Two talented teenagers from the Lake Macquarie region are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime, selected for a historic all-Indigenous basketball tour of the United States.
Dream Selection for Dedicated Duo
Jared Hickson, 16, from New Lambton, and Jarvis Watson, 15, from Woodrising, have earned their places in a ten-player Indigenous All Stars squad that will embark on a groundbreaking three-week tour of America in April 2026. The pair, who both represent PCYC Lake Macquarie, were chosen from the annual PCYC Nations of Origin tournament held in 2025.
For Watson, the opportunity carries profound cultural significance. "Honestly, it means the world," he said. "Not only playing for myself, but for my culture, it's just amazing. And to do it in another country is great... I'm so over the moon."
Hickson, who switched to basketball from rugby league, shared the sentiment. "It's just so amazing. All of my hard work the last few years finally paying off. It's surreal," he remarked, noting he would never have predicted such an opportunity at the start of 2025.
Pathway to America Forged Through Performance and Character
The selection process was rigorous, focusing on more than just on-court talent. From an initial group of 20 players identified at the 2025 Nations of Origin event, the squad was finalised to ten following a further trial before Christmas. Selection criteria mandated school attendance above 80 percent, a connection to local elders, and a clear record with NSW Police.
The duo, who attend Lambton and Morisset High Schools respectively but both play for Newcastle Falcons under-18 teams, will undergo intensive preparation. Training camps are scheduled for Port Macquarie in January, Wagga Wagga in February, and Sydney in March ahead of the April departure.
A Life-Changing Experience and a Legacy Opportunity
The tour itself is believed to be the first time an all-First Nations basketball team from Australia has competed in the United States. The squad will play approximately a dozen games across three states: California, Nevada, and Utah.
PCYC NSW chief executive officer Ben Hobby highlighted the transformative potential of the trip. "We don't underestimate there's the potential here that we find the next Patty Mills," Hobby said, referencing the iconic Australian Indigenous basketball star. "We're doing it to elevate [the Nations of Origin program] and provide a life-changing experience for young Indigenous players. Out of these ten, none of them have ever been overseas before in their life."
The itinerary extends beyond basketball, incorporating significant cultural exchanges. Plans include a game against an all-Native American team on a reservation, a tour of Brigham Young University facilities led by a PCYC graduate, and community service at a food distribution warehouse.
Looking ahead, plans are already in motion to create a female Indigenous All Stars equivalent for a basketball tour in 2027. The success of this pioneering male squad paves the way for more young athletes to follow in their footsteps, blending elite sport with cultural pride on an international stage.
