CQU plans to help Australian basketball reach new heights thanks to a range of joint research and development initiatives, similar to University projects which have supported Australian cycling in recent years.

A corporate partnership with the local Rockhampton Rockets and Cyclones teams is just the start of a longer-term relationship.

Aaron Scanlan (centre) prepares to test Rockhampton baskbetballers Craig Bosel (left) and Tony Campbell

There's also a related series of research projects to be undertaken by CQU PhD student Aaron Scanlan.

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Mr Scanlan will start by checking the physiological and activity demands on state-comp-level male and female players, compared with their national competition counterparts. Apart from time-motion video analysis, he will use heart rates and blood lactates for what will be the first study of its type.

This initial research will help develop a basketball exercise simulation test to simulate the physiological and activity loads upon players during actual matches. This will enable talent identification and monitoring of player performance and also help check the benefits of sporting aids such as the increasingly popular compression garments.

"The addition of sport science research will hopefully give the Rockets and Cyclones a competitive edge this season and provide the coaching staff with valuable information concerning player fitness and performance across the season," Mr Scanlan said.

CQU is also in consultation with Rockhampton Basketball about a wider range of student projects in the fields of human movement and sports management, student assistance with events and sports industry prac placements.

Aaron Scanlan (centre) prepares to test Rockhampton baskbetballers Craig Bosel (left) and Tony Campbell

There's ongoing potential for talent identification/assessment and player performance testing and campus-assisted promotion of basketball player recruitment.

CQU's support of Rockhampton Basketball Association will benefit all members of the local basketball community including juniors, seniors and association members, as well as primary and secondary school students who use the facilities.