THE TEAM BEHIND YOUR GAME
Head Coach - Basketball SHELDON SAIKALI
Sheldon brings extensive experience across junior representative basketball, elite development pathways and school basketball programs.
A 2026 U18 Boys State Championship winning coach & 2025 Norths Junior Coach of the year, Sheldon has coached across Norths Basketball, Basketball NSW development programs and Shore School.
Coaching Highlights
Norths Basketball: U18 Boys JPL Head Coach, 2026 State Champions and 2025 Junior Coach of the Year.
Basketball NSW: Coaching roles across TAP, DAP, SPP,
D-League, ECC and NSW Shootout, plus 2026 U18 Men’s State Team Shadow assistant.
Youth League: Division 1 Men’s Assistant Coach (2026 - 2027)
Shore School: 2nds Head Coach, 14a Head Coach and Basketball Academy Coach
“My goal is to give athletes the tools, guidance and confidence to become the best version of themselves, both on & off the court.”
“I’m committed to helping every player reach their potential while continuing to grow and challenge myself as a coach.”
LOUIS BLEECHMORE
Coach - BasketballLouis brings NCAA Division 1 college experience and an NBL1 playing background to his coaching, helping young athletes develop their skills and confidence.
Drawing on his own basketball journey, Louis shares practical knowledge through clear, relatable coaching style that players can understand and apply on the court.
His passion lies in seeing young athletes grow, both as basketballers and as people. He encourages a willingness to learn and a commitment to improving.
“My goal is to help young Athletes build confidence and grow, on and off the court.”
MAX WILCOX
Coach - BasketballMax brings energy and experience across school, club and representative basketball, with a clear focus on developing players. Max pushes players beyond their comfort zone—to sharpen their skills, read the game and play with purpose.
Coaching Highlights
Norths Basketball: A lead development coach with U18 Boys experience. Appointed U16 Boys JPL Assistant Coach for 2027.
School Basketball: Coaches at Joeys, with previous experience leading A teams in the ISA competition.
Tournament Success: Metro Junior League winner as assistant coach (2025) and Nunawading tournament winner with the U18 Boys (2026).
“work hard. back yourself. Be a great teammate”
ANDREW WILD
Physiotherapist | Athletic DevelopmentAndrew founded Wild Physio Fitness and is a former Head Physiotherapist at the Sydney Swans Academy.
He brings over 15 years’ experience in sports physiotherapy and strength and conditioning, working with junior athletes through to elite competitors.
His focus: strength, movement, injury prevention and recovery—giving young athletes the foundations to perform for the long term.
“Having experienced injuries as a young athlete, I understand the importance of building strong foundations.”
“BUILDING KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE TO MOVE BETTER,
STAY HEALTHY AND PERFORM AT YOUR BEST.”
NICK DANG
Physiotherapist | Coach - Strength, S&ANick is a physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach at Wild Physio Fitness, bringing a science based approach to training and athletic development.
He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) with Honors from the University of Sydney and is an ASCA Level 1 accredited strength and conditioning coach.
At Thunder Nick focuses on building strength and sound movement technique, helping players develop control and confidence as their training progresses. He also supports speed & agility development, building the physical foundations for better movement on the court.
“build strength, move well and TRUST WHAT YOUR BODY CAN DO”
Coach - Speed, Agility, Strength & EnduranceNICK HAY
Nick is an exercise scientist and S&C coach at Wild Physio Fitness. He also works in athletic development with the Sydney Swans Academy.
With a Bachelor of Exercise Science and experience as an allied health assistant, Nick brings an understanding of training and rehabilitation to his work with athletes.
Nick focuses on running and movement technique to help players accelerate faster, change direction more efficiently and move with greater speed and control on the court.
“BUILDING STRONGER, FASTER ATHLETES -
READY FOR THE DEMANDS OF THE GAME”
Youth Sports Nutritionist - Culinary NutritionEDWINA EKINS
Edwina helps young athletes understand what to eat, why it matters and how to prepare it.
Combining sports nutrition with practical cooking skills, she turns nutrition advice into everyday habits that support training, recovery and performance.
“My goal is to give young athletes the practical skills to fuel their training, recover well and perform at their best - in sports and in life.”
Youth Athletes: Individual nutrition plans for amateur and elite athletes across basketball, AFL, rugby, soccer, tennis, rowing, swimming, gymnastics and dance.
Sporting Clubs: Engaged by a number of sporting clubs to deliver nutrition education seminars for athletes, parents and coaches.
Sydney Cooking School: Runs hands-on sports nutrition cooking classes at Sydney Cooking School, Neutral Bay.
Qualifications: Master of Nutrition (Deakin University), qualified Culinary Nutritionist.
NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTS