Melbourne, Victoria - Big V Basketball have announced today the inaugural Origin All Star Series Men’s teams, to compete against each other on June 11 2016 at the Shepparton Sports Stadium at 8pm AEST.

The two teams, Metro and Country, represent the origins in which players were born within Australia or the current club they represent as an unrestricted player in the competition.

Associations were asked to nominate players before a selection panel was formed to select the best teams to reflect the competition.

Big V CEO Julie Anderson is pleased with the response from players within the league and the result of the two teams.

“Our two selected men’s teams reflect the best available players on offer, with an excellent spread of talent across the course of the league.

“Seeing outstanding youth league players wanting to come up against standout senior players is a credit to their dedication and motivation - all of whom will put on a show for the loud Shepparton crowd.”

Anderson is excited to bring the Origin Series to Shepparton as its inaugural host.

“The Origin Series will provide an opportunity to celebrate the long standing rivalry between Metro and Country players that compete in the Big V.

 “We are looking forward to the involvement of the fans and players in the build up to the games and the support from the Shepparton community.”

Greater Shepparton Basketball Association Manager Tony Long is excited by the level of talent ready to hit the floor in June.

“As one of the inaugural clubs in the league, to continue that metro/country rivalry which we all know we have living in the country, it will be a great opportunity for the association and a great opportunity for basketball in general.”

Tickets will be on sale from Friday May 13 2016 and can be found via the Big V website, www.bigv.com.au

The two female Big V Origin All Star Series team’s will be announced in the near future. 

Full Team Lists:

Big V Origin All Stars - Metro Men

Head Coach: Mike Bullock (Waverley Falcons)

Chris Arkell                Waverley Falcons

Cory Bellman             Keilor Thunder

Alex Bogart-King        McKinnon Cougars

Daniel Girolami          Diamond Valley Eagles

Nick Jones                 Hume City Broncos

Mitchell Newton         Sunbury Jets

David Pino                 Keilor Thunder

Matt Reynolds           Diamond Valley Eagles

Nick Ross                  Collingwood All Stars

Kieran Urquart           Kilsyth Cobras

Jedekiah Wilson        Kilsyth Cobras

Big V Origin All Stars - Country Men

Head Coach: Leigh Bathman (Shepparton Gators)

Matt Bartlett               Shepparton Gators

Jackson Bentley        Geelong Supercats

Jack Burnett              Geelong Supercats

Jordan Canovan        Eltham Wildcats

Blake Gallatly            McKinnon Cougars

Josh Grabham           Sunbury Jets

Ma’alo Hicks              Corio Bay Stingrays

Liam Killey                 Diamond Valley Eagles

Jason Reardon          Corio Bay Stingrays

Dylan Webb               North East Bushrangers