Gangurrus announce Commonwealth Games teams

Basketball Australia, alongside Commonwealth Games Australia, on Thursday announced its Gangurrus teams that will compete at the Glasgow 2026 Games from July 24–29.

The men’s side, coached by Cairns’ Adam Forde, features Perth skipper Jesse Wagstaff, Brisbane wing Sam McDaniel, former Illawarra Hawk Jonah Antonio and NBL24 champion Jarred Bairstow.

Six-time NBL champion Wagstaff said representing Australia again at a Commonwealth Games would be one of the most significant honours in his career.

“Every time you get the chance to pull on the green and gold at a Commonwealth Games, it means something very special,” Wagstaff said.

The women’s team, coached by 2001 NBL champion Damon Lowery, includes 2024 Paris Olympian Marena Whittle, UC Capitals’ Amy Atwell, Townsville Fire’s Emma Clarke and two-time WNBL champion Lara McSpadden.

Lowery’s Gangurrus head into the Commonwealth Games fresh off a silver medal at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Poland.

“Today’s announcement is another strong demonstration of the depth and talent we have across Australian basketball,” Basketball Australia CEO Matt Scriven said.

“Both our Basketball 3×3 and Wheelchair Basketball 3×3 programs continue to produce athletes who perform on the international stage and embrace the demands of the Commonwealth Games environment.

“We’re proud of every athlete selected and look forward to watching them represent Australia with distinction in Glasgow.”

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the men’s team won the silver medal and the women’s the bronze.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be played at Glasgow’s SEC Centre from July 24 to 29.