Discover the Indigenous Elite Basketball Program
Train for the next level with elite basketball skills, smarter decision-making, and stronger game IQ. Build confidence, resilience, and leadership in a supportive, high-performance environment-while honoring and representing Indigenous excellence through the game.
Join Our Indigenous Elite Program
Fully funded! Saturdays 1 – 3 PM
- September 27th
- October 4th, 18th, 25th
- November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
- 2 hour sessions
Head Coach -Niasi Malua
With over two decades of international coaching experience spanning New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, and Canada, Coach Niasi Malua stands as a proud leader in the global basketball community.
Of Tongan descent, Malua has made his mark both on and off the court-as an Assistant Coach of the UVic Vikes Men’s Basketball team, he played a key role in capturing the 2025 U SPORTS National Championship, the program’s first title in 28 years.
As Head Coach of the Tonga National Men’s Team, he led them through two World Indigenous Basketball Challenge tournaments, and further showcased his leadership in the NZNBL 3×3 Pro League with Tavake Pasifika’s men’s and women’s squads.
Renowned as a cultural basketball leader and player development specialist, Coach Malua has empowered youth through elite and development training camps with the Ahousaht First Nation and tAU, WELNEW Tribal School, emphasizing skill mastery, decision-making, and leadership all while he continues to grow as a coach -currently pursuing his Master’s in Education Coaching Studies.
Weeks 1-2: Foundations & Core Skills
Ball-handling mastery under pressure
Shooting form, footwork & balance
Defensive stance, lateral quickness, close-outs
Weeks 3-4: Scoring Development
Finishing at the rim (strong-hand & weak-hand finishes)
Mid-range pull-ups, step-backs
Intro to pick-and-roll reads (guard + big collaboration)
Weeks 5-6: Game IQ & Competition
Offensive spacing and movement without the ball
Defensive rotations, help-side principles
Transition decision-making & fast break
Weeks 7-8: Integration & Leadership
Situational play (end-of-game, shot clock scenarios)
Team communication and accountability drills
Competitive scrimmages + reflection circles
