The Stand Tall All Stars initiative consists of elite basketball and leadership programs for young people, with a focus on Indigenous and Culturally Diverse groups, including newly arrived refugees. This initiative aims to deliver the Stand Tall strength based programs to develop life and leadership skills, using basketball as a means of engagement and providing an impacting experience that inspires them to set goals and be motivated about their own future. The program centres on ensuring players from different cultural backgrounds engage in a team environment to break down barriers and promote teamwork and overcoming cultural bias.

 

There are 4 key elements in the Stand Tall All Stars Initiative including:

 

Stand Tall open tryout programs

 

Delivered in local communities for participants aged 13-18 years. The tryouts are open to all young people in the community (with a focus on Indigenous and culturally diverse communities, including newly arrived refugees) and run as an interactive program to identify the All Star team members.

 

Stand Tall All Stars training program

 

For teams identified (including female and male teams), trained by elite basketball athletes to prepare for participation in local touranments such as the Sydney Schools Shootout (April and October) and the Newington Classic (January). The training program includes sessions on topics such as nutrition, health & well-being, positive goal setting, and the importance of a strong education.

 

Stand Tall All Stars ‘out of reach’ opportunities

 

Provided during the program, such as behind the scenes training sessions with the Sydney Kings and Sydney Uni Flames and attendance at regular season games in the NBL or WNBL or other special basketball events.

 

Stand Tall All Stars Alumni program

 

Provided to support players beyond the on court competitions to achieve off the court outcomes related to education, employment, health & well being, or professional basketball pathways. Charity Bounce youth workers (who engage with the players throughout the program) develop outcome plans and provide practical holistic support for players. The Alumni program also delivers access to ‘out of reach’ opportunities in the basketball world through scheduled workshops and events. The program provides an opportunity for the Stand Tall All Star teams to be a positive example of cultural diversity.

 

 

The Stand Tall programs include both on and off court activities including basketball skills & drills and health & well being and active lifestyle education. The program provides players with the opportunity to train with elite basketballers and skilled coaches, providing guidance on the importance of attitude, education, and healthy lifestyles. Stand Tall program participants enjoy inspiring and engaging activities and hear inspirational life messages delivered by basketball and industry role models.

 

STAND TALL PROGRAM FACILITATORS

The programs are delivered in partnership with the professional teams to have former and current NBL and WNBL players promote, attend and participate in the events. The program is coordinated by:

Cal Bruton- Stand Tall Program Director

Calvin “Cal” Bruton also known as the “Black Pearl” is a former NBL Championship player and coach in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). At 5’9 (175 cm) tall, Cal was one of the first and the smallest imports to play in the NBL, and was one of the first inductees into the NBL Hall of Fame when it opened in 1998. To learn more about Cal, click here.

Bret Mactavish- Stand Tall All Stars Team Director

Bret Mactavish is a former NBL and NBA executive with over 15 years of basketball operations experience. Bret played a key basketball operations role in successfully launching the WNBA, as well as launching the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders (BWB) in his role as Director of NBA International Basketball Operations. To learn more about Bret click here.

Eban Hyams- Stand Tall Coach

Eban Hyams is an Indian-Israeli-Australian professional basketball player. He is 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) tall, and plays point guard and shooting guard. He has played professionally in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) and was voted NBL Rookie in 2006. Eban has worked with the NBA as an Outreach Officer throughout India to support and promote basketball and the NBA globally. To learn more about Eban click here.

Donate