In 1985 Brisbane Basketball entered both Men and Women’s teams in the inaugural State Basketball League. Previously called the Brisbane Brewers (Men) and Brisbane Blazers (Women), the Brisbane Capitals were officially named before the 2001 season to reflect the leadership the organisation represented in the sport across Queensland. Our teams have seen much success during that time, winning the League on 10 occasions (Men – 2, Women – 8) including 2019’s QBL Men’s Championship. Currently, both teams compete in the National Basketball League One (NBL1) North.
TEAMS
Our representative teams lead the way across all junior and senior age groups. Currently, 28 teams (14 male & 14 female) represent BBI each year and consistently rank in the top 3 associations in Queensland for overall performance. Since the 2013/14 season, the Capitals have progressed to Senior Competition play-offs on 51 occasions, securing eight (8) Championships (SBL Women - 2015; U21 Men - 2016 & 2018; U21 Women - 2017; QBL Men - 2019; QSL1 Men - 2020 & 21; QSL Women - 2024) and Runner up on 12 occasions (QBL Men - 2013, 2015, 2016; U21 Men - 2015; SBL Men - 2019; & QSL2 Men - 2020; U21 Women - 2015, 2020 & 2021; NBL1 Men - 2024; QSL-Yth Men & Women 2024;) .
During this same period, our Junior program has competed in 76 Division 1 play-off contests, securing 49x Division 1 Medals including 26 Medals at Junior State Championships. 24 athletes (14 Male/10 Female) have receiving AIS/COE scholarships or International Junior & Senior Squad invites or team selection during that time.
PLAYERS
Capitals have produced and supported a litany of junior players who have progressed to NCAA D1 Schools, National Leagues, and/or Australian Representation including: Bronwyn Marshall (AIS, WNBL, Olympian); Ben Castle (AIS, NBL, Boomers); Dirk Lommerse (Sr Int'l, NBL); Alison O’Dwyer (AIS, Aus Jr, WNBL); Daniel George (AIS, Aus Jr, NBL); Andrew Latimer (AIS, Aus Jr, NBL); Georgia Woodyard (AIS, Aus Jr, WNBL); Megan Michael (WNBL); Jessica Foote (NCAA D1); Rachel Warren (AIS, NCAA D1, WUni); Sam Winter (NCAA D1); Chris Goulding (Aus Jr, NBL, Olympian); Victoria Kenyon (Aus Jr Sq, NCAA D1, WNBL); Clint Steindl (Aus Jr, NCAA D1, NBL, Boomers); Brock Motum (AIS, Aus Jr, NCAA D1, NBL, EuroLeague, Olympian); Odetter Andrews (Aus Jr Sq, WNBL); Cameron Bairstow (AIS, Aus Jr, NCAA D1, NBL, NBA, Olympian); Matthew Hodgson (AIS, Aus Jr, NCAA D1, NBL, Boomers); Mitchell McCarron (AIS, Aus Jr, NCAA D2, NBL, Boomers); Corban Wroe (AIS, Aus Jr Sq, NCAA D1, NBL); Jarred Bairstow (NCAA D2, NBL); Garrett Scheibner (Aus Jr); Brendan Carroll (Aus Jr, NCAA D1); Nicholas Stoddart (AIS/COE, Aus Jr); Ashlee Hannan (AIS/COE, Aus Jr, NCAA D1); Adelaide Fuller (AIS/COE, NCAA D1); Kian Dennis (Aus Jr Sq, NBL); Lucas Schmidt (AIS/COE, Aus Jr Sq, NCAA D1); Georgia Woolley (Aus Jr, NCAA D1); Grace Ellis (Aus Jr Sq, NCAA D1); Audrey Fuller (NCAA D1); Max Mackinnon (AIS/COE, NCAA D1), Geordan Papacostas (Aus Jr Sq); Roman Siulepa (AIS/COE, Aus Jr); Cooper Rowling (AIS/COE, Aus Jr); and, Hilary Fuller (Aus Jr).
TEAM STAFF
The Capitals have also seen many of the state’s top coaches and team managers develop through, and contribute to, our programs, progressing onto Queensland, National League, and Australian Representation, including: Vince Hickey (Legend); Eunice Austin (State Teams); Robert Young (OAM, State Teams, NBL); Fred Van Dongen (Administrator); Trevor Cook (Opals, Aus Jr Teams & WNBL); Pam Hamilton-Smith (State Teams, 2008 BA Female Coach of the Year); Robert Wood (WNBL); Bronwyn Marshall (AIS & WNBL); Steve McLeod (NBL); Lyndon Brieffies (NBL); Rob Scheibner (NBL); Nick Such (Administrator, 2x NWBL Coach of the Year, Aus Sr Teams); Rebecca Dudic (State Teams, AIS/COE & WNBL); Dale Ryan (State Teams, NBL); Jane Mucha (State Teams); Dave Owens (State Teams & WNBL); David Mitchell (State Teams & WNBL); Murry Aldred (State Teams, 2x All-Australian, QAS); Steph Alekna (State Teams); Kristen Veal (AIS/COE & WNBL); Sam Mackinnon (State Teams, NBL, 2019 QBL Men Coach of the Year); Trevor Lidstone (Administrator, NBL); Bruce Palmer (State Teams, NBL, Aus Jr & Sr Teams, 2021 QSL Men Coach of the Year); and, Patrick McInerney (State Teams).
Create an environment where High Character people are inevitable.
To provide junior to senior elite representative players, coaches and managers the opportunity to compete at the highest level of competitive competition in Queensland and a pathway for those who aspire to represent their State and Country.
Brisbane Capital share common values that emphasis Character, putting the Team First, Never Give Up, and Next Play. When we face challenges, a Capital representative doesn’t hide from this or complain to others to change their circumstance.
They internalize the before mentioned values to achieve a bright outcome that is the benchmark of the state. Whether we like it or not, we have a responsibility to each other, our members and our state to lead in the areas that translate to Growth, and a by-product of which are the achievements and artifacts we leave behind.
CHARACTER – Above the line Caps Behaviour: Holding ourselves to a higher standard than what is required. Committed to the Intent to Improve and Be the Best that We can Be in each Moment. What kind of person are we when we’re tested and under-pressure (gracious) or when we’re celebrated (humble)? Gratitude, no expecting opportunities, going out and working for them. There are no shortcuts, it’s often a long hard road filled with detours, your Character is the foundation of your resilience to persevere
TEAM FIRST – Input into, and share the Vision of the team. Eager to sacrifice for the team/celebrate team mates achievements. Understand your responsibilities within the team and hold your self accountable to them. Where do you contribute to the team for the team, how do you impact the game for the team? Unity, nothing comes between our team
NEVER GIVE UP – Grow (stretch and challenge) our comfort zone towards the pursuit of our goals. Struggle is part of the pursuit of improvement. Be Better today than Yesterday. Repeated, and focused, effort (recovering when beat, rebounding, sprinting lanes every opportunity) is coached, acknowledged and rewarded. Consistent effort is essential for winning edge performance (players who compete).
NEXT PLAY – An attitude to approach each practice or game as opportunities to continually improve, learn something new, or figure something out. Don’t miss the opportunity to improve by worrying about winning or losing the game – the outcome will take care of itself. Be in the moment and focus on what you can control (you) and how you can learn in the moment, and from the results, whatever they may be.
