Young stars to captain Spinners

Fresh from their Paralympic debuts, two of Australian basketball’s brightest young stars will again represent their country this month.

Teenagers Jaylen Brown and Eithen Leard, who impressed for the Rollers in Paris, will lead the Spinners at the 2024 IWBF Men’s Under-23 Asia-Oceania Championships in Thailand from November 16 to 23.

The pair are currently playing for Italian outfit Amicacci Abruzzo in the 2024-25 Serie A competition.

Leard said the Australian team was brimming with potential.

“’I’m really excited to be a part of such a young team. We have a lot of growing and improving to do as a group but once we get through qualifying, we can set our eyes to Worlds next year,” he explains.

“It’s exciting times for the Spinners.”

Brown has assumed a leadership position as Spinners co-captain, alongside Leard.

‘’I’m very honoured and proud to be co-captain of the Under-23 Spinners team and can’t wait to get together with this group and see how far we can push this campaign,” he said.

The tournament will feature seven countries including the host nation, Australia, India, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

The championship title and qualification for next year’s 2025 IWBF Men’s Under-23 World Championship are up for grabs.

Four-time Paralympian Brett Stibners OAM will take the coaching reins of the Spinners.