The NBA Academy Games recently took place in Atlanta, Georgia, where 39 outstanding players from all over the world came together. Among them, two Victorians, Tayli Dimarco and Bonnie Deas, emerged from the talent-studded pack as they showcased their skill and potential on the court.
Australia, from among the 16 nations represented, held a dominant presence with six players. This strong showing underscored the basketball talent originating from the Australasian region. However, the real highlight came when the games began, with the athletes from Australia and New Zealand proving their mettle as the event's most impactful performers.
Tayli Dimarco, a notable figure among the 2026 class invitees, demonstrated her defensive capabilities in Atlanta. Dimarco displayed an unwavering commitment to aggressive defense, not backing down an inch during the Academy Games.
Bonnie Deas, had an exceptional performance and was instrumental in her team, the Storm, maintaining an unbeaten streak and clinching the championship title. Deas, at only 17, held her own and outshone several older, more experienced players. She was the only player from the class of 2025 on the Storm.
An international breakout was the natural next step for Deas, who has long dominated the Victorian junior pathways. Just last year, she won a championship with Frankston’s Youth League Women, suited up for the Blues’ senior side in the NBL1 South, starred at the National Junior Classic, led Rowville College to the semi-finals of the Australian Basketball Schools Championships, and finally, earned a scholarship to Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Canberra for 2023 and 2024.
Her performance at the Academy Games felt like another big step – she averaged a double-double, leading the event in rebounds (10.0 per game) and steals (3.0) and finishing second in scoring (15.0).
Credit reference - Pick and Roll - Jacob Doole
