In 2021, basketball coach Josiah Maama joined Dilworth to spearhead a fledgling basketball programme. In the three-and-a-half years since, the school’s basketball offering has transformed. The number of school teams has doubled, relationships have been forged with regional and national basketball associations and Dilworth students from around the motu are taking up the many pathways the sport offers nationally and abroad.
"When I first entered Dilworth, our Junior and Senior teams were in the B grade," says Maama. "Now, our 17’s and Junior teams are currently in the A grades – and were both crowned champions of their grades. They now prepare for the Greater Auckland Championships on Friday. And the Senior A team has made the semi-finals for the second year in a row, so I’d like to think we're one of the stronger programmes in every age grade in our region now."
Cultural transformation and a competitive spirit are behind much of the progress. Every practice is marked by a culture of excellence, with more than 20 students vying hard for 12 playing spots in Friday night games. "The tall poppy syndrome we might have seen a bit in the past has vanished. Now, kids aren’t afraid to make mistakes, and trying hard is cool. We don't mock effort here," Maama explains.
He attributes the shift in attitude partly to the strong support system and culture that has gained momentum: "We've brought in the right coaches and managers. Christian Ward and Martin Gan are Auckland under-16 coaches and part of the New Zealand under-15 set-up. Vernel Sarmago is a basketball-specific strength and conditioning coach, and our boys are in the gym two to three times a week with him, getting fitter, faster, and stronger. We have managers like Darren Hayward and Donald Tasi who have managed nationally and care about our group. Having the right people in the right spots supports the whole programme, and it shows on the court.”
Exposure to professional players utilising Dilworth’s world-class basketball facilities provides a unique opportunity for the students. Professional teams like the Auckland Tuatara and the Breakers regularly use the gym and courts. NZ Basketball has also signed a contract with the school. “We host all their age group and Tall Blacks camps, and we have multiple athletes involved in those teams now.” A player was injured at one Tall Blacks training, and Year 13 Dilworth student Ezrah Eagle was called in to train alongside them: “I’m not sure that would happen anywhere else,” Maama says.
Future-proofing athletes to adapt to the changing requirements of the game is an aspiration. "We have a full lens on the complete player, who plays both ends of the court, who’s a strong communicator and leader," Maama emphasises. “The way we try to coach kids here is so they can play in ten years and adapt to the many changes in the game.”
Pathways to American universities and professional play are top of mind for players and coaches alike, and these aspirations are proving fruitful. 2021 graduate Luke Sinisa just signed a scholarship with a Junior College in Chicago and 2023 graduate Ikahui Mahe is heading to Prep School in Las Vegas. Noah McKenzie (2021) is playing for the Wellington Saints, and Ezrah Eagle (2024) and KC Ioane (2025) are part of the Auckland Tuatara in the New Zealand National Basketball League. Younger players are being supported to choose academic subjects that meet NCAA* standards to ensure they're ready for any scholarship opportunities that may come their way.
Looking ahead, Maama aims to ensure the programme’s sustainability into the future. “We want Dilworth to be the place of choice for aspiring athletes and students. We want students to come here to take advantage of the incredible education and opportunities on offer, to become good athletes, good students, and good young men, and to know this place will unashamedly give them a leg up in their basketball career, regardless of who’s leading the programme.
Topping off a great season Dilworth now has three players representing NZ:
Ezrah Eagle - U18, KC Ioane - U17 and JC Goodman - U15.
“My dream is that whenever the NZ squad list comes out, it says Dilworth on those lists. And we’re starting to get there.”
*National Collegiate Athletic Association – American organisation administering intercollegiate athletics
