UNSW Sydney

Built on Culture

Over the past two UBL seasons, basketball at UNSW Sydney has undergone a transformation.

Once competing for attention alongside some of the university’s most established sporting clubs, the UNSW Basketball Club has used the UBL to elevate the profile of the sport, build a stronger competitive culture and establish itself as one of the university’s fastest-growing programs.

That growth has been matched by results.

After both the men’s and women’s teams reached the quarter-finals in 2025, UNSW enters the new season determined to build on that success and continue its rise through the UBL ranks.

But the program’s greatest strength lies beyond the scoreboard. B

ringing together student-athletes from a wide range of backgrounds, UNSW has built a culture centred on connection, support and a genuine love of the game.

Whether travelling together, training or catching up over post-training coffees, the relationships formed away from basketball translate directly onto the court.

As the program continues to grow, UNSW is proving that culture and competitiveness go hand in hand.

With confidence building and belief growing, the 2026 season presents another opportunity to establish the university as one of the UBL’s leading programs.

“UNSW Basketball is built on culture, connection and the confidence to compete with anyone.”

UNSW’s identity is built on playing with confidence, unity and resilience.

The teams combine smart decision-making with fearless basketball, backing one another at every opportunity and embracing every challenge with determination.

While respectful and humble off the court, game day brings a different mindset, with every player committed to competing hard, playing with heart and proudly representing the UNSW colours.

Connection is at the centre of everything UNSW does.

Trust, communication and a genuine willingness to support teammates allow the teams to stay united through the highs and lows of a game, creating a style built on collective effort rather than individual moments.

Whether celebrating a win or responding to adversity, UNSW wants to be recognised as a team that competes with toughness, resilience and pride every time it steps onto the court.

“We play with heart, stay united through every challenge, and take pride in everything we do. Win or lose, we want to be known as a team that is tough, resilient, supportive and proud to wear the UNSW colours.”

UNSW’s UBL program is led by Haydn Smyth, who coaches the men’s team, and Liam Brombal, who guides the women’s program into the 2026 season.

Together, they bring a wealth of basketball experience and a shared commitment to developing every student-athlete to reach their full potential.

Their focus extends beyond game-day performance, creating an environment where players are challenged to improve their skills, grow in confidence and contribute to the strong culture that defines UNSW basketball.

By combining high standards with genuine support for their athletes, Smyth and Brombal continue to play an important role in shaping a program built on connection, resilience and a desire to compete with the very best in the UBL.

Emily Nguyen

Recently named a Future Flame, Nguyen has impressed throughout the Waratah Women’s Youth League and has earned valuable minutes with the Sydney Comets in NBL1. Her ability to shoot the ball and lock down opponents defensively makes her a major asset to the UNSW women’s program.

Jackson Smyth

One of the UBL’s standout performers, Smyth averaged 27.2 points and 3.1 steals per game in 2025. His craftiness, scoring ability and knack for delivering in big moments make him one of the competition’s most dangerous players.

Lachlan Stone

Stone is expected to play an important role for the UNSW men this season, bringing his skill and competitiveness to a squad aiming to build on last year’s quarter-final appearance.

Angus Skrbinsek

A key member of the men’s squad, Skrbinsek adds further depth and talent to the UNSW lineup and will be looking to make his mark throughout the 2026 UBL season.

The University of Sydney & University of Technology Sydney

UNSW’s UBL season will once again feature some of the fiercest matchups in the competition, with Sydney rivalries providing extra motivation every time the teams step onto the court.

The long-standing rivalry with USYD remains one of the highlights of the season, with the competitive yet respectful relationship between the two programs adding another layer of intensity to every contest.

At the same time, UNSW is excited to welcome UTS back to the UBL in 2026 after their year away from the competition. The return of another Sydney program promises to reignite local rivalries and create new opportunities for high-quality basketball.

For UNSW Sydney, the UBL is about more than chasing results.

It has helped elevate basketball across the university, taking the program to a new competitive level while creating a connected community where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the court.

That impact extends beyond the players.

Through work-integrated learning opportunities in media and physiotherapy, students gain valuable hands-on experience supporting the teams and contributing to the game-day experience.

Home games at the City of Sydney Basketball Association bring that community together, with music, fan activations, giveaways and high-intensity basketball creating an exciting atmosphere for players and supporters alike.

Away from competition, traditions such as post-training coffees continue to strengthen the friendships and team-first culture that define the UNSW program.

With both the men’s and women’s teams looking to build on consecutive quarter-final appearances, UNSW enters 2026 determined to continue its rise.

United by a love of the game, a culture of connection and a fearless approach to competition, the program is ready to challenge the league’s best and take the next step in its UBL journey.

University: UNSW Sydney

2025 Result: Men’s Quarter Finalists | Women’s Quarter Finalists

Claim to Fame: A rising UBL program built on culture, connection and fearless competition

Style of Play: Smart, fearless and united

Rival to Watch: The University of Sydney & University of Technology Sydney

Players to Watch: Emily Nguyen, Jackson Smyth, Lachlan Stone, Angus Skrbinsek

2026 Goal: To build on consecutive quarter-final appearances and take the next step in the UBL