Ascend your development

We’re excited to kick off Term 2 of our Ascend Program after a fantastic run of High Performance Holiday Camps that helped bridge the gap from Term 1.

Before we get started, we want to address two common myths around player development:

Myth #1: “The players you train with determines your growth”

Joey Wright (3× NBL Coach of the Year) recently challenged this mindset:

“Too many players think, ‘I’ll only train if the level is high… I need to be around players as good as me or better to get better.’”

He explains that great players don’t rely on the environment to improve:

“Great players don’t care who’s in the gym… they’ll compete against anyone.”

While competing against strong players is valuable, true development comes from your mindset and consistency—not just the group you train with.

Myth #2: “I need complicated drills to improve”

The reality is simple: basics build great players.

Too many athletes skip foundational skills, and it shows—even at elite levels (yes, even in the NBA).

You might notice talented players struggling for court time—this is often due to gaps in:

• Basic skill execution
• Basketball IQ

 

Remember: 90–95% of the game is played without the ball.

At Ascend, we focus on mastering that 90–95%.

What You Will Learn

• Individual skill development &       maintenance
• Off-ball movement (creating space,       reading defenders)
• Defensive concepts
• Altona Gators style of play
• How to improve within a team environment

 

Program Outcome

Players who are engaged and focused will:

• Build strong work ethic
• Develop self-confidence
• Improve self-awareness and decision-making

 

In the past 19 years the program has produced over 100 athletes that have been identified by Basketball Victoria, multiple Victorian State players, two Australian representatives, Big V award winners and several players that went on to play in the US and Australian professional leagues.

Coaching

Randy has over 40 years of playing and coaching experience in the United States, Denmark, and Australia. In addition to his important roles at Altona as Director of Coaching, Division 1 Women’s Head Coach and Head Coach of the under14 Girls and under 18 Girls, he is also a Basketball Victoria High Performance Coach Hub Coach, Head of Basketball at Scotch College and Men’s Coach at LaTrobe University in the University Basketball League and is also a six-time winner of the BIG V Coach of the Year Award. Randy is extremely passionate about developing young athletes and instilling them with confidence to reach their full potential.

Program Details

• Start Date:       Wednesday, 22 April 2026
• Location:       Altona Sports Centre (Court 10)

 

Session Times:

• U12 & U14 Boys & Girls: 5:30 – 6:30 PM
• U16 & Up Boys & Girls: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

 

Registration

$47.50 per session

3 session pack $140

10 session pack $430

https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/70df0f

We are looking forward to another great term of development and growth!

For further information about Ascend, contact Randy Shanklin randy.shanklin@gators.net.au