Hoop City Carrum Downs

Trendon brings a wealth of playing experience, having competed for five years in Division 1 Basketball within the Mid-American Conference (MAC). As a starter and impact player at Northern Illinois University and the University of Akron, he showcased his skills at a high level, earning an opportunity to attend training camp with the Brooklyn Nets' G-League affiliate. His professional career spanned multiple countries, including Canada (BSL), Mexico (LMBP), Australia (NBL1), and India (INBL), where he became a 2025 INBL Champion. Committed to elevating athletes' games, Trendon specialises in enhancing players' ability to read and react, understanding that basketball is an instinct-driven sport. His training emphasises conditioning, footwork, shooting, ball handling, and defensive recognition to improve both individual and team performance. Additionally, he teaches players how to move without the ball, creating scoring opportunities and maximising their impact within a team system. With a passion for player development, Trendon has led annual shooting clinics in his community, helping young athletes refine their jump shots.

Tyler began his playing career at Warrandyte Venom where he played from double bottom U12’s until bottom age U16’s before heading to Dandenong to finish his junior career along with his senior career. He has represented both Victoria Metro (2015-2019) as well as play for Australia in the U17, 18’s and 19’s. After that he went on to play 2 years at Eastern Washington University and then 3 years at the University of Portland. Tyler was named with an all-conference award in 4 of the 5 years he attended college. Now back in Australia, Tyler is playing with the Sydney Kings and is excited to have an opportunity to coach the next group of young talented athletes and give back the same way he was fortunate enough to have great coaches growing up.

George spent last season playing for the Keysborough U20.1 Boys team as well as working hard as a coach for the Keysborough U16.1 Boys team. George has an abundance of experience teaching peers and children of various ages, successfully improving and elevating their game.He always brings enthusiasm, a smile and finds ways to make working on your game fun!

Hoop City would like to introduce Ben Van Leeuwen as our new Strength and Conditioning Coach. Ben has been working as a Personal Trainer for 25 Years & owned his business "The Health Hub" in Mt Eliza for 15 years. Ben has played with Frankston Blues & Mornington Breakers as a junior and Western Port Steelers Men's team in 2013. He has also worked with Frankston YCW and Caufield Grammar Senior Football teams as well as a number of junior athletes from different sports. Ben says "I'm excited to be working with the junior athletes at Hoop City, helping them benefit from strength and conditioning and see them thrive in their sport".

Michael has been playing and coaching basketball for over 25 years, both at a domestic and representation level. He played Youth League and Big V when he was younger (Sunbury and Keilor). Michael was lucky enough to be an assistant coach at a Division 2 College in America for 3 years; BYU-Hawaii (2011-14). Michael has been working at Dandenong Rangers since 2018; started off working as a Training Coach for Youth League and Assistant Coach for U20s Boys (Victorian Championship Winners) for 3 years. He has head coached U18 and U20 boys for the past 3 years for the Rangers, and will be continuing as the U20s Head Coach in 2025.

Paul Brotherson (aka PB) has been involved in basketball in both a player and coach capacity for over 25 years and has recently moved to Melbourne from Sydney. Paul was the Head of Basketball at The Pittwater House Schools, where he was managing both the Junior and Senior school basketball programs. Paul represented NSW in U18s & U20s, he then attended Metropolitan State University of Denver (formally known as Metro State College) where he lead the team to the Elite Eight in the NCAA D2 Championships. Paul continued his basketball career by playing four years as a professional in Germany and for the last two years has been playing in the NBL1 East competition for Hills Hornets. Paul is passionate about the development of players in all levels. He prides himself on creating inclusive and fun environments for kids and young adults to thrive. In his spare time, Paul enjoys playing golf, fishing and being active.

Jake worked his way through the VJBL system at Westernport as a player from U12's to U20’s. He coached U14's-U20’s at Westernport and Mornington at Representative level as well as an U18’s girls team at Frankston. Jake's desire is to help anyone with a passion for hoops.