AUG Team Profile - Men's Basketball

Basketball men have a long tradition of success with their last 5 years including 2 gold medals and a silver medal.

The team will be looking to build on their success with another strong tournament. Basketball Team Organiser Craig Dent highlighted his team’s squad depth as the standout feature of the team.

The men’s basketball team is taking a full squad (12), with many capable of playing multiple positions.

“The goal is always to provide opportunities for students to represent Monash at the highest level. However, it is rare to have so many individually talented athletes suiting up in the same squad; a fact that we are looking to take advantage of,” said Craig.

Monash will face some tough competition at the Games on their quest for a gold medal.

“The old Monash-Melbourne rivalry is still burning hot, with our boys taking a 4-point victory in overtime during the 2017 varsity Challenge.”

“The recent 3x3 tournament on the Gold Coast also saw dominant displays by Macquarie and Griffith, but how we match up in 5x5 is yet to be seen.”

Craig identified 2 players to watch out for.

Umair Naleer - 2nd-year player, originally from Sri Lanka. Umair will be the quickest and craftiest point guard at the tournament, and his work-rate is second-to-none.

Nic Laycock - Nic played college basketball in the US for Iowa Central. A highly skilled athlete sure to entertain.

Monash have secured the services of Paul Furman as their head coach.

Paul was the Monash Men's head coach from 2012-2015, in that time he guided them to the collection of: two Golds, one Silver, and a trip to South Korea. In 2016 Paul coached the Monash Women's program, helping them secure a Silver medal and a trip to China for the World University League 3x3 Final. 

Despite being eligible to suit up and play for Melbourne University this year, Paul has decided to come back and lead the Monash Men to victory on the Gold coast.

Good luck team, bring home the gold medal! #monashpride

#bleedblue #teammonash