VU set to compete in 2020 University Basketball League - postponed

Victoria University is poised to have its best men’s and women’s teams compete in the inaugural University Basketball League (UBL). The UBL, a competition established by UniSport Australia, capitalises on the huge success and popularity of basketball in Australia and the university sector.

Both men’s and women’s competitions will be played across the country from 31 March to 28 May 2020, culminating in a finals weekend to determine Australia’s number one basketball university.

Endorsed by Basketball Australia and supported by the respective State Basketball Associations, the 2020 league comprises eight participating universities including Victoria University (VU), La Trobe University (LTU), Murdoch University (MU) University of Technology Sydney (UTS), The University of Melbourne (MELB), The University of Sydney (USYD), The University of Western Australia (UWA) and the University of Sunshine Coast (USC).

Victoria University to benefit from hosting, playing

The competition fixture sees Victoria University hosting the most games of all the league’s licensees, at Victoria University Community Sports Stadium - VU Whitten Oval, presenting a number of opportunities for the University.

Sports Officer and Team VU Manager Wade Spencer views the University’s participation as an evolution of VU’s strong basketball program and record, including consistent performances in both men’s and women’s competitions at UniSport Nationals:

“The UBL provides VU a platform to further engage students with the opportunity for our best basketballers to excel representing their University in a competitive, nationally recognised league."

Trials have been held to determine squads of up to 16 for each team with final selections to be announced soon followed by intensive training.

Sport Services Manager Scott Cashmere is excited by the opportunities built on existing inter-university rivalries. “We have a playing group energised by the opportunity to further develop their basketball skills in a league format, who are hungry for competition and eager to do the University proud. Equally exciting are the opportunities for the broader University community to engage, with VU hosting more games than any other university in the league and the live streaming of games.”

Students, staff, friends encouraged to support teams

“We want to build excitement and have students, staff, alumni and friends of VU get to our home games at the University’s Community Stadium at VU Whitten Oval to cheer and support teams at what promises to be a unique experience for spectators," says Scott Cashmere.

"We are also getting students involved through work-integrated learning opportunities in minor supporting roles for teams and at game day events. We have our Game Day Commissioner secured, Victoria University Polytechnic Massage Students on board and there are other opportunities in the areas of venue operations, team support and liaison, student engagement and media.”

VU get their campaign underway on 1 April with both teams taking on Melbourne Uni. We host our first home games on 7 April in a super round.

Home games

Round 2, Tuesday 7 April
VU Men vs UTS - 12.30pm 
VU Women vs UTS - 2.30pm 

Round 3, Wednesday 8 April
VU Men vs UWA - 2pm
VU Women vs UWA - 2pm

Round 4, Wednesday 22 April 
VU Women vs USC - 2pm

Round 5, Tuesday 28 April
VU Men vs USC – 2pm

Round 6, Wednesday 20 May
VU Men vs MDU - 2pm

Location

Victoria University Community Sports Stadium - VU Whitten Oval
417 Barkly Street, Footscray 3011

UBL games postponed (as of 18 March 2020)

In consideration of current circumstances relating to COVID-19, the UniSport UBL competition has been postponed for now - check back here for updates.