St Michael’s College is excited to announce a partnership with 3J Academy to run the new SMC Elite Basketball Program, the first program to be implemented in conjunction with the new SMC Talent Development Sports Program launched in 2024.

This experience is an opportunity for our students to be coached by one of Australia’s best basketballers and current Adelaide 36ers player Dj Vasiljevic, along with Adelaide Development Coach Igor Cvjetkovic.  Dejan “DJ” Vasiljevic is an Australian professional basketball player, who is also contracted to the Adelaide 36ers, and also played college basketball for the Miami Hurricanes.

The SMC Elite Basketball Program includes 6 on-court specialised basketball sessions, along with 6 off-court sessions at GameReady High Performance Centre. The off-court sessions will include education and participation in strength training, nutrition, recovery strategies and a presentation from Adelaide’s Leading Mindfulness Coach, David Stevenson. DJ will also allow students to experience an Elite Game Day Experience, watching his own personal game day warm up, to see how DJ prepares for performing on the national stage , followed by a 36ers Game.

‘This program is a great opportunity for our students to learn and grow from one of the best up and coming basketballers in Australia. DJ is all about helping young athletes develop in basketball and we are exciting to have him and Igor working with our College.” Matthew Lokan, talent Development Programs Coordinator.

The program began in term 3 and continues throughout the remainder of the term.

The new Talent Development Sports Program will provide students with enriching and rewarding opportunities to develop and excel in their athletic pursuits through holistic growth. The Elite Basketball program is the first sport to be launched within this, with more sports to be added by Matthew Lokan throughout 2024/2025 and beyond.

Principal, Tony Daley is excited to bring this program to St Michael’s, “Matthew’s experience in this area of program development, will bring a wealth of experience to the co-curricular program. We’re looking forward to continually growing in this area and seeing even more success from the SMC sports teams. Not only is this a sports program, it includes a holistic approach, developing leadership skills and qualities in our students”.

Key details and selection process:

• Open to Year 8-10 students
• 12-15 places to be filled
• Expressions of interest closed on Wednesday 22 May.

Selection based on:

• Current level of basketball played
• Participation in co-curricular programs
• Demonstration of College values

For further information, contact Matthew Lokan: matthew.lokan@smc.sa.edu.au

Adelaide 36ers star DJ Vasiljevic is easing the pain of being overlooked for the Olympics by helping develop the next generation of talent. Vasiljevic has opened a basketball academy at three local schools. @johncasey2880 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/jl9ZqUUtVG

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) July 31, 2024