Providence Basketball Academy
Open to students in Years 7 to 12, the Providence Basketball Academy provides high-quality coaching and training to assist students in pursuing excellence within the sport of Basketball.
The delivery of the programme is made possible through an effective partnership between the College and Lakeside Lightning. As an affiliated association with Basketball WA, Lakeside provides incredible learning experiences and pathways for our students. Lakeside has teams in both the WA Basketball League (WABL) and the Basketball League NBL1 West, providing opportunities and expertise from the highest levels of Basketball in WA.
What We Offer:
- Professional coaching from internationally experienced coaches and NBL1 players.
- Training sessions covering all aspects of the game.
- Qualifications in Refereeing and Coaching.
- Competitions and tournaments representing the College.
- Priority Access to the Providence Basketball Club (plays weekly in the Lakeside Domestic Competition).
- A fun and supportive learning environment.
- Character development and an attitude of excellence.
Coaching
The Providence Basketball Academy skills curriculum is overseen and directed by the Lakeside Lightning NBL 1 Men’s Head Coach Mike Malat. Mike had a successful college career, was an NBA D League draft nominee with the Texas Legends, played professionally in Italy, and was part of the Dallas Mavericks training squad. You can check out some clips of Mike training with Luka Doncic through Mike’s YouTube channel: mike11malat.
As a coach, Mike has been a skills trainer for current and past NBA players and coached at the AAU and High School levels in the USA. More recently, he led the Norwood Flames (South Australia) to the Championship game of the 2021 NBL1 Central competition.
The Academy’s Head Training Coach is NBL1 Women’s Coach Marty Zellar. As a coach, Marty has coached professionally in Germany, Finland, Dubai, Lebanon, Norway & New Mexico. More recently, he has been coaching & director of basketball at Legacy Academy, Los Lunas High School & New Mexico Military Institute. At Los Lunas High School, Marty achieved 5 out of 7 state championships and was awarded Coach of the Year five times, including USA Today NM Coach of the Year 2015.
During the NBA lockout season, Marty had the opportunity to coach against the Dallas Mavericks & Houston Rockets while overseas.
Structure
Training
At Providence Christian College, training sessions provide students with opportunities to develop their skills at both formative and, on selection, advanced level training. Students train for one hour twice a week before school or as part of their College timetable. Although not a requirement for selection, it is expected that students in the Basketball Academy will be engaged in club basketball outside of College commitments.
Students will be encouraged to trial for the WABL (WA Basketball League) at Lakeside and will have the opportunity to represent Providence in Inter-School Basketball competitions.
Year 7 & 8
The Year 7 & 8 students in the Providence Basketball Academy train twice weekly from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM.
Year 9
In addition to the two morning training sessions, the Year 9 programme includes leadership training, personal development, strength and conditioning, and the opportunity to gain qualifications in refereeing and coaching. This is completed during the student’s timetable as a part of their selection of semester electives.
Year 10
The Year 10 Programme includes one training session weekly from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM with advanced level coaching, strength and conditioning training, and being equipped to serve in basketball and the community. Year 10 Basketball Academy students complete these additional requirements in the student’s timetable as a part of their selection of year-long electives.
Year 11 & 12
The Year 11 & 12 programme includes 1 morning training session per week from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM and is part of the Physical Education Studies (ATAR or General) Course. It contributes to the student's WACE subject selections. Providence Basketball Academy students in Years 11 & 12 must select Physical Education Studies focusing on basketball. The programme includes an additional 1 ½ hour training session in their timetable. Students not selecting Physical Education Studies may participate in a reduced programme within the Basketball Academy, training one morning per week.
Fees
The Providence Basketball Academy fee is $460 for the full year*. In addition, students must wear a Providence Basketball Acadamy reversible training singlet at all training sessions. These can be purchased for $55.00 using the Providence Christian College parent portal.
*Please note that this fee is in addition to the standard College fees. If your child withdraws for reasons other than medical, no refund will be issued.
Application & Trial Process
Expressions of Interest will be received at any time and can be completed using the form below. On receipt of an expression of interest, an Application Form will be provided.
All applicants will be invited to attend a Practical Trial in September or at a time organised by the Providence Basketball Academy Coordinator. Students will be advised of the outcome of their application within two weeks of participating in the practical trial.
Applicants who cannot attend the practical trial or apply after the trial may still be able to join the Academy. However, this will be at the discretion of the Providence Basketball Academy Coordinator.
Selection Process
The Providence Basketball Academy is aimed at students with existing skills, interests, and potential in basketball. Only a limited number of students are selected to join the Academy in Years 7 to 12.
Part of the selection process includes a practical trial that assesses physical attributes, basketball skills and knowledge. In addition, the application process includes the review of recent school reports and feedback from appropriate referees. Beyond basketball ability, it is expected that the students selected for the Academy will have an outstanding attitude toward all aspects of College life.
Students who are members of the Providence Basketball Academy will be required to meet specific classroom behaviour standards, academics, and basketball ability. For a student to achieve their best in basketball, appropriate levels of attitude and effort in all areas of life are key. Students may be withdrawn from the Academy, either temporarily or permanently, if these standards are not maintained.
Expression of Interest Form
Expressions of interest will be received from parents who have students who currently attend the College or students from outside who are looking to enrol at Providence Christian College.