Why Lucas Donnar Believes Confidence Changes Everything

At community basketball clubs, there are coaches who run drills, and there are coaches who shape the culture of a program.

For the Balwyn Blazers, Lucas Donnar is firmly in the second category.

As the club's Director of Coaching, Donnar brings more than 13 years of coaching experience across representative, youth league, Big V and community basketball. His resume includes coaching roles at Hawthorn, Camberwell and Blackburn, helping develop players from Under 12s right through to Youth League level, as well as contributing to an Australian team that competed in tournaments in Los Angeles.

Today, alongside his role as Director of Coaching at Balwyn, Lucas continues to coach Blackburn's Youth League Women and the Blazers' Under 13 Girls 1s and Under 15 Girls 1s teams.

But ask Lucas what keeps him involved in the game and the answer isn't trophies, championships or promotions.

"It's the people," he says.

"No matter the age or level, coaching gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on players both on and off the court."

Built on a Love of the Game

Like many coaches, Lucas didn't set out with a grand plan.

His coaching journey began simply because he and a close friend loved basketball and wanted to stay connected to the sport.

That passion quickly grew into something much bigger.

Over the years, Lucas has worked with players at nearly every stage of development, helping athletes navigate the challenges of competitive basketball while building confidence, resilience and leadership skills that extend beyond the game.

The Biggest Thing Holding Players Back

When asked about the most common mistake he sees young players make, Lucas doesn't hesitate.

"They're too afraid to fail."

It's a simple answer, but one that sits at the heart of his coaching philosophy.

Rather than focusing solely on results, Lucas wants players to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.

Whether it's taking an open shot, making an aggressive move to the basket or stepping into a leadership role, growth often starts when players become comfortable being uncomfortable.

Confidence Before Everything Else

Every coach wants their players to improve.

Lucas wants something more.

When players leave one of his sessions, he hopes they walk away with greater confidence in themselves and a fresh perspective on the game.

That focus on confidence is reflected in the way he teaches.

His favourite drills aren't complicated sets or elaborate systems. Instead, he loves small-sided games that encourage players to attack the paint, make decisions under pressure and learn through competition.

The goal is simple: create an environment where players are empowered to play freely and trust their abilities.

What Makes Great Players Different?

According to Lucas, talent alone isn't enough.

"The difference between good players and great players is energy and intensity."

Those traits can't be taught through a whiteboard session or a shooting drill.

They come from a player's mindset, effort and willingness to compete every single day.

It's a standard Lucas looks for in all of his teams and one he believes can elevate any athlete regardless of skill level.

Always Learning

Despite his experience, Lucas doesn't point to a single coaching mentor as his biggest influence.

Instead, he believes the best coaches remain students of the game.

"The best coaches are always learning, no matter the level. Be influenced by everyone around you."

It's an approach that has allowed him to continue evolving throughout his career and one that aligns strongly with the culture Balwyn is building across its coaching program.

A Message to Every Young Player

If Lucas could leave every young athlete with one piece of advice, it would be this:

"Ask yourself what you can contribute to your team to make them successful — and then become great at that."

In an era where individual highlights often grab attention, it's a reminder that basketball remains a team game.

And for Lucas Donnar, helping players understand that lesson may be just as important as teaching them how to shoot, pass or defend.

Because long after the final buzzer sounds, confidence, effort and the ability to contribute to something bigger than yourself are the qualities that last.

Lucas Donnar
Director of Coaching – Balwyn Blazers Basketball Club
Currently coaching Blackburn Youth League Women, Balwyn U13 Girls 1s and Balwyn U15 Girls 1s.
13+ years coaching experience across representative, Youth League and Big V basketball.