In this episode, we sit down with Bendigo coach Gary Dumaresq to talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of junior basketball: keeping the game fun.

With close to 20 years of coaching experience and current involvement with the Bendigo Braves and NBL1 programs, Gary shares why enjoyment, positivity, and relationships matter just as much as skills and results, particularly at the under-12 level.

We explore what it really means to coach kids, not just players. From celebrating effort and good decisions (even when shots don’t fall), to managing sideline body language, to helping kids respond to mistakes, the conversation is full of simple, practical habits that build confidence and connection.

The episode also touches on:

• Why not every junior needs to be on a high-performance pathway
• How small coaching behaviours shape long-term confidence
• Balancing feedback so kids can learn without fear
• Creating environments where players actually want to keep coming back

A grounded, honest conversation that’s a timely reminder: if kids enjoy the game, everything else becomes easier.