AU WAATU & THE UBL
What is the UBL?
The New Balance University Basketball League (UBL) is a fully funded, gender equal, student-only national basketball league, and Australia's premier university basketball competition. The league provides student-athletes with a national platform to showcase their talent while balancing academic pursuits. Sanctioned by UniSport Australia in partnership with Basketball Australia, the league plays a pivotal role in developing the next generation of basketball stars.
The Adelaide University Waatu has competed in the UBL since 2022, and achieved finals appearances and best-ever win-loss records for both the men's and women's teams in 2025. The word Waatu means ‘coming together’ in Kaurna language, and was officially chosen by Adelaide University Sport and Fitness along with Uncle Rod O'Brien, Cultural Advisor, University of Adelaide’s Indigenous Education unit in 2022.
"Waatu brings a community together, in partnership with one another and to play as one team. It is important to use language as it provides a better connection to country and strength to a community." - Uncle Rod O'Brien
2026 UBL SCHEDULE
Home games in 2026 will be played at Pridham Hall on the Adelaide University City West Campus. Book your free tickets by clicking the link below, and check in when you arrive on gameday to claim your free giveaway!
| Opponent | Date (All times CST) | Venue | How to Watch |
| University of Western Australia | Thursday 13 August Women: 12:00PM, Men: 2:00PM |
Adelaide, SA Pridham Hall |
FREE TICKETS |
| University of Tasmania | Wednesday 19 August Women: 11:00AM, Men: 1:00PM |
Adelaide, SA Pridham Hall |
FREE TICKETS |
| University of Sydney | Wednesday 26 August Women: 11:00AM, Men: 1:00PM |
Sydney, NSW Sports & Aquatic Centre |
Watch on UniSport TV |
| Monash University | Wednesday 2 September Women: 1:00PM, Men: 3:00PM |
Adelaide, SA Pridham Hall |
FREE TICKETS |
| University of Melbourne | Wednesday 9 September Men: 12:30PM, Women: 2:30PM |
Melbourne, VIC Nona Lee Sports Centre |
Watch on UniSport TV |
| Federation University | Thursday 10 September Women: 11:30AM, Men: 1:30PM |
Ballarat, VIC Fed Sport & Rec Centre |
Watch on UniSport TV |
| Curtin University | Friday 18 September Women: 12:30PM, Men: 2:30PM |
Perth, WA Curtin Stadium |
Watch on UniSport TV |
| University of Newcastle | Wednesday 23 September Men: 10:00AM, Women: 12:00PM |
Newcastle, NSW NUSport @ The Forum |
Watch on UniSport TV |
2026 PRELIMINARY UBL SQUAD
| Men's AU Waatu Team | Women's AU Waatu Team |
| Andre BASTIAN | Mischa BUCKLEY |
| Ben CARLSON | Chloe GRAY |
| Mitchell CRETAN | Sasha HARDIN |
| Angus CROSBY | Claire HUNTER |
| Malang DENG | Janna MOJARES |
| Ayual GARANG | Zahlia NIEMANN |
| Isaac HAMPEL | Alecia SALDAVIA |
| Hayden KERLEY | Caitlin SHILLABEER |
| William KNOWLES | Emily SHILLABEER |
| Emil KOURANI | Ella TURNBULL |
| Kaman MAJOK | Annika UZCATEGUI-MONTENEGRO |
| Thomas MESTROV | Laya VINODH |
| Ahmed NAWASANY | Jemima WHITTON |
| Jared OGISI | Terran WRIGHT |
| Jack ROBERTS | COACH: Lachlan COPPICK |
| Rylie STEPHENSON | |
| Matthew THOMSON | |
| Everett WEBB | |
| COACH: Scott FREER |
MEDIA ACCREDITATION
If you're looking to do photography or videography at an AU Waatu home game during the 2026 New Balance University Basketball League, please complete our Media Accreditation Application.
AU Waatu Player Benefits
Members of the AU Waatu basketball team are automatically enrolled in our High Performance Sport Club, which gives access to a range of opportunities including further financial support from Adelaide University Sport and Fitness.
- Access to grants, scholarships & financial assistance.
- An opportunity to apply for the brand new Adelaide University Sport and Fitness University Basketball League Scholarships - with one $2,000 scholarship available for one player from the men's team and one player from the women's team.
- Travel around the country for away games, with all travel and away game accommodation costs covered as part of the program.
- Invites to a range of networking, training and development events.
- AU Waatu merchandise.
- Access to campus fitness facilities during UBL season free of charge - including weekly strength and conditioning training and recovery sessions.
- Access to Perks and Partners through Adelaide University Sport and Fitness membership.
- Further opportunities to represent Adelaide University at the UniSport National Championships - 3x3 Basketball (in Canberra, ACT) and UniSport Nationals - Basketball (in Perth, WA).