The Melbourne United Basketball Academy (MUBA) provides a clear development pathway for athletes striving to reach their full potential - from Under-12s through to Under-18s. Led by United’s expert coaching staff, MUBA athletes will train in the same systems that have delivered championships to Melbourne and helped shape players into elite NBA and NBL talent.
Athletes will develop their fundamentals in a safe, high-energy and competitive environment. Sessions focus on key areas including ball handling, passing, layup finishing, shooting technique, individual offence and defence, and decision-making. Players will also be introduced to small-sided games that reflect the concepts used by our NBL team.The Academy is made up of the Development Program, the Performance Program, and the newly introduced Elite Program - offering the ideal mix of support and structure for athletes looking to elevate their game.
The newly introduced Elite Program is designed for athletes on the cusp of elite-level basketball. Positioned just one step below a Development Player role with an NBL team, this program provides specialised preparation with an increased focus on strength and conditioning, pro-level concepts, and nutrition. It’s the final stage in preparing athletes for the demands of professional basketball.
Athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their progress during Academy Play Days - team-based sessions packed with gameplay and competition. Academy participants also enjoy exclusive club benefits, including game day experiences, discounted tickets, and access to inner-sanctum events.
Under 12 to top age 18
14 - 18 years
(Bottom age 14 to top age 18)
Invitation Only
16 - 18 years
(Bottom age 16 to top age 18)
Academy Tryouts is the first step to joining the Melbourne United Basketball Academy (MUBA). It provides the perfect opportunity for coaches to assess young athletes and identify where they best fit within the Academy structure - whether that’s the Development Program, Performance Program, or the Elite Program.
After being taken through Melbourne United’s offensive and defensive concepts, coaches will look for athletes who are coachable, attentive, and display a strong desire to improve. These sessions allow us to filter athletes into the most appropriate program to help them level up their game and reach their full potential.
If you have missed the latest Academy Tryout, please contact us at academy@melbourneutd.com.au to arrange a tryout during the term.
What happens following an Academy Tryout?
Tuesday 7th April at Vermont South
10am - 12pm
Wednesday 8th April at MSAC
10am - 12pm
Thursday 9th April at Berwick
10am - 12pm
Monday 13th April at Parkville
10am - 12pm
The Development Program is the first tier of the Melbourne United Basketball Academy. This program is designed for boys and girls from bottom-age Under-12s through to Under-20s. It lays the foundation for athletes looking to develop their skills and understanding of the game while preparing to progress into the Performance Program.
The program builds individual skills in age-based groups, focusing on the fundamentals of playing the United way — selfless, hard-working and detail-driven. Athletes will develop in key areas such as ball handling, passing, shooting technique, footwork, decision-making, and Melbourne United’s core offensive and defensive concepts.
Delivered through a structured, term-by-term approach, the program blends skill work with style-of-play elements. By year’s end, athletes will have a strong foundation and a clear understanding of early team systems — ready to progress into the next stage of their basketball journey.
Each term, athletes will receive:
*Additional fees apply
1-hour sessions for 8, 9 or 10 weeks
$45 per session
To join the program, register for an Academy Tryout
The Performance Program is designed for athletes who have been identified through Academy Tryouts or elevated from the Development Program. This program is tailored for those ready to take their training to the next level, closely mirroring Melbourne United’s NBL systems and standards.
Athletes will train using Melbourne United’s offensive and defensive terminology, structure, and style of play — developing the ability to not just play the United way, but to understand why the system works. Sessions blend individual skill work with tactical development, including small-sided games, decision-making under pressure, and full-court application of key concepts such as Punch screens, Pin aways, and split actions.
Delivered over four structured terms, the program introduces and reinforces advanced basketball principles, floor spacing, game tempo, and the Melbourne United values. Athletes will see a direct link between what they learn at training and what Melbourne United runs on court.
Each term, athletes will receive:
*Additional fees apply
1-hour sessions for 8, 9 or 10 weeks
$60 per session
To join the program, register for an Academy Tryout
The Elite Program is the pinnacle of the Melbourne United Basketball Academy pathway — designed for high-performing male and female athletes aged 15–20 who are ready to prepare for the professional level. Just one step away from a Training or Development Player role with an NBL team, this program offers the most advanced training environment within the Academy.
Athletes selected for the Elite Program will undertake weekly sessions combining video review, performance education, and high-intensity on-court training built around Melbourne United’s professional systems. Each athlete will follow an Individual Performance Plan, with added focus on strength and conditioning, nutrition, injury prevention and the physical demands of elite basketball.
With limited spots available each term and entry via try-out only, this program is designed to push athletes to their limits and take their game to the next level.
Each term, athletes will receive:
1-hour sessions for 8, 9 or 10 weeks
$80 per session
Participation is by invite-only via the other programs
Position:
Guard
Interesting fact about you
I'm really athletic.
Favourite basketball highlight
Getting 20 assists in 1 game while helping my teammate score 63.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
I always want to better myself, and I love helping the younger players reach their best potential.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To play at the highest level of basketball in Australia, and then around the world.
Position:
Centre
Interesting fact about you
I have a twin brother.
Favourite basketball highlight
Made it to classics as a bottom age.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To work on my gym but also learning new skills in basketball.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To play college and try and get into WNBA.
Position:
Guard
Interesting fact about you
I did dance for 12 years before I decided I wanted to play basketball.
Favourite basketball highlight
When my 14.1s team won VC reserve.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To improve and seek new opportunities.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
I want to play college and the dream is to proceed to the WNBA or WNBL.
Position:
Forward
Interesting fact about you
I kicked 5 goals in my first game of footy last year and got the second best and fairest at the end of the season.
Favourite basketball highlight
Winning VC Reserve grand final.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
I decided to join Melbourne United Elite Academy as I want to improve my skills and performance in basketball overall but also learn the specific strength work and nutritional needs tailored to me! I think this will all help me become a well-rounded player.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
My main goal with my basketball journey is to play WNBL and play College over in America.
Position:
Forward
Interesting fact about you
I go to Western Heights College and I’m apart of one of the best basketball programs in Australia.
Favourite basketball highlight
Winning the VJBL grand final in my bottom age 18s season and getting 5 blocks in the first quarter.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To get better and expand my game and become the best basketball I can be.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
My main goal, is to either make basketball my job or to take it as far as I can whether that only be Big V or NBL1 and possibly make it to College at a respectable level.
Position:
Forward
Interesting fact about you
I have only been playing basketball for five years, all of them with my twin brother who is also in the MUBA Elite Academy.
Favourite basketball highlight
I hit a game-winning three to win the 3x3 State Final!
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To better my skills and to have an opportunity to get into the Melbourne United development player role.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To make it into a professional basketball team.
Position:
Forward
Interesting fact about you
I have a twin brother also in the MUBA Elite Program.
Favourite basketball highlight
Playing in the U16 VC Grand Final.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
I feel it's the best pathway to an NBL team and I want to develop myself and my game further.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
Making it to a professional team.
Position:
Guard
Interesting fact about you
I'm the youngest of 5 boys (but also the tallest).
Favourite basketball highlight
3-point game winner.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To grow and improve my basketball game/skills and learn how NBL club’s play.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To reach my potential, have fun and try to become a pro basketballer!
Position:
Forward
Interesting fact about you
I used to play tennis when I was younger then moved to basketball at the age of 12.
Favourite basketball highlight
My career high game of 45 points.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To improve my understanding of the game and improve my skills.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To play overseas either in the US or Europe.
Position:
Centre
Interesting fact about you
I love skiing.
Favourite basketball highlight
50 Points.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To improve and to challenge myself.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To make the NBA.
Position:
Centre
Interesting fact about you
I love to listen to music ALL the time.
Favourite basketball highlight
Playing the U18 Nationals in the VIC Metro team.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To elevate my game to another level.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To make the NBA.
Position:
Guard
Interesting fact about you
I actually quit playing basketball after only 3 seasons when I was 9, I wasn’t interested in basketball until I turned 14 my friends told me to play.
Favourite basketball highlight
Ankle breaker into a lay, haven’t got many of those it was cool.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To develop my skills in the best possible way with good coaches and competition taking steps closer to fulfilling my potential.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
I have my eyes set on going pro and someday winning a championship.
Position:
Guard
Interesting fact about you
Self-taught Guitarist.
Favourite basketball highlight
Winning 2x tournaments in the US.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
Access to professional coaching to achieve personal goal of becoming a professional athlete.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
To become a professional basketball player.
Position:
Forward
Interesting fact about you
My brother can backflip.
Favourite basketball highlight
My first dunk.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
I’m underappreciated and undervalued where I am currently and I want to get better and maximise my potential.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
NBL or playing professionally overseas.
Position:
Guard
Interesting fact about you
I can backflip.
Favourite basketball highlight
Beating Bendigo in last game of season and knocking them out of finals with 30 points on the board.
Why did you join the Melbourne United Elite Academy
To improve my skills on and off the court, to maximise my success.
What is your main goal with your Basketball journey
NBL or playing professionally overseas.
Academy sessions run across Melbourne each term, with locations varying based on demand and availability. Once an athlete is placed into a program, they’ll receive a list of hub locations and training days to choose from for their weekly sessions.
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Performance and Development Program athletes will each have the opportunity to participate in tailored end-of-term events.
MUBA Combine (for Performance Program athletes)
A high-level event featuring basketball testing inspired by the NBA Draft Combine, thanks to RookieMe. Boys and girls will undergo athletic testing before teaming up for a round robin tournament, coached by Melbourne United’s coaching staff.
MUBA Play Day (for Development Program athletes)
A round robin style event designed to bring together players from across hubs in a fun, team-based environment.
Please note: Each event has its own registration fee, which covers coaching, venue, equipment, and event delivery.
Beyond our regular Academy Tryouts and Academy Programs, the MUBA offers a series of additional School Holiday camps that any athlete can register for.
Want to find out more about our MUBA programs or receive information about our upcoming events?
By completing the Melbourne United Sports & Business Program, you will have the opportunity for direct articulation* into a range of courses with one of SEDA’s tertiary partners or transition into the workforce. You will be equipped with the knowledge and attributes for a successful future. (*Subject to meeting eligibility requirements)
Match day assistance at Melbourne United home games
Coaching and officiating at Melbourne United basketball clinics
Gain access to Melbourne United players and coaches
Connect with Melbourne United staff in roles such as management, marketing, administration and events
Gain an understanding of what it’s like to work across different roles in the sport industry
Gain pathways to higher education across multiple undergraduate degrees including Exercise Science and Business