In 2025, the University of Tasmania did something no team had ever done before.
They didn’t just win a UBL championship.
They won two.
The UTAS men and women completed a remarkable season by claiming both UBL titles, becoming the first university in league history to achieve the coveted double and setting a new benchmark for success in the University Basketball League.
As the 2026 season approaches, every team in the competition is chasing the same target: the University of Tasmania.
“The past 12 months have been an exciting period for the University of Tasmania basketball program,” XXXX said. “Winning both the men’s and women’s 2025 UBL titles was a significant achievement and a proud moment for the University.”
The success elevated the profile of the program nationally, strengthened interest from prospective student-athletes and reinforced UTAS’ reputation as a destination where students can pursue both academic and sporting excellence.
But the double wasn’t the destination.
For those inside the program, it was validation that years of investment in culture, pathways and people were paying off.
At the heart of UTAS basketball is a strong sense of connection and belonging that has been carefully built over several years. The program has developed into far more than a university team; it has become a genuine pathway for young Tasmanian athletes looking to combine high-performance basketball with higher education.
That pathway now supports more than 200 athletes and provides opportunities for players to progress from grassroots participation through to national university competition. As a result, student-athletes arrive at UTAS with a clear understanding of the standards, expectations and pride that come with representing the university.
The challenge for 2026 is simple.
Prove that 2025 was not a one-off success, but the beginning of something bigger.
One championship-winning formula?
Not quite.
While the UTAS men and women share the same jersey, each team has developed its own identity.
The women’s program is built around speed, aggression and attacking basketball.
“Our women’s style of play has been built around playing at pace and putting points on the board. We like to take risks and be aggressive both offensively and defensively,” said UTAS UBL Women’s Head Coach Anthony Stewart.
Expect pressure. Expect transition basketball. Expect points.
It’s a style designed to entertain and overwhelm opponents.
The men’s team, meanwhile, has forged its reputation through resilience.
Their 2025 championship run was defined by toughness, highlighted by dramatic come-from-behind victories in both the semi-final and grand final.
“Our men’s team identity demonstrated a never-quit mindset. Come-from-behind victories in both the semi-final and grand final showcased a level of toughness that we want to build on,” said Mark Nash, UTAS UBL Men’s Head Coach.
Often smaller than their opponents, the Tasmanians have embraced a fast, adaptable style built on effort, discipline and an unwavering belief that they are never out of the contest.
The success of the UTAS basketball program is built on more than talented players.
It is driven by a commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and creating opportunities that extend beyond the court.
The program is led by Anthony Stewart and Mark Nash, two of Tasmania’s most respected basketball figures. Between them, they have played more than 800 National Basketball League games, won championships and spent decades helping shape basketball in Tasmania and across Australia.
Their influence reaches well beyond tactics and game plans.
“They set high standards, foster a strong team culture, and are deeply invested in the personal development of our student-athletes,” the program said.
Under their leadership, UTAS has created an environment where students can gain practical experience alongside their sporting commitments.
Many UBL athletes work as Campus Sport Leaders, helping deliver competitions, officiate games and engage students across campus. Others coach and mentor younger athletes through the University’s basketball pathway, developing valuable leadership and communication skills.
The opportunities extend beyond basketball. Students studying physiotherapy, exercise science, human movement, media, communications, marketing and business can gain hands-on experience in areas such as athlete support, content creation, event management, performance analysis and program promotion.
It’s an approach that reflects the broader purpose of university sport.
The goal isn’t simply to develop better basketballers.
It’s to develop future leaders, professionals and contributors to their communities.
The reigning UBL MVP returns for another season and enters 2026 in even better shape after an off-season focused on becoming fitter and stronger than ever before. One of the competition’s premier players, Thompson will once again be central to UTAS’ championship aspirations.
One of the most exciting additions to the program, Baker brings elite athleticism, strong defensive instincts and the ability to score at both ends of the floor. Expect her to make an immediate impact.
Returning for his third UBL campaign, Straatsma is regarded as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. Fresh from a strong season with NBL1 South powerhouse Bendigo Braves, he will once again be a key figure for the UTAS men.
A first-year UBL player and one of Tasmania’s hottest young prospects, Stewart steps into the point guard role with high expectations and a bright future ahead.
UTAS has become more than a university basketball team; it has become a genuine pathway for Tasmanian athletes pursuing both academic and sporting excellence.
UTAS UBL Team
Every successful team develops rivals.
For UTAS, Adelaide University may be emerging as the one to watch.
When asked which opponent they were most excited to face in 2026, Adelaide was the first team mentioned.
“There may be a strong rivalry between UTAS and Adelaide University – we’ll let them expand more!” the team said.
Whether Adelaide sees it the same way remains to be seen, but whenever the reigning champions take the court, there will be no shortage of opponents eager to knock them off their perch.
That’s the reality of success.
When you’re the team everyone is chasing, every game becomes personal.
The University of Tasmania enters the 2026 UBL season carrying a distinction no other program can claim.
They are the first team in league history to complete the double.
Their men’s and women’s teams sit atop the mountain, but history has a short memory. What matters now is what comes next.
The foundations are strong. The pathway is thriving. The culture is established. The talent is returning.
But championships don’t defend themselves.
Every university in the competition will spend 2026 trying to take what UTAS earned in 2025.
For the first time, the hunters have become the hunted.
And that’s exactly where the University of Tasmania wants to be.
University: University of Tasmania
2025 Result: Men’s Champions | Women’s Champions
Claim to Fame: First university in UBL history to win both the men’s and women’s championships in the same season
Style of Play: Fast, aggressive and resilient
Rival to Watch: Adelaide University
Players to Watch: Sharna Thompson, Millie Baker, Jordan Straatsma, Tommy Stewart
2026 Goal: Defend the double
Don’t miss a beat, subscribe for exclusive updates, events, and insider news!
Be part of the action and follow us for the latest moments, wins, and behind-the-scenes action.
Copyright © 2026. UniSport Australia All rights reserved.
The best university Sports action from Australia – stream it live now on UniSportTV.
Watch Live
