After making an impressive debut in the New Balance University Basketball League in 2025, the University of Newcastle returns for its second season determined to build on a strong foundation.
The men’s team announced themselves as contenders by reaching the semi-finals in their inaugural campaign, while both programs demonstrated that UON could match it with some of the country’s leading university basketball programs.
Drawing student-athletes from across the Hunter region, including Newcastle, Maitland, the Central Coast and Hawkesbury, the UON program brings together some of the region’s best basketball talent under one banner.
More than just competing, the program has quickly fostered a strong sense of pride and connection, with growing enthusiasm from players, students and the wider university community.
With momentum continuing to build, UON is setting its sights on an even bigger 2026 season, with both the men’s and women’s teams aiming to secure finals appearances and continue establishing UON as a rising force in the UBL.
“The University of Newcastle has an immense amount of talent in the sporting arena and can match it with some of the best universities in the country. Our students relished the opportunity to compete with these big universities, and our university community were keen to support them.”
Fast, fearless and team first.
UON has built its identity around an up-tempo, defence-first brand of basketball.
With relentless defensive pressure, quick ball movement and a commitment to playing at pace, both the men’s and women’s teams aim to dictate the game through energy, intensity and teamwork.
Representing some of the Hunter region’s top basketball talent, UON prides itself on playing an unselfish style where every player contributes at both ends of the floor.
Whether it’s forcing turnovers, pushing the fast break or making the extra pass, the teams are united by a shared commitment to competing hard and putting the team first.
“Our teams defend hard and play a fast-paced brand of basketball.”
UON’s men’s and women’s programs are led by two experienced coaches who share a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
Men’s Head Coach Deion Sims brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience, fostering a culture built on accountability, continuous improvement and high standards.
His philosophy centres on defensive intensity, fast-paced basketball and creating an unselfish team environment where players trust one another, compete hard and are encouraged to reach their full potential.
Leading the women’s program is Padraigh (Paddy) Hickey, whose extensive coaching experience with the Maitland women’s basketball program and previous involvement at UniSport Nationals has shaped his player-first approach.
Passionate about developing confident athletes, Hickey empowers his players to embrace their individual strengths while understanding how they contribute to the team’s collective success.
“Our coaches are passionate about developing players, creating an environment where they can compete with confidence, continue improving and enjoy the game.”
A talented guard with the ability to score at all three levels, Cougle was a standout performer in the 2025 UBL season, averaging 15.5 points, nine rebounds and three steals per game. With the ability to finish at the rim, create off the dribble and knock down shots from beyond the arc, she will be a key contributor for the UON women’s team in 2026.
A tenacious point guard known for her defensive intensity and leadership, Brennan averaged 12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game during the 2025 UBL season. Her ability to apply pressure on opponents while creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates makes her an important piece of the UON women’s program.
A versatile athlete and strong rebounder, Love brings competitiveness and energy to the UON women’s team after making an impact across multiple sports, including a dominant performance at Indigenous Nationals. Her athleticism and ability to influence the game in different ways make her one to watch in 2026.
After a dominant debut UBL season, Jennings returns as one of UON’s most exciting men’s players, averaging a double-double with 26.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game in 2025. An elite perimeter shooter who stretches defences with his range, Jennings combines offensive firepower with relentless competitiveness on both ends of the court.
A respected leader with experience and a high basketball IQ, Shoaib averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 2025. His ability to knock down shots, create for teammates and bring composure in key moments will be valuable for the UON men’s team.
A dynamic point guard who averaged 17.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in 2025, Bailey sets the tone with his defensive pressure, pace and playmaking ability. His ability to control the flow of the game while creating scoring opportunities makes him a key player to watch this season.
The University of Newcastle has an immense amount of talent in the sporting arena, and our debut UBL season showed we can match it with some of the best universities in the country.
UON UBL Team
After an impressive debut season in 2025, the UON teams are eager to test themselves against some of the UBL’s strongest programs in 2026.
Both the men’s and women’s teams are particularly looking forward to facing The University of Sydney and the University of Tasmania, with both programs earning respect after strong performances in the 2025 season.
However, UON’s competitive mindset means every matchup is an opportunity to challenge themselves against the best the league has to offer.
With a growing sense of belief and ambition within the program, UON is ready to embrace every challenge as it continues to establish itself as a force in the UBL.
UON’s UBL journey is about more than success on the court.
Since joining the competition in 2025, the program has created new opportunities for student-athletes, connected the university community and provided a platform for emerging talent from across the Hunter region to represent UON on a national stage.
The growth of the program has also opened the door for students to gain valuable real-world experience alongside the teams.
Through partnerships with the Exercise Sport Science Faculty, students have the opportunity to contribute as strength and conditioning coaches, while further work-integrated learning opportunities across media, game day delivery, physiotherapy and support roles continue to develop.
Off the court, UON has embraced the opportunity to create a true university sporting experience.
With the wider campus community able to engage through livestreamed games and a growing atmosphere at Stadium Court, home fixtures have become a celebration of student sport and university pride.
The program has also established meaningful traditions, including a singlet presentation for every player making their first appearance with the team, creating a special moment as athletes begin their UBL journey.
By bringing together student-athletes from Newcastle, Maitland, the Central Coast and Hawkesbury, UON continues to provide a platform for regional talent to compete, develop and represent the University with pride.
As the program enters its second season, the focus remains on continuing to build something special – a program that develops athletes, creates opportunities for students and brings the University community together.
University: University of Newcastle
2025 Result: Men’s Semi Finalists | Women’s Eleventh Place
Claim to Fame: Making an instant impact, with the men’s team reaching the UBL semi-finals in their debut season
Style of Play: Fast, fearless and team first
Rival to Watch: The University of Sydney and University of Tasmania
Players to Watch: Charlotte Cougle, Sophie Brennan, Kate Love, Jude Jennings, Jamal Shoaib, Alex Bailey
2026 Goal: To have both the men’s and women’s teams reach the UBL finals while continuing to grow the program and student-athlete experience
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