Ballarat Basketball is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Hayes as Head Coach of the Ballarat Miners Under 20 Men’s Team for the 2026 VJBL season.
Following strong player numbers and continued growth within the program, the Miners have entered an Under 20s team into the Victorian Junior Basketball League for the upcoming season. The squad features a talented and committed group of young athletes, giving them an opportunity to compete strongly at a high level while continuing their progression within the Miners program.
It is great to welcome Eric back in a coaching capacity. A club legend, Hayes is an all-time leader for games played for the Ballarat Miners, and his long-standing contribution to basketball in Ballarat extends well beyond his playing career.
Hayes has previously coached in our Ballarat Representative Junior program, Youth League, and as Senior Men’s and Women’s Head Coach. His return to the junior program brings valuable experience and leadership to the Under 20s group as well as providing additional opportunities for the rest of the Junior Miners athlete and coaches.
In addition to the Under 20s role, Hayes will lead a four-week skills program designed to further support the development of our BRP athletes.
The Nugget Camp, Eric Hayes Finishing Skills Program is open to current BRP athletes in Under 16 and Under 18 age groups who are not currently part of the State Pathway (SDP/SPP). The program will run weekly from Wednesday 4 March, 7:00–8:00am at Selkirk Stadium, concluding on 25 March.
For more details and to register for the program: click here
The club looks forward to working with Eric and supporting the continued development of this emerging group of Miners.