Miners unveil Canadian import as club legend returns as coach

A MEMBER of Team Canada’s training squad ahead of last year’s FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers, Jaden Campbell has signed with Ballarat Miners for the 2026 NBL1 South season.

The 6’5″ guard arrives in Ballarat following a stint in the Czech NBL, where he averaged 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.8 minutes across 38 games for USK Praha.

An impressive resume includes a stint in the NBA Summer League last year with New York Knicks, where he impressed with his floor spacing and energy off the bench.

Campbell played college basketball at Florida Southwestern and Samford University, in Alabama, before beginning his professional career with the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the CEBL.

In addition to his professional club experience, Campbell earned a spot on Team Canada’s senior men’s national team training camp roster ahead of the FIBA AmeriCup.

In a statement released last week, the Miners said Campbell would bring a wealth of experience and talent to the roster, providing scoring, playmaking and defensive ability while also contributing leadership and consistency to strengthen the team across all areas of the floor.

“This signing marks the first import addition to the men’s roster ahead of an exciting 2026 NBL1 South season,” the club said.

The Miners, under the guidance of Australian basketball legend Ray Borner, will open their campaign on 28 March against arch-rival Bendigo Braves at Selkirk Stadium.

In other Miners news, club legend Eric Hayes has made a welcome return to the club as coach of the Miners’ Victorian Junior Basketball League under-20 men’s team.

Their entry into the strong VJBL competition comes in response to strong player numbers and continued growth within the program.

The squad features a talented and committed group of young athletes, giving them an opportunity to compete strongly at a high level while continuing their progression within the Miners program.

Hayes, whose coaching resume includes stints within the Ballarat representative junior program, Youth League and Miners men’s and women’s teams, is the club’s all-time games played leader.