, one of the four NSW juniors named to the squad, has been a standout player in the Illawarra Hawks’ junior program. Known for her versatility and basketball IQ, Bonham has consistently impressed coaches and scouts with her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Her strong defensive skills, combined with her capability to make plays in transition, make her a vital asset to the team’s overall structure. Throughout the selection process, Bonham showcased her resilience and determination, traits that will undoubtedly serve her well on the international stage.
Sasha Clague, representing the Norths Bears, is another talented young athlete who has earned her spot in the Sapphires squad. Clague is recognized for her sharp shooting ability and excellent court vision, enabling her to create scoring opportunities not only for herself but also for her teammates. Her leadership qualities and composure under pressure have been evident during key moments in her junior career. As part of the squad, Clague’s offensive skills will be crucial in helping the Sapphires maintain their attacking threat against Asia’s best teams.
Emma Lukell, from the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, brings a unique combination of athleticism and skill to the team. Known for her aggressive rebounding and relentless work ethic, Lukell’s presence in the paint adds physicality and toughness to the squad. She has demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level against physically imposing opponents, making her a significant contributor to the team’s interior defense and scoring options. Her selection reflects the emphasis the coaching staff places on building a balanced team capable of adapting to different styles of play.
The fourth NSW junior named to the squad is Angela Tako of the Penrith Panthers. Tako has quickly risen through the ranks due to her exceptional ball-handling skills and creativity on offense. Her agility and quick decision-making allow her to navigate through tight defenses and generate scoring chances for herself and her teammates. Tako’s energetic style of play and passion for the game have earned her recognition and respect, and her inclusion in the Sapphires squad offers her a platform to further develop her talents against international competition.
The FIBA Asia U16 Cup is a major tournament for youth basketball in the region and serves as a gateway to the FIBA U17 World Cup. For the Sapphires, competing at this event is not only about representing Australia with pride but also about measuring their progress against other basketball powerhouses such as China, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The tournament tests the team’s ability to adapt to different playing styles and intensities, providing invaluable experience that will shape their development as players and as a collective unit.
Australia’s recent success at the 2024 FIBA U15 Oceania Cup, where the Sapphires dominated their competition, sets high expectations for the upcoming Asia Cup. The victory at Oceania was a testament to the strength of the youth basketball system and the talent pool available to Basketball Australia. Building on that momentum, the U16 Sapphires aim to continue their winning ways and assert their dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. For the NSW juniors selected, this tournament represents a stepping stone toward achieving their basketball dreams and serves as motivation to continue working hard.
The journey to this point has involved significant sacrifices and unwavering commitment from the four NSW athletes and their families. Balancing school, training, and competition requires discipline and strong support networks. The recognition by Basketball Australia through squad selection is a reward for the countless hours these young athletes have invested in honing their craft. Furthermore, being part of a national program exposes them to elite coaching, advanced training facilities, and a professional sporting environment, all of which contribute to their overall growth both on and off the court.
Basketball NSW takes great pride in these achievements and the ongoing development of junior basketball within the state. The success of Bonham, Clague, Lukell, and Tako serves as inspiration to younger players aspiring to reach the highest levels. It also highlights the importance of community clubs, coaches, and development programs that provide pathways for talented athletes. As these four juniors continue their journey with the Sapphires, they carry the hopes and support of their local clubs, families, and the entire NSW basketball community.
Looking ahead, the months leading up to the FIBA Asia U16 Cup will be critical for the Sapphires squad. The team will focus on building cohesion and fine-tuning their game plan through further camps, training sessions, and possibly friendly matches against other elite teams. For the NSW juniors, this period is an opportunity to solidify their roles within the team, learn from experienced coaches, and gain confidence in their abilities. The experience they gain will not only enhance their basketball careers but also instill valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
The 2025 FIBA Asia U16 Cup promises to be an exciting chapter in the development of Australian women’s basketball. With a talented and motivated squad featuring four outstanding NSW juniors, the Sapphires are well-positioned to make a significant impact on the international stage. As they prepare to represent their country, these young athletes embody the spirit of dedication and excellence that is at the heart of Australian basketball. Their journey serves as a reminder of the power of sport to unite communities, inspire the next generation, and create opportunities for success.
In conclusion, the selection of Addison Bonham, Sasha Clague, Emma Lukell, and Angela Tako to the U16 Sapphires squad is a milestone achievement for the players and a proud moment for Basketball NSW. Their inclusion reflects their hard work, talent, and potential to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s national team efforts. As the team prepares for the upcoming training camp in Canberra and the subsequent FIBA Asia U16 Cup in Malaysia, all eyes will be on these promising young athletes to carry forward the legacy of excellence and competitive spirit that defines the Sapphires program. Congratulations to all those selected, and best wishes as they embark on this exciting chapter of their basketball careers.