The University of Sydney

Built For The Big Stage

The University of Sydney enters the 2026 UBL season with unfinished business.

Since the inaugural UBL season, USYD has established itself as one of the competition’s most successful programs.

With the men’s team crowned champions in 2022, the women’s team lifting the title in 2024, and both squads consistently featuring deep into the finals, the program has built a reputation for performing when it matters most.

That tradition of success continued in 2025, with the men finishing runners-up and the women reaching the semi-finals.

While both teams again proved they could compete with the league’s best, the season also reinforced how small moments can define a championship campaign.

Despite welcoming new players each year, USYD has remained among the UBL’s leading contenders by building a close-knit culture that extends well beyond the court.

Much of that connection stems from the university’s residential college community, where many players live on campus and spend time together outside basketball. Those relationships create a strong sense of trust and familiarity that carries onto the court and helps shape the identity of the program.

As the new season begins, the goal is simple: build on a proud history, learn from last year’s campaign and once again challenge for UBL championships.

“We had great seasons, but both teams fell a bit short last year. We’re excited to improve on last year’s standings,” said Sydney Uni Sport Competitions Manager Luke Wright.

The University of Sydney plays a fast-paced, team-first brand of basketball built on ball movement, quick decision-making and unselfish play.

The teams look to push the tempo at every opportunity, using fast breaks and crisp ball movement to create the best scoring opportunities.

Rather than relying on individual brilliance, USYD’s style is centred on trusting teammates, making the extra pass and playing together as a connected unit.

That approach is a reflection of the culture within the program.

With many players living together in the university’s residential colleges, strong relationships developed away from the court translate naturally into chemistry on it.

The result is an exciting style of basketball that is fast, connected and difficult to defend when the teams are at their best.

“We like to move the ball around and play a fast tempo with fast breaks.”

The University of Sydney is led by two highly experienced coaches whose elite basketball backgrounds continue to shape one of the UBL’s most consistent programs.

Men’s Head Coach Jacob Jackomas brings a wealth of international and professional coaching experience, having previously coached with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL, worked alongside legendary coach Brian Goorjian at the Olympic Games and spent almost a decade coaching in China.

His knowledge of the game and ability to prepare players for high-level competition have been invaluable to the men’s program.

Women’s Head Coach Tom Garlepp combines an accomplished playing career with an impressive coaching résumé.

A former Sydney Kings player, Garlepp has gone on to coach numerous state and national representative teams, including at World Championships. His experience at both the professional and international levels has played a key role in the continued growth of the women’s program.

Together, Jackomas and Garlepp provide the leadership, experience and basketball expertise that continue to drive USYD’s pursuit of excellence in the UBL.

Ben Williams

After another year of development, Ben Williams is primed for a breakout UBL campaign.

Williams has continued to grow his game season after season, and with greater confidence and physicality, he is expected to become a major contributor for USYD.

Iggy Mitchell

One of the team’s most influential players, Iggy Mitchell returns as a dominant force for USYD.

His ability to control games, make those around him better and lead by example has made him a player his teammates love sharing the court with. Expect Mitchell to once again play a central role in the University’s championship aspirations.

Madi Dalmeida

Few players have developed as rapidly over the past 12 months as Madi Dalmeida.

Now an NBL1 Development Player with the Norths Bears, Dalmeida has made the most of every opportunity and continues to impress at a higher level. Her growth, confidence and versatility make her one of the women’s team’s most exciting players heading into the new season.

Alex Oliver

After enjoying an impressive NBL1 campaign, Alex Oliver returns to the UBL looking to carry that form into another strong season with USYD.

Her experience and consistency will be invaluable as the women’s team looks to build on last year’s semi-final appearance, making Oliver a key player to watch throughout the 2026 campaign.

University of Technology Sydney

When it comes to rivalries, few fixtures generate as much excitement for USYD as the Sydney Derby against UTS.

The two sides have already gone head-to-head this year in the Vegagroup Basketball Challenge, producing a series of hard-fought contests that only added to the anticipation for their UBL meetings.

With local pride on the line and both programs boasting strong basketball traditions, every matchup carries extra intensity.

As two of Sydney’s leading universities, there’s always plenty at stake whenever USYD and UTS share the court.

Expect another fiercely contested chapter in one of the UBL’s growing rivalries.

For The University of Sydney, the UBL experience is about more than competing for championships.

It is about creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive academically, build lifelong friendships and proudly represent one of Australia’s leading universities.

That sense of community is strengthened by the university’s residential college network, where many players live, study and spend time together beyond basketball.

Those connections create a close-knit culture that carries onto the court and has become a defining feature of the program.

Home games at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre bring that culture to life. With game-day activations, catered food, halftime competitions, giveaways, live DJs and strong student support, USYD pride themselves on delivering an atmosphere that is as entertaining for spectators as it is motivating for the teams.

While the program keeps its routines simple and allows players to prepare in the way that suits them best, there is one constant that never changes: a commitment to competing together.

After another strong season in 2025, the focus now turns to taking the next step.

Backed by experienced coaches, a close-knit playing group and a proud history of success, USYD enters 2026 determined to once again challenge for UBL championships.

University: The University of Sydney

2025 Result: Men’s Grand Final | Women’s Semi Finalists

Claim to Fame: One of the UBL’s most successful programs, with championships across both men’s (2022) and women’s (2024) teams

Style of Play: Fast-paced, unselfish and team-first

Rival to Watch: University of Technology Sydney

Players to Watch: Ben Williams, Iggy Mitchell, Madi Dalmeida, Alex Oliver

2026 Goal: To build on recent success and take the next step towards another UBL championship