Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Anthony CIANFLONE (Pascoe Vale) (13:39): On 13 September and 18 August I had the pleasure to catch up with local ‘Mr Basketball’ himself Mike Torres. Mike is doing incredible work to grow and support the boom in local basketball participation through his Players First Basketball and High School Basketball Network initiatives. Originally from the US and now a hardworking local dad with a passion and dedication that is unmatched for helping the next generation through basketball, Mike’s work, mentorship and pathways are helping more young people get fit, healthy and active. Mike’s Players First Basketball hub is based out of 27 Acheson Place in Coburg North. It is running year-round development programs to help young people sharpen their skills, grow their game and build their confidence, discipline and skills. But it is the first-of-a-kind High School Basketball Network that is providing even more opportunities than ever before. Since launching it in 2021 at Coburg High, Mike has grown the program from just 30 students into a major basketball network across the north with over 500 students from Coburg High, Northcote High, Preston High, Brunswick Secondary and Princes Hill Secondary. The network is a thriving hub where young people are supported through a year-round basketball schedule that is woven around the school curriculum, keeping kids engaged, learning and staying active.