At the Herb Graham Recreation Centre in Mirrabooka, some Perth Rhinos players stay on court for back-to-back training sessions, balancing the program with Western Australian Basketball League and domestic basketball commitments.
But Executive Director of Basketball Development Solomon Dech says what the players learn at Rhinos is intended to extend well beyond the court.
“We use basketball to get them through the door, but basketball gives them the whole spectrum of life,” Dech said.
He said the professionalism required on the court can also be applied to life outside basketball, with the Rhinos focused on equipping young people with the education, knowledge and life skills needed to succeed.
The Rhinos’ roots date back to 2009, when Dech and other players formed a WA representative team for the South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association competition.
He said the group developed a “brotherhood” and sense of belonging that extended beyond the court.
Dech later drew on that experience when the Rhinos program was revived in 2022, creating opportunities for young Perth players to develop their basketball skills while building connections off the court.
“A lot of people measure the impact with just on the court, but it’s beyond that,” he said.
Pathways beyond Perth
Administration Officer Tammy Stewart said fewer players now attend the 18+ sessions because some have progressed to greater opportunities, including opportunities overseas.
Former player Peter Thuch committed to Central Pointe Christian Academy in Florida after two seasons with the Wildcats Academy, while former player Juma Chol Bior committed to SoCal Academy in California.
Geraldton basketballer Tiffany Mwangi said the Rhinos program had significantly improved her game while helping her grow in confidence and organisation off the court.
Having represented the club at the AAU under-14 competition earlier this year, Mwangi said the experience exposed her to higher-level competition and opportunities that can be harder to access in regional WA.
“Being from a regional part of WA it’s sometimes hard to get the same opportunities as city kids, so getting the opportunity to play for the Rhinos was big for me,” she said.
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A place to belong
Dech said the program includes players from a range of cultural and refugee backgrounds, creating opportunities for young people from different walks of life to connect.
Kiki Mapiou, who has played for the Perth Rhinos for the past year, said the club’s culture has had a positive impact on him.
“The best part of Rhinos is the community and the environment and how they push you to reach your full potential.”
The sense of belonging is reflected in the players’ commitment to training. During the sessions, players are welcomed with options of fruit and snacks before taking to the court.
For Dech, the Perth Rhinos logo on Court 4 represents more than the organisation itself. It represents a place where young people can “call home”.
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