Building Better Basketballers.
Building Better Young Men.
Bally Basketball is a community-driven basketball program proudly run by a dedicated committee of parent volunteers and our Head Coach and ex-profession NBL basketballer Ben Knight. Since our establishment in 2016, we have provided boys from NBSC Balgowlah Boys and across Sydney’s Northern Beaches with opportunities to develop their basketball skills, build lasting friendships and grow in confidence both on and off the court.
While providing opportunities to boys from NBSC Balgowlah Boys Campus, the program is also open to boys from wider schools. Bally Basketball offers teams and development pathways for players of all abilities, from beginners taking their first steps in the game through to experienced representative athletes looking to elevate their performance.
Our success is built on more than just winning. While Bally teams consistently reach playoffs and regularly compete for championships, we are equally passionate about developing teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship and a lifelong love of basketball.
Led by Basketball Excellence
Head Coach: Ben Knight (ex-Sydney Kings captain)
Bally Basketball is led by former Sydney Kings captain and Australian basketball legend Ben Knight, whose extensive professional playing and coaching career brings a wealth of experience to every training session.
Over a 15-year professional career, Ben competed throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia, captaining both the Singapore Slingers and the Sydney Kings. Following his playing career, Ben became one of Australia’s most respected coaches, achieving success at state, national and international levels.
Ben’s Basketball Highlights
- NBL Champion (2004/5)
- Captain of the Sydney Kings (2010-2011)
- Sydney Kings Ring of Honour (Hall of Fame) inductee
- Captain of the Singapore Slingers (2006-2008)
- Sydney Kings Lead Assistant Coach (2012-2013, 2015-2016)
- Three-time Championship-winning coach with the Norths Bears
- Basketball NSW Senior Coach of the Year (2012, 2018)
- Assistant Coach with the NBA’s Denver Nuggets Summer League team (2016)
- New Zealand NBL Champion and Finals MVP with the Wellington Saints (2003)
Bally Basketball Coaches
Led by Ben Knight (Head Coach) and Oscar Bellevue (Lead Assistant Coach), our coaching team is made up of passionate basketballers dedicated to developing players both on and off the court. Many are former and current Bally Boys students who exemplify the strong pathways and proud traditions of our program.
Drawing on experience from representative and high-performance basketball environments, our coaches create a culture built on Bally Pride, teamwork, resilience, and continuous improvement.
Their commitment to excellence ensures every player, regardless of skill level, is challenged, supported, and inspired to achieve their personal best while enjoying the game they love.
This approach has helped establish Bally Basketball as a respected, high-achieving program that develops not only talented athletes but also outstanding young men.
Volunteers - The Heart of Bally Basketball
Bally Basketball is powered by an incredible team of volunteers. From parents and grandparents to former Bally Boys and friends of the program, our volunteers help create the positive and rewarding experience our players enjoy each season. Their contribution extends far beyond basketball, helping build teamwork, friendships, confidence and a strong sense of community.
Team Managers
- Coordinate team communications
- Send game reminders and manage scoring rosters
- Support coaches, players and families
Year Managers
- Coordinate year group communications
- Support Team Managers
Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee is made up entirely of volunteers dedicated to the success of Bally Basketball.
- President: Lincoln Mason
- Vice President & Treasurer: Bryan Davis
- Secretary: Claudia Tsiamis
- Uniform Coordinator: Rachel Flinders
No matter how much time you can offer, we’d love your support. Whether it’s a committee role, helping as a Team Manager, assisting at events, or contributing behind the scenes, every volunteer makes a difference.
Interested in volunteering? Contact us today.
More Than Basketball
At Bally Basketball, we believe sport is one of life’s greatest teachers. Our coaches and volunteers work together to create a positive environment where boys can:
- Develop basketball skills and game understanding
- Build confidence and resilience
- Learn teamwork and leadership
- Foster friendships and community connections
- Represent their teams with pride and sportsmanship
Whether a player dreams of representative basketball or simply wants to enjoy the game with friends, Bally Basketball provides a place to belong, learn and thrive.
Join the Bally Family
New players are always welcome.
With multiple teams across age groups and opportunities for both competition and skills development, Bally Basketball caters to players of all experience levels. Boys who wish to participate in training-only programs are also encouraged to get involved.
Come and discover why Bally Basketball has become one of the Northern Beaches’ most respected and successful junior basketball programs.