James McKinnon embracing new challenge with McKinnon Championship Men
James McKinnon says a new look McKinnon roster is embracing the challenge of building its own identity, as the Cougars Championship Men prepare to open the 2026 Big V season on Saturday night against Melbourne Uni.
McKinnon takes charge of the program after its sustained success across recent seasons, but with significant offseason change shaping the group heading into Round 1. While the foundations of the program remain strong, the Cougars will enter 2026 with a different mix of athletes, a fresh style and a new challenge ahead.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity with the Cougars SCM this year,” McKinnon said.
“The program has been highly successful over the past 4–5 years, which is a credit to the previous coaching staff and athletes. They’ve built a strong foundation that we now have the responsibility to carry forward.”
McKinnon said the scale of change across the roster has created a different dynamic through preseason, but one that has brought real energy to the group as it works towards the season ahead.
“There’s been significant change to the roster this offseason, with a number of athletes moving on or finishing up,” he said.
“This group will look different — new athletes, new style, and new challenges — which is an exciting part of the season ahead. We’re continuing to build towards what we want to become, and the foundation set throughout preseason has been exceptional.”
That new-look group is anchored by Mitchell Barry, whose presence provides a strong foundation heading into 2026.
McKinnon has added high-level international talent in import guard Troyce Manassa the 2024 Big V Championship Men Most Valuable Player, and import forward Kierell Green, a 6’8 athletic presence with international experience and impact on both ends.
They are supported by Angok Angok and Josh Uhr-Henry, who bring size, athleticism and interior strength.
Around that core, the Cougars feature a mix of emerging and returning contributors. Michael Aminov returns from the Youth program after a strong scoring season, Josh McQueen adds experience and versatility, and Nate Raymond brings familiarity and all-round impact.
Ricki DeHaan, Mike Aminov, Luke Lyngberg and Luke Logan round out the group, adding depth across the roster.
Development players Oliver Mann, Oliver Ledger, Charlie Watts, Thomas D’Amelio and Calvin Rama will also play an important role within the program.
That process of building identity is expected to show in the way McKinnon plays. With versatility and depth across the roster, the Cougars are aiming to develop a style that can adjust to different matchups, while still being anchored by consistent effort and competitiveness.
“We’re aiming to play an exciting brand of basketball,” McKinnon said.
“There is strong versatility and depth across the roster, which allows us to play in different ways depending on what the game requires. Most importantly, we want to be recognised as a team that competes for the full 40 minutes.”
That standard will be tested immediately, with Melbourne Uni presenting a tough opening assignment on Saturday night. McKinnon said the overall quality of the Championship Men competition means every week will demand consistency, with strong coaching and talent spread right across the league.
“Melbourne Uni will present a strong challenge, as will every team in the SCM this year,” he said.
“There is a high level of talent across the league, both in playing groups and coaching, which makes it a great competition to be part of.”
Saturday night’s opener will offer the first look at a McKinnon side entering a new phase, with a fresh roster and a clear focus on growth, adaptability and four-quarter competitiveness across the 2026 season.
McKinnon Cougars Championship Men Roster Saturday 28th March
0 Kierell Green
1 Troyce Manassa
3 Mitchell Barry
4 Ricki DeHaan
11 Joshua Uhr-Henry
12 Nate Raymond
16 Oliver Ledger
18 Josh McQueen
23 Michael Aminov
26 Luke Logan
33 Angok Angok
43 Oliver Mann
Head Coach James McKinnon
Assistant Coach Kane Washington
Assistant Coach Hannah McGillen