IT'S morning break and the buzz of chatter is punctuated by the thump of basketballs on the floor and rattle of the hoops.

About 70 students are jousting one-on-one, playing pick-up games, shooting hoops and chewing the fat. Maybe 40 of the kids are of African descent, athletic, quick and smiling.

In a far corner, a group of girls hone their skills for a grand final this week. There's a vibe - it could be New York, but it is inner-city Brisbane. This is St James College, where basketball is cool.

Outside the assembly hall, Gaspher Obwona sits with a group of schoolmates. Four of the boys are Sudanese, others are of Fijian and Croatian descent. All are part of the school's basketball program.

Gaspher, 18, was one of eight boys who were part of the program when sports co-ordinator Andrew Ebrington introduced basketball to the school's co-curricular activities in 2008.

"Basketball struck a chord with the refugee community.

"Lots had come from playing on half-courts in their neighbourhoods and we are trying to take them further.

"They're naturally athletic and practise every chance they get. We started with eight kids from Years 8 to 12 playing four years ago and that has grown to seven teams (four boys and three girls) playing competition this season."

St James, or "Jimmys" as it has been known for much of its 142-year history, has become a force in school and club basketball. Last year they beat the likes of Nudgee, Gregory Terrace, Churchie, Ashgrove and Southport and their under-18 girls team contest a grand final of the Brisbane Basketball Association competition next Friday night.

Former St James player Olympia Hurst recently won a basketball scholarship to a US college.

Kids are now coming to St James to be part of the basketball program.

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