ELITE COACHES, EVERY ATHLETE, MAXIMUM POTENTIAL

Joey Wright is one of Australia’s most respected basketball coaches, with a career that spans elite playing and coaching at the highest levels. Originally from Hammond, Indiana, he played college basketball at the University of Texas before being drafted by the Phoenix Suns and competing professionally across Asia, Europe and the Australian NBL.

After transitioning into coaching in 2003, Joey built a reputation as a leader, mentor and developer of talent. He was named NBL Coach of the Year three times and has coached more games than any other coach in the league’s history, earning recognition for both performance and player development.

After decades working with elite athletes, Joey founded Transition Sports to make high level coaching and clear development pathways accessible to young players. His vision was to create an environment where athletes could learn the game properly, build confidence, and develop the habits needed to succeed on and off the court. TSA reflects his belief that great coaching goes beyond winning games - it’s about preparing players for the future, through structure, standards and care.

Tracy is a seasoned World Championship Basketball Coach with a proven track record in the sports industry. She brings a wealth of expertise in Player Development, Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring.

Tracy spent 13 years in the WNBL, serving as both a Head Coach and Assistant Coach, and has also contributed as an Assistant Coach in the NBL. She has a deep commitment to nurturing young talent, having served as Australia's Junior Coach at the U15, U16, and U17 levels for over a decade.

Morgan Yaeger is an accomplished Australian basketball guard with experience at international, collegiate and professional levels. She began her elite career as a development player with the Adelaide Lightning before earning an opportunity to play NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Oregon, where she competed in multiple Pac-12 championships and deep NCAA Tournament runs.

After returning to Australia, Morgan played in the WNBL with the Adelaide Lightning, Sydney Uni Flames and Townsville Fire, and became a standout performer in NBL1 competitions, earning championships and MVP honours. In 2024, she also won a professional title in New Zealand with the Tauranga Whai. Known for her leadership and basketball IQ, Morgan brings elite standards and passion into every session, helping young athletes understand what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Lawrence Verbi brings extensive experience in athlete development, program design, and school pathways. With over five years at Transition Sports, he has worked with more than 140 athletes across individual sessions, small groups, academies, and school-based programs, coaching players from beginners through to competitive junior and school athletes.

A former player with the Norwood Flames and North Adelaide Rockets, Lawrence understands the demands of high-level basketball and delivers detailed, game-realistic training environments focused on skill mastery. Working closely with founder Joey Wright has shaped his high-performance approach, while his commitment to building confidence, leadership, and resilience helps athletes succeed both on the court and beyond.

Ruby Porter is an elite Australian basketballer with experience at international, collegiate and professional levels. She represented Australia at the U17 World Championships in 2018 and was a member of the Australian U18 3x3 National Team that competed at the Youth Olympics in Argentina, before winning gold at the 3x3 Asia Cup in 2019.

Ruby spent two seasons playing NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Nebraska before returning to Australia to begin her professional career with the Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL. She has also competed in the NBL1, most recently winning the NBL1 West championship with the Cockburn Cougars and being named league MVP. Known for her athleticism and work ethic, Ruby brings elite experience and high standards into every training session.

Tom Giles is a seasoned basketball coach with a deep-rooted passion for the game. His impressive playing career includes representing South Australia at U20s, excelling in Premier League with the Eastern Mavericks, and training with the Adelaide 36ers and Newcastle Falcons.

As a coach, Tom's impact goes beyond the court. With three years at Hoops 4 Life, he ran programs that nurtured young athletes holistically, even working with disengaged and incarcerated youth. His leadership also led the South Australian Ivor Burge men's development team to win fair-play and sportsmanship awards at the Australian championships.

Currently coaching the Under 18 girls division one team at North Adelaide Rockets, Tom continues to inspire and develop the next generation of basketball talent.

Having experienced a successful career as a player, Callan McKinnon brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and expertise to his coaching approach. With numerous years playing Reserves for the State League, he has honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the mental side of sports.

Callan's true passion lies in helping athletes unlock their full potential by cultivating a strong mental foundation. Understanding that peak physical performance is only part of the equation, he recognises the critical role of the mind in achieving athletic greatness.

Callan empowers athletes to overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop the mental edge required to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Coach Kyle brings over 20 years of basketball experience and a genuine passion for helping athletes grow both on and off the court. Currently an Assistant Coach with the North Adelaide Rockets NBL1 Men’s team, Kyle combines high-level knowledge with an energetic, positive coaching style. He believes in hard work, team spirit, and creating an environment where athletes can improve, compete, and enjoy the journey together.

Andrew Jantke is a prominent coaching figure in Adelaide, synonymous with elite player coaching and development from the district junior level, through to Division 1 college talent, through to professionals. His commitment to athlete development, wellbeing and athlete career pathways is renowned in Australia and abroad.