Basketball Queensland (BQ) is excited to announce the appointment of Australian Rollers veteran Matt McShane as the new Wheelchair High Performance Coach Lead.

McShane brings a wealth of experience to the role, both as a highly decorated athlete and a respected figure within the sport. A 1.5 point wheelchair basketball player, he has represented Australia on the international stage at two Paralympic Games, competing at both the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. McShane currently plays in the National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL) for the Manly Wheel Eagles.

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Todd Flahey, BQ General Manager of Basketball, shared his enthusiasm for the new appointment.

This is a significant step in our ongoing commitment to strengthening our wheelchair basketball pathway and making the sport accessible to all.

"Matt is not only a highly respected figure in Australian wheelchair basketball, but also a tremendous mentor and role model for our current and emerging athletes. His leadership, experience, and passion for developing the next generation of talent will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our wheelchair basketball pathway across Queensland.”

McShane's appointment has been met with excitement from the playing group. Eithen Leard, a 2.5 point player for the Rollers at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and QLD junior, praised the move.

"[We are] so excited for this new chapter for the Wheelchair Basketball program in Queensland. As an athlete group, we could not be more supportive of the appointment of Matthew. Between the support of the Southern Districts Spartans and Basketball Queensland, the professional environment our sport deserves is taking leaps in the right direction.”

McShane himself expressed his gratitude and vision for the future in his new position with BQ.

"I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to join the BQ team and contribute to the next chapter of wheelchair basketball in Queensland."

There’s a real opportunity to build an elite high performance environment that supports athletes at every stage.

"I’m excited to help drive a more connected and competitive pathway that sets our Queensland athletes up for national and international success.”

The appointed position will play a pivotal role in the continued growth and development of wheelchair basketball throughout Queensland, ensuring a strong future for the sport and its athletes, particularly as we look toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympics & Paralympics.