Feature image via: Kobe James
When the Indigenous Basketball Australia All-Stars take to the floor against Sacramento State on June 11, some of Australia’s most exciting emerging and established basketball talent will be on display. But for Sunshine Coast star Kobe McDowell-White, the opportunity to play for the side extends far beyond what will happen on the court.
This will be the first time an Indigenous All-Stars team will take to the court at this level, featuring multiple NBL1 and NBL stars. McDowell-White will be teaming up with the likes of Geraldton champion and fellow emerging talent Johny Narkle, established NBL talents William Hickey and Biwali Bayles, and Australian basketball legend Nate Jawai.
While he admits he’s expecting the game to be played to an exceptional standard, McDowell-White says the ability to connect with his brothers off the court supersedes the basketball side of the occasion.
“Most of the connections I’ve got with the boys now are mostly off-court, so we’ll see each other out or we’re doing our own thing, and we’ll cross paths. I’ve played against most of them as well, but we’ve never been on the same side,” McDowell-White told NBL Media.
“That’s what I’m most excited about. The main thing will be relationship and connections with the boys both on and off the court, that will be a no-brainer for sure. On the court just to pick brains, pick up new things and be a sponge around them.
“It’s the same thing off-court on the cultural side, just to have a deep dive in and learn new things. I can’t wait to learn everything I will over the weekend, I’m excited to get to it, and I’m excited to experience it.
“It's a strong roster and there’s a lot of talent throughout it. SAC State has a few Australian boys in there which will be good to see a few familiar faces of boys I’ve played against in juniors and junior nationals. Both teams will be strong, and it’ll be a really good game.”
McDowell-White, like many Indigenous Australians, is on a journey to discover and connect with his heritage. He believes the coming together of this team will become a further “deep dive” into his culture.
A childhood stint spent in the Far North Queensland town of Abergowrie, about two hours north of Townsville, laid the foundations of knowledge about his heritage. McDowell-White explained he remained curious about his culture, heritage and history.
“When I was younger I lived in Townsville for 18 months and lived out in the bush in Townsville in a place called Abergowrie – not many people know it,” he reflected.
“It was pretty much an Indigenous school with PNG (Papua New Guinea) boys there, so it was a very cultural side I saw, and I learned a lot from being there. I learned dances, a few words, I know a few of my tribes, where my family has come from, but there’s honestly not too much I know.
“Just where I’m from, where my elders are from and where my people are from, a few language groups.
“I’m excited to learn more and have a deep dive into it and grab as much as I can from it. I always want to learn, and I’m always curious.”
With the Indigenous All-Stars set to feature some of Australia’s most rapidly rising basketball talents, this game is looming as a must-watch for fans who are able to attend.
Sacramento State will also feature Australian talents in NBL1 South Finals MVP Bailey Nunn, Alex Kovatchev, Bowyn Beatty, Lachlan Brewer, Deonte William and interim head coach Michael Czepil in what will be the program’s first international tour in almost a decade.
“For anyone who wants to come out, it’s a no-brainer,” McDowell-White said.
“Get out there, have a good time and see some good basketball.”
The game will take place at the home of the NBL1 North's Logan Thunder, Bendigo Bank Cornubia Park Sports Centre, streaming live from 7:00pm AEST via the NBL1 YouTube page here.
Tickets for the event can be found here.
