Mach one of six rising stars bidding farewell to CoE

• Six Centre of Excellence athletes celebrated at mid-year graduation in Canberra
• Five graduates locked in for the 2026/27 NCAA season, while 7'6" Jongkuch Mach weighs his next move
• Jasmine Jones and Ella Duroux confirmed as the next intake into the women’s program

Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence farewelled six graduates this week at the AIS in Canberra, with five athletes set to take their talents stateside for the 2026-27 NCAA season.

A stellar class steps out

The mid-year ceremony recognised the development of Zara Russell, Ajak Nyuon, Alex Dickeson, Flynn Pavely, Isaac Riddle and Jongkuch Mach – a group widely regarded as one of the most promising to come through the green a gold pipeline.

CoE men’s head coach Robbie McKinlay said graduation was central to the program’s mission.

“A big part of our charter at the CoE is to prepare these young players for their next steps,” McKinlay said.

“The exciting aspect for all five [men’s] players is they all have potential to play in the green and gold moving forward and we are happy to play a role in providing that foundation.”

Russell leads the women’s charge

Zara Russell was the sole female graduate from this class, capping her CoE tenure with a commitment to the University of California.

Women’s head coach Mel Downer praised Russell’s growth both on and off the floor.

“What excites me most is seeing athletes like Zara step into the next phase with a far greater understanding of who they are — not just as basketball players, but as people,” Downer said.

“Zara has laid foundations that will continue to serve her well, and I’m excited to see where her journey takes her and how she continues to grow within the game.”

NCAA destinations confirmed

Five of the six graduates have officially signed on for the American college pathway:

• Zara Russell — University of California
• Ajak Nyuon — Arizona State
• Alex Dickeson — University of Colorado
• Flynn Pavely — St Mary’s, the long-standing Australian stronghold
• Isaac Riddle — University of Wisconsin, joining fellow Aussies on campus

The St Mary’s and Wisconsin pipelines in particular have a deep history of moulding Australian talent into NBA draft prospects and Boomers contributors, making both landing spots a natural fit for Pavely and Riddle.

Mach’s future a fascinating watch

Towering 7'6" prospect Jongkuch Mach remains the wildcard of the graduating class, with his next destination still undecided. His rare combination of size and mobility has drawn interest from across the global basketball landscape, and the coming months loom as pivotal for one of Australia’s most intriguing big-man prospects.

Meanwhile, Western Australian Luke Paul will also depart the CoE, opting to channel his focus into the NBL Next Stars academy – the same route that helped launch Josh Giddey into the NBA.

Building Boomers and beyond

McKinlay stressed that the CoE’s influence stretches far beyond Xs and Os.

“Our program has a holistic focus, so we see these young men grow athletically, on-court, in the classroom and just as young men,” he said.

“The daily training environment provides the opportunity for young players to develop the overall skills to be a pro and hopefully a future Boomer.”

Basketball Australia Head of Athlete Wellbeing Rhian Bird echoed those sentiments.

“These athletes have demonstrated how committed they are to continuous learning and improvement and being better people as well as better performers,” Bird said.

“I don’t just see a group of great athletes, I see a group of great humans. They have been a pleasure to be around, and watch develop.”

Next generation arrives

As one chapter closes, another opens. The CoE has confirmed two new arrivals to the women’s program, with Victorian guard Jasmine Jones and Queenslander Ella Duroux set to link up with Downer’s squad at the AIS.

With NCAA scouts, NBL clubs and Boomers selectors all watching closely, this graduating class shapes as a key piece of Australia’s basketball future – and the next intake is already lining up to follow the blueprint.