ABOUT US
All you need to know
Your passport to new skills, new friendships and fun.
The Lions Basketball Academy was started to give Western Sydney a fresh and affordable alternative to basketball training and coaching. We combine latest coaching methodologies with talented expert coaches that provide encouragement and ENTHUSIASM so players are engaged, growing and having FUN.
At Lions Basketball Academy community is an important part of our culture, and we will do our utmost to make you feel welcome and part of our basketball family. We value persistence and hard work over talent so everyone doing their very best is a true champion in our eyes.
We are also proudly linked with West Lions Basketball Team.
Skills developed
- Fundamental Skills
- Physical Fitness
- Tactical Understanding
- Game Simulation
- Mental Toughness
- Position-Specific Training
- Teamwork and Communication
- Skill Assessment and Feedback
Our Coaches
Coach AJ – Founder & Director of Lions Basketball Academy
Meet Coach AJ, the heart and soul of Lions Basketball Academy. With over a decade of experience coaching at domestic and representative levels, he has guided teams to Division 1 victories and State Cup triumphs. As a passionate community leader, Coach AJ is dedicated to ensuring every player at LBA grows, learns, and thrives in a fun, supportive environment.
His resume includes spearheading the Aussie Hoops program for multiple years and actively contributing to Basketball NSW initiatives. Coach AJ’s focus on engagement, development, and community connection continues to attract and nurture basketball talent across Western Sydney.
Coach Sam – Passionate Mentor & Skilled Instructor
Coach Sam is a dedicated basketball coach known for his energy, patience, and deep understanding of the game. His sessions are fun, engaging, and focused on player development. With a strong ability to break down skills and teach the right way to play, Coach Sam helps players build confidence and master the fundamentals of basketball.
Coach Marvin – Senior Coach & Skills Development Specialist
Meet Coach Marvin, a passionate and experienced senior coach at Lions Basketball Academy. With a strong focus on skill development, game strategy, and player growth, Marvin works tirelessly to bring out the best in every player. His calm and thoughtful approach creates a positive learning environment for athletes of all ages. Off the court, Marvin’s talents extend to the kitchen, adding flavor to the LBA community. His leadership, passion, and dedication make him a key figure in shaping the next generation of basketball stars.
Coach Raj – Competed at the Representative Level in the Waratah League
Raj brings strong playing and coaching experience to Lions Basketball Academy. He competed at the representative level in the Waratah League with Wolves Basketball Academy (now PCBA), gaining valuable high-level game experience and a deep understanding of competitive basketball.
Raj holds a Level 1 Coaching Qualification and has also gained hands-on coaching experience through the UNC Basketball Program, where he worked closely with players to develop their skills and understanding of the game. He has previously provided one-on-one training with younger athletes, helping them build strong basketball fundamentals and confidence.
Coach Ryan – Young, Energetic & Inspiring Mentor
Despite his young age, Coach Ryan is a standout coach with a natural talent for teaching. With personal experience overcoming injury, he emphasizes smart training, injury prevention, and player development. Ryan’s sessions are packed with energy and focus, helping young players build confidence, game IQ, and essential basketball skills.
Coach John – Assisting Primary School Players at Hawkesbury Stadium
John began playing basketball at 15 and competed for many years with the Penrith and Hawkesbury representative teams. He has also played extensively in local competitions across the Hills, Penrith, and Hawkesbury regions.
John first gained coaching experience assisting primary school players at Hawkesbury Stadium, where he developed a passion for helping young athletes learn the fundamentals of the game. After a short break from basketball, he returned while supporting his daughter’s basketball journey and quickly rediscovered his love for coaching.
Coach Adam – Big Man Specialist & Elite Skills Coach
With experience playing alongside NBL1 players and competing in 3×3 events, Coach Adam is a powerhouse on the court. Specializing in footwork, inside-out scoring, and player development, he’s known for teaching kids how to master both power and finesse. As a Level 1 Certified Coach, he brings professionalism, passion, and resilience to every session.
Coach Simon – Big sports enthusiast and is passionate about helping kids develop
Simon is passionate about supporting young players as they learn and enjoy the game of basketball. Although he is new to formal coaching, Simon has played basketball during his youth and developed a strong appreciation for the sport and its positive impact on young athletes.
Simon’s coaching philosophy is simple—creating a fun, fair, and supportive environment where every player has the opportunity to grow and improve each week. He believes that when players enjoy the game and feel encouraged, they gain confidence and develop both their skills and teamwork.
Coach Bhaavesh – Representative Basketball in the Hills Hornets U18
Have several months of experience assisting with junior basketball training sessions. I help run drills, support skill development, and create a positive environment where players can improve their fundamentals and confidence.
Player representative basketball in the Hills Hornets U18 program. My playing experience has helped me develop a strong understanding of game fundamentals, teamwork, and strategy.
Coach Thivash – Drawing on his Experience Across Multiple Sports
A passionate Sri Lankan athlete with a diverse sporting background, Thivash has played basketball for 5 years and continues to compete professionally.
His journey began with endurance-focused sports like soccer, where he was part of multiple clubs, before moving to agility-based disciplines including school table tennis. It was basketball that ignited his deepest passion, revealing his body’s full potential and giving him a profound understanding of the sport’s foundations.
Coach Sam – Completed a Level 1 Basketball Coaching Course
Sam has been playing basketball for over eight years and has spent seven of those years competing in organized competitions. He continued playing throughout high school, developing a strong understanding of the game and a passion for teamwork and player development.
Before joining Lions Basketball Academy, Sam gained experience supporting and assisting teammates and fellow players on the court. His growing interest in helping others improve through basketball led him to pursue coaching.
Coach Garry – Youth Basketball Development Coach
Garry began playing basketball in Year 6 after moving to Australia, initially enjoying the game during school lunch and recess. His passion for the sport quickly grew, and by Year 7 he began competing in local basketball competitions, where he developed a strong understanding of teamwork, discipline, and the fundamentals of the game.
Garry brings over three and a half years of coaching experience, working with youth teams ranging from U11 to U18. Coaching across multiple age groups has helped him develop a versatile coaching style, allowing him to adapt to different skill levels while focusing on player development, teamwork, and building positive team environments.
Our Sponsors
We are extremely grateful to the generosity of our valued sponsors that helps us to offer our programs. To chat about sponsorship opportunities for your business or organisation, please get in touch.
JOIN THE TEAM
Contact us today and be first to receive updates on our programs, offers and specials.
