Our mission is to inspire, connect and empower youth in Australia through the power of basketball.
Who’s behind NBA Basketball School Australia?
Basketball Magic, an Australian-owned sports management company focused on grassroots basketball development, has partnered with The National Basketball Association (NBA) to launch and operate the first NBA Basketball School in Australia.
NBA Basketball School provides an additional avenue for young players to learn the game and refine their skills under the tutelage of established coaches with proven training techniques. Together with Basketball Magic, beginners and advanced players alike will experience world-class training to elevate their game.
Ben O’Neill is the Managing Director and Owner of Basketball Magic, the licensed operator of NBA Basketball School Australia. Ben played Div 1 College Basketball at the University of Hartford, USA, and is currently the Head Basketball Coach with the Cranbrook School Firsts.
In recent years, Ben was on the coaching staff of the Australian Boomers at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China and spent several years working under the guidance of Andrew Gaze with the Sydney Kings.
Ben was a Staff member at the 2022 NBA Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp, has consulted for multiple NBA teams, and has scouted for the Dallas Mavericks.
With a Master of Education (Sports Coaching) from the University of Sydney and a Performance Coaching accreditation from Basketball Australia, Ben is excited to oversee and play an integral role in the success of the NBA Basketball School Australia program.
Luke KendallTechnical Director & Head of Victorian Operations
lkendall@nbabasketballschool.com.au
Luke is a highly accomplished coach with experience across the NBL, NBA Summer League, and Basketball Australia’s high-performance pathway. A former NBL Champion (Sydney Kings, 2005), Australian Boomer (2006), and NCAA Division II National Champion as a player with Metro State, he transitioned into coaching after a distinguished playing career.
His coaching résumé includes Assistant Coach roles with the Sydney Kings and South East Melbourne Phoenix, an NBA Summer League Assistant Coach position with the LA Clippers, and serving as a Lead Hub Coach for Basketball Victoria. Internationally, he guided the Gujarat Stallions to a championship in the Indian National Basketball League (INBL 2025).
Luke currently serves as Assistant Coach of the U17 Australian Boys and Head Coach of NBL1’s Casey Cavaliers.
Michael O'NeillDirector of Corporate & Legal
moneill@nbabasketballschool.com.au
Michael is the Chairman and Managing Partner of O’Neill Partners – Commercial Lawyers, Sydney. Michael is a director of Basketball Magic and Basketball Magic Australia.
He is also Chairman of AMPAC Debt Recovery, a leading national debt recovery firm.
Michael is an experienced corporate and sports lawyers, has acted for many years as the lawyer for the Sydney Kings and manages all of Basketball Magic’s legal and corporate relationships, including with the NBA.
Bruno IrigoyenInternational Tour Lead
birigoyen@nbabasketballschool.com.au
Bruno has 17 years of basketball experience as a player and 2 years as coach. 8 seasons as a professional player in Brazilian National League (NBB) and also in top level international tournaments with the Brazilian national team. Competed in tournaments in USA, Germany and Latvia.
Throughout his playing career,Bruno has developed a strong understanding of the sport and have honed skills in leadership, teamwork and strategic thinking thanks to the great coaches.
Bruno played under Ruben Magnano, Olympic champion with Argentina in 2004.
As coach, Bruno worked with junior teams in Brazil where the focus was on helping young players for transitioning from junior to professional, improving their individual skills, fitness level and game awareness.
Manuel RiccioMarketing Manager
mriccio@nbabasketballschool.com.au
Manuel has 10+ years of experience working in communications & marketing roles across the global sports industry — particularly in basketball, his passion since he was a little kid.
Originally from Italy, Manuel has led campaigns for major sports events like World Cups, Olympic Games and more recently, the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series 2025. He has partnered up with athletes like Carmelo Anthony, Luka Doncic and Sue Bird to elevate the game globally through activations & storytelling.
Manuel has relocated to Sydney in 2023 and has since expanded his network in Australia & New Zealand, leading the Next Stars program with the NBL until early 2026.
Hin Wah LiHead of Customer Service
info@nbabasketballschool.com.au
Her breadth of experience across multiple industries, together with a collaborative approach and a strong focus on building meaningful relationships, provides a unique perspective within the team.
Darcy EmeryOperations Manager
demery@nbabasketballschool.com.au
Darcy is the Operations Manager of Basketball Magic and the NBA Basketball School Australia. Darcy represented the Australian Schoolboys Basketball Team in 2012 and played 7 seasons in the BNSW Waratah Men’s Championship.
Darcy has 13 years of Coaching Experience in Sydney Schools including Assistant Head Coach of the Firsts at The Scots College and Head Coach of the Firsts at SCEGGS Darlinghurst.
Darcy was the Co-Founder and Operations Manager of the Sydney Supersonics 3X3 Basketball Club, the first of it’s kind in Australia, sending multiple teams to the FIBA 3X3 World Tour, 3X3.EXE Premier and the International Children’s Games.
Outside of Basketball Darcy has Operated Live Replay Systems in the NRL Bunker, the AFL ARC and the A-League’s VAR, and has been a Program Facilitator with Red Dust Role Models in remote communities of Australia.
John McAuliffeTournament Director
jmcAuliffe@nbabasketballschool.com.au
John brings decades of seasoned basketball wisdom to the academy. A true fundamentals-driven coach, with experience across the APAC region in organising high-level tournaments. His approach is both patient and insightful, shaped by years of mentoring players at every level.
Sydney Staff
Our coaches are at the very heart of our organisation.
With a passion for youth basketball, each one of our coaches is hand-picked for their expertise, dedication, and ability to inspire youth. We are growing our coaching team, so if you are keen to join us, get in touch.
David Pereyra is an internationally recognized basketball coach holding a university degree in Physical Education, with over a decade of experience leading youth programs across various countries. His coaching expertise spans all levels of mini-basketball and youth basketball, mentoring players aged 6 to 23 in both male and female categories across Argentina, Spain, and Australia.
In Argentina, David coached at state and privately operated sports training schools in municipalities such as Mendiolaza and Villa Allende, and dedicated 10 years to coaching at Club Instituto Leon XIII, including two years directing the first female category. During his tenure in Spain, he served as an assistant coach in Casteldefels, focusing on the Boys U15 category for two months.
David’s coaching philosophy is centered on skill enhancement, fostering teamwork, and nurturing a deep passion for basketball among young athletes.
Luis is an experienced basketball coach with an international background spanning Brazil and Australia. His coaching journey began in Brazil, where he worked as a development coach with the Foz do Iguaçu Basketball Association (ABASFI), helping young athletes develop strong fundamentals and a passion for the game.
During his time on the Gold Coast, Luis was involved in player development programs and served as Lead Assistant Coach for the U18 Girls Rollers, while also being mentored by former Tall Blacks Head Coach, Pero Cameron.
Now based in Sydney, Luis brings combines Brazilian creativity with the structure and intensity of Australian basketball. He enjoys helping players refine their skills, build confidence and grow their understanding of the game.
Orlando is a former professional basketball player with extensive experience both on the court and in youth player development. He played professionally in Colombia for four years before furthering his career in Mexico, gaining valuable experience across different basketball systems and competitive environments.
Following his playing career, Orlando transitioned into coaching, serving as Head Coach at Gigantes Club in Barranquilla, Colombia, where he worked closely with athletes aged 15–18, focusing on skill development, game understanding, and player growth.
Orlando’s coaching centres on helping players improve their individual skills, basketball IQ, and confidence in a positive learning environment.
Melbourne Staff
Mariano is a FIBA certified and Level 3 professional basketball coach with over 20 years of experience.
Since 2023 he has been working with NBA Basketball School Australia and is now the Technical Director of the NBA Basketball School in Melbourne.
His coaching career began in Argentina, spending 10 years coaching at all levels with some of the best programs in the country. In 2014, he was hired to be the Head Coach of HR Portoviejo, a professional team in Ecuador’s National Professional Basketball League.
After his professional coaching experience in Ecuador, Mariano spent over a year doing personal development in Europe and Asia, shadowing top basketball programs and coaches.
In 2016, he moved to Australia, to become Assistant Coach of one of the most prestigious programs, Newington College – located in Sydney being close to one of the top coaches worldwide – Rex Nottage.
In 2019 he was the Basketbal Coach for the Second’s Team at St Joseph’s College in Sydney for 3 seasons.
His passion and curiosity for the game of basketball, has taken Mariano to over 25 countries around the world.
Brandon Polk is a highly experienced basketball coach and former professional player with over a decade of national and international playing experience, including stints with teams in Australia, Spain, Finland, and Switzerland. Since retiring from professional play, he has seamlessly transitioned into coaching and development roles, bringing his deep knowledge of the game to youth, school, and club basketball programs. His leadership roles have included Coaching Director at Berwick Fielders Basketball Club, School Coach at Crest Academy — where he led the U15 Boys to a Division 2 National Championship in 2024 — and NBA Basketball School Coach, delivering elite training aligned with NBA standards.
In previous roles, Brandon has served as Boys Director of Coaching at Casey Basketball Association and Coaching Development Officer at Beaumaris Sharks, where he mentored coaches, developed training plans, and fostered player growth. His work also includes academic and life-skills support for student-athletes through Collingwood Basketball Association and grassroots coaching through Aussie Hoops and school-based programs. With a strong focus on fundamentals, teamwork, and mentorship, Brandon continues to shape the next generation of players and coaches with passion, professionalism, and a proven track record of success.
Eric Miraflores is a Filipino-Australian basketball professional with experience across the Big V, NBL1, MPBL, FIBA 3×3, and leagues throughout Asia, bringing a strong global perspective to coaching.
He is Director of Coaching at Mansfield Basketball and Head of Junior Development in Benalla, while also leading school and grassroots programs, coaching U16 & U18 reps, and working as a skills coach with BizzyBallin.
A former PBA Draft nominee, founder of BizzyBallin, and co-author of How to Be an Elite Parent for Young Basketball Players, Eric is known for his dynamic coaching style and commitment to developing confident, high-performing athletes.
Trent is a driven basketball coach and founder of Universal Hoops, specialising in athlete development from junior to professional levels.
Currently completing Certificate III & IV in Fitness and Level 1 Strength & Conditioning, with a strong focus on performance, discipline, and skill progression. He brings hands-on coaching experience, leadership, and a passion for helping athletes improve both on and off the court.
Yuot Gai is an experienced basketball coach and founder of ThatGaiAcademy, with playing experience spanning NCAA Division I basketball and professional leagues across Australia, the United States, Hong Kong, Europe and currently playing for Casey Cavaliers NBL1.
A former team captain, MVP, and high-level performer, Yuot brings a wealth of knowledge from the highest levels of the game.
Drawing on his experience at the NCAA Division I and professional levels, Yuot is committed to developing athletes through skill development, athletic growth, and a competitive mindset.
Canberra Staff
Hunter, a Canberra local, has represented Australia at both youth and senior levels, captaining the U16 and U17 national teams to a FIBA Asia Cup win and competing in the 2018 FIBA World Cup. He later appeared in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers with the Boomers.
A former NBA Global Academy and Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence athlete, Hunter competed internationally across five continents. Since 2017, he has played in NBL1 South and West, training with several NBL clubs before earning a Development Player contract with the Brisbane Bullets in 2022.
Hunter has also coached school clinics and term programs, growing the game while fostering a positive team environment. Outside basketball, he has worked in schools and the disability sector, strengthening his ability to connect and communicate.
Marcus brings nine years of coaching experience and has been involved with ACT representative basketball for the past four years. He currently serves as the Assistant Coach of the ACT Under 16 team and will attend the Australian Junior Championships as part of the coaching staff.
A former ACT Junior Representative player for three years, Marcus has a strong understanding of the athlete development pathway. He is also a current player in the Gunners Academy program.
Marcus is passionate about helping young athletes develop their skills and confidence through purposeful coaching.
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