Basketball ACT is excited to announce the signing of Marcus Wong as Head Coach of the Canberra Nationals NBL1 East team for the 2027 season, adding a highly regarded and experienced basketball mind to lead the program into its next chapter.

Currently in his fifth season as an Assistant Coach with the Townsville Fire, where he has been part of two Championship-winning teams, Wong brings a strong understanding of elite preparation, player management and high-performance environments. Prior to his time in Townsville, he spent seven seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Adelaide Lightning, further building his reputation across the women’s game.

He has also held NBL1 Head Coaching positions with the Sturt Sabres, Joondalup Wolves and Rockingham Flames, and most recently coached the Cairns Dolphins in NBL1 North, where he was named Coach of the Year.

Wong is also currently serving as an Assistant Coach with the South Sudanese National Team, adding international experience to a coaching résumé that spans professional, representative and pathway basketball.

“I am really looking forward to joining the Nationals Program,” said Wong of his appointment to the role.

“It has been led by some really quality coaches in the past and I am looking forward to being able to continue to build on what they have put in place.”

While the 2026 season saw the Nationals fall just short of playing finals basketball, Wong is excited to join a program full of young Canberra talent and help drive the group towards the next step in 2027.

“I think Canberra is an exciting program to be a part right now and it is one where I thought I could come in and make an impact straight away. 

“I am also really looking forward to the opportunity to work in a program that focuses on the development of local talent and provides pathways for the juniors.”

Wong says his main goal will be to build on the foundations already set, while also bringing an exciting brand of basketball for the passionate Canberra fanbase to enjoy. He believes team culture will be central to that approach, with accountability, energy and connection key pillars for the group as it prepares for the season ahead.

“My main goal for the season will be to continue to develop players and help them achieve their basketball goals and create an environment where everyone is enjoying their basketball whilst at the same time aiming to make finals and be competitive whenever we hit the floor.

“Hopefully I will bring an exciting brand of basketball to watch where culture is first and foremost and we are known for playing hard on every possession at both ends of the floor.”

Basketball ACT looks forward to welcoming Wong to Canberra and working with him as the Nationals continue to strengthen their NBL1 East program, develop local athletes and represent the region with pride in 2027.