Gathering Strength: Meet Ruby, the young artist connecting the Kings and Flames

‍At just 15, Ruby Prasad is bringing her love of basketball and pride in her culture to the jerseys of both the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames.

A Dharug/Wiradjuri artist, student and representative basketballer from Campbelltown, Ruby is the creator of Talara’Tingi, meaning Gathering Strength, the artwork featured on both clubs’ Indigenous Round jerseys.

Her design brings the Kings and Flames together through a shared story of resilience, healing and connection. At its heart is a message that reaches across both teams and the communities behind them: strength through culture, strength through community and strength in coming together.

For Ruby, it also brings two important parts of her life onto the same court. A young basketballer herself, she will see her artwork worn by the players representing Sydney at the highest level of the men’s and women’s game.

The story behind the artwork

Central to Talara’Tingi is the flannel flower, an emblem for Dharug people that represents resilience, healing and adaptability. It is also the national symbol for Aboriginal mental health awareness.

In Ruby’s artwork, a central meeting place represents community, connection and shared strength. The surrounding petals and songlines reflect journeys, pathways and the cultural connections that guide people.

Together, these elements tell a story of people coming together, drawing strength from culture and supporting one another.

The flannel flower’s status as a protected species adds another layer of meaning, reflecting care and responsibility for native flora and fauna.

It is a story grounded in connection: to culture, to the natural world and to each other.

“Being chosen for this project was such an exciting opportunity,” Ruby said. I was proud to represent my Dharug mob through my artwork and share the story of my culture. It was my first time designing a jersey, and with Stewart’s guidance, I learnt to trust my art, stay true to my style and let the designers bring my story to life.”

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“The flannel flower means so much to me because it represents my ancestors, healing, strength and resilience. I wanted to use it as these strengths are also what make a successful basketball team. At first, I wasn’t sure about putting flowers on a men’s jersey, but once I understood how powerful the meaning was, Stewart and I knew it was the perfect choice. I am so proud of how it turned out and the story it tells.”

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Ruby’s mentor throughout the process, Stewart James, reflected on the process, “Supporting Ruby has genuinely been one of the highlights of my career.”

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“Watching a young artist back herself, grow in confidence and bring her own story to life has been truly special. For me, it's always been about the creative process and the journey, giving Ruby the support and space to make this opportunity her own.”

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“I'm incredibly proud of what she's achieved and excited about where this experience might take her.”

One artwork, two clubs

The Kings and Flames jerseys each bring Ruby’s artwork to life through their own design, carrying the same story across both teams.

The Kings uniform features the Talara’Tingi name on the jersey and shorts, with Ruby’s signature on the back. The Flames design features a pink flannel flower against a black base, with the artwork’s name across the chest and Ruby’s signature also on the back.

That signature recognises the young artist behind the work and the creativity she brings to Sydney’s basketball community.

Through both uniforms, Ruby’s story becomes part of the game she loves, connecting players and supporters through an artwork that celebrates culture and belonging.

Come together for Indigenous Round

The Kings will wear the jersey for their Indigenous Round home game against the New Zealand Breakers at Afterpay Arena on Sunday 15 November, tipping off at 3pm.

The Flames will celebrate their Indigenous Round home game against the Townsville Fire at Quaycentre on Saturday 28 November, also tipping off at 3pm.

Both games are an opportunity for fans to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, discover the meaning behind Ruby’s artwork and come together as one Sydney basketball community.

Two clubs, connected by one young artist and a shared story of gathering strength.

Join us for Indigenous Round. Book your tickets now!

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