NSR basketballer, Martin Bleeker (NSW) has taken his preparation for the USA college system to a whole new level. Whilst waiting patiently for his departure date next year, Martin has been jet-setting the world playing the sport he loves and the first stop is New Zealand.
Standing at 6’9, Martin was a promising prospect that not only caught the eye of NSR Australia, but also an organization within his local stadium that helps kids develop in basketball, Hoops for Health. The organization offered a spot for Martin and next thing he knew, he was on a plane to New Zealand to compete against the top teams in the country.
It was a full on but exciting schedule for the team once they landed in Auckland, playing the U23’s National Team first. Whilst they didn’t pull through with the win, Martin recalls that it was still a great experience in playing some of New Zealand’s elite athletes. But the trip didn’t end there! The boys then travelled 3 hours to Whangarei, where they played various games, winning the majority of them. After spending 3 days here, the team then visited other locations throughout New Zealand, where they left it all on the court.
When asked if he believed if this experience would help prepare him for USA college basketball, Martin laughed and confidently responded with a “definitely” – silly question, I guess. The physicality, mental endurance and week of an intense basketball schedule was all something that he believes will set him apart from other recruits and prep him for a whole other league.
This whole experience for Martin has taught him to not only respect the game, but to play your hardest as it will bring the best out in you, all of which will be applied once in the USA.