Gabe Barnes-Hobson’s Inspirational Journey to Abu Dhabi
At just 13 years old, Gabe Barnes-Hobson is living proof that passion, talent, and relentless determination can take you places you never imagined. The Bairnsdale teenager is gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime after being selected to represent Australia at the prestigious NBA Basketball School International Tournament in Abu Dhabi this October.
For a young athlete hailing from regional Victoria, this isn’t just a trip overseas — it’s the realisation of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unshakable belief in a dream bigger than himself.
A Rising Star in Country Victoria
Barnes-Hobson’s love for basketball blossomed in the heart of East Gippsland. He first picked up a basketball with the Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance Basketball Associations, where his natural talent quickly stood out.
What started as weekend games soon escalated into a fast-paced journey through regional courts, competitive leagues, and elite training programs. It didn’t take long before Gabe became a familiar name in local sports circles, known for his work ethic, sharp instincts, and a maturity beyond his years.
Today, he represents Gippsland United in the highly competitive Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) and plays at the division one level with his Maffra Eagles under-14 squad. His on-court abilities have earned him recognition and respect from coaches, teammates, and opponents alike.
Climbing the High Performance Pathway
Behind Gabe’s rapid rise lies a clear pathway paved by Basketball Victoria’s High Performance Program. For the past three years, he’s been a constant presence within this elite environment, honing his skills and competing against the best young talents in the state.
His selections include representing at the 2023 under-12 Jamboree, the 2024 and 2025 Future Development Program, and making his mark at the 2024 Gold Nugget Camp. In 2025, he was also part of the Country Metro Challenge, further cementing his place as one of the most exciting young players in regional Victoria.
Gabe’s relentless pursuit of excellence recently took him to an elite selection clinic in Melbourne. Despite being the youngest athlete in the group, he impressed International FIBA coaches with his composure, technical skills, and court awareness.
It was there that he received the news that would change his life — a coveted spot on the NBA Basketball School Australia team for the upcoming international tournament in Abu Dhabi.
The Power of Sacrifice and Family Support
As with any great story, Gabe’s success hasn’t come without challenges. Behind every training session, road trip, and tournament lies a level of sacrifice that most 13-year-olds might never experience.
Each week, the Barnes-Hobson family racks up over 1000 kilometres travelling between Maffra, Traralgon, and Melbourne for Gabe’s trainings and games. It’s a staggering commitment in time, energy, and resources, but one the family has taken on without hesitation.
Their devotion was further tested this year when Gabe’s mum — his biggest supporter — began treatment for breast cancer for the second time. The first battle came during the isolating days of COVID lockdowns, and now the family is facing this challenge again while navigating Gabe’s demanding sporting commitments.
Through it all, they have displayed extraordinary resilience. The family’s unwavering support and positive outlook have fuelled Gabe’s drive to succeed, proving that strength isn’t just measured in points scored or games won — it’s shown in the quiet determination to keep going when life gets tough.
A Community Comes Together
As Gabe prepares for his trip to Abu Dhabi, another challenge has emerged: raising the $15,000 needed to cover international travel, uniforms, and tournament expenses.
But in true country town spirit, the East Gippsland community is rallying around one of their own.
The family’s grassroots basketball initiative, Happy Hooping, is leading the charge. Over the past two years, this program has brought high-energy skills clinics to towns like Orbost and Maffra, giving over 450 young basketballers access to quality coaching and development opportunities.
Now, Happy Hooping is doubling as a platform to help Gabe chase his international dream.
The Barnes-Hobsons are hosting two special fundraising clinics in Bairnsdale — one on July 12 and another on August 9 — both running from 11am to 1pm at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Open to boys and girls from under 8s to under 18s, these sessions are perfect for domestic, squad, and beginner players looking to sharpen their skills while supporting a fantastic cause.
The Bigger Picture: Inspiring the Next Generation
Gabe’s story is about more than basketball. It’s about the power of dreams in regional communities, where opportunities like this are rare, and success often demands an extra level of grit.
By earning his place on the international stage, Gabe is proving to young athletes in Gippsland — and beyond — that it’s possible to aim high, no matter where you come from.
For the Barnes-Hobson family, this journey is about showing resilience in the face of adversity, embracing every setback, and using their experience to uplift others. The clinics, fundraising efforts, and countless road trips are all part of a much bigger mission: to build a thriving basketball culture in regional Victoria where kids can dream just as big as their city counterparts.
What’s Next for Gabe Barnes-Hobson?
The road to Abu Dhabi is now in full swing. Gabe’s training schedule is packed, balancing state league fixtures, individual workouts, and his school commitments at Nagle College.
As October approaches, he’ll be joining the national U15 squad for camps and final preparations before taking off for the UAE. The NBA Basketball School International Tournament is expected to bring together some of the world’s most talented young players, providing invaluable experience and exposure on a truly global stage.
For Gabe, it’s a chance to test himself against top-tier international talent, learn from elite coaches, and represent his country with pride. And no matter the results, the experience alone promises to be life-changing.
A Story Worth Backing
At its heart, this is the story of a determined young athlete, a resilient family, and a supportive community proving that incredible things can happen when people come together.
The Barnes-Hobson family’s call for support isn’t just about one boy’s journey — it’s about what his story represents for the future of grassroots sport in regional Australia.
For every aspiring basketballer shooting hoops in a country town, Gabe’s trip to Abu Dhabi is a reminder that with hard work, heart, and the backing of a tight-knit community, even the biggest dreams can come true.
If you’d like to be part of this incredible journey, attending one of the upcoming Happy Hooping clinics or contributing to the fundraising efforts is the perfect way to show your support for a young star with the world at his feet.
Final Thoughts
As the countdown to October begins, Gabe Barnes-Hobson is keeping his head down, focused on training and ready to make his mark on the international stage.
But whether it’s on a court in Abu Dhabi or a local gym in East Gippsland, one thing is certain — this young talent’s future is looking brighter than ever.
And it’s a future built not just on skill, but on family, community, and an unbreakable belief in the power of chasing your dreams.
Follow us on Instagram: UAE STORIES
Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Set for Explosive UFC Debut in Abu Dhabi
