- How did you become involved with Bankstown Basketball?
I grew up around Bankstown Stadium. My dad played in the National Basketball League (NBL) for the Bruins and almost as soon as I was born I was there in a pram. I began playing in the junior competition at around about age 7. Before this myself and Best friend Jason would come down to the stadium on Saturday mornings and play 1 on 1, games to 200 while our dads practiced. When I turned 10 I trialled for the Bankstown Bruins Representative program, the Under 12’s. I then played 7 years of Junior Rep basketball from Under 12’s to Under 18’s. I then moved on to play in the 2008 Championship winning Youth League side and after that played in the Waratah ABA Team before and after my 4 years in college including this past season.
2. Did you play basketball in college? If so, please describe your experience
I did, I was lucky enough to play three seasons at NCAA Division II Lees-McRae College, and also Assistant Coach one season there. In terms of a basketball experience, it was like nothing else. I thought I had worked hard and at a high intensity my whole playing life; that was until I went to college. The standard of professionalism and the work ethic you must have increases another couple of notches in college to a level I had not experienced. I was lucky enough to play in some big arenas against many great schools, players and coaches, including playing at the Colosseum in Greensboro where they host the ACC tournament. I had the chance to test myself against players who are now professionals in Europe and across the globe. In my time at LMC I had two great coaches who taught me a lot, and in the end have helped me start on my path in coaching. The skill sets and athleticism of some guys in America is phenomenal, but their work ethic is what separates them. The intensity and passion they show is why the Nation is elite at all levels.
3. What was your college experience like?
When you think of college everyone automatically wants to ask about Basketball, which is fair enough, basketball was the reason I even packed my bags and headed to college. However, I gained more from my experiences off the floor rather than on it. Of course the comradery and values I live by all came from the work we put in and life we lived both on the floor and in the lockeroom, but I found the biggest impact on my life was all of my experiences outside of basketball. It is a challenge that is becoming more popular for Australians, to move out of home at 18 years old and take yourself to another country to live on your own for 4 years.It’s an experience that helps you grow up and find yourself as a person. I was extremely fortunate in attending a school like LMC, who embraced international students. From day one I had people wanting to get to know more about who I was and Australia and its culture. The people I met and lived with on campus, including the staff are what MADE this experience. I travelled up and down the East Coast of America, usually on Breaks from school like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. I met some amazing friends and their families were kind enough to not only open up their homes to me on these holidays but also take me around to see the sites of their local cities.Ive not only gained friends but extended families. LMC is a small liberal arts college with a student body of approximately 1000, which is tiny in terms of most schools here. I think this made my experience even greater. LMC has a tight knit atmosphere where everyone knew everyone, kind of like high school, and the staff were always willing to help in any way they could whether that be driving you to the grocery store or offering you somewhere to stay with a home cooked meal during breaks. I’ve made lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish and most, had nothing to do with Basketball (besides it being the pathway to get me there).
4. How do you find the standard/level of basketball here in Australia compared to the US?
As mentioned I was at a Division II school, and you will find people are very quick to judge and discredit Division II. The NCAA Division II as a whole is a high quality league with many future pros playing in it. Some of the larger D2 schools would even rival lower D1 schools. I was lucky enough to play in Conference Carolinas which is an extremely tough and competitive league featuring past National Champions. The intensity and speed of the game is what I would compare most to Australia. The skills, basketball understanding and competiveness are all on par. The other major difference is the scheduling, you play 2-3 times a week, with road trips falling on both week nights and weekends. And when I say road trips, I mean 4 hours on a bus to the game, play, then 4 hours back and still expected to be in class the next morning. Not the glamourous private flights lifestyle some enjoy. For us, a typical week would consist of practice Monday and Tuesday, game Wednesday night, practice Thursday and Friday, game Saturday night with Sunday being our day off. The atmosphere around the game is extremely professional, and when you think about it, it has to be with many people’s jobs and livelihood relying on your success both on and off the floor. As well as that the school has invested a lot of money, probably close to $100,000 in your education and athletics.
5. What are your top 3 tips for Aussie basketball athletes who wish to play at a US collegiate level?
I’m not usually one to give too many tips. It is not an opportunity that is given out lightly or to just anyone. Do plenty of your own research and understand situations that will best suite you and where you have the greatest opportunity to succeed. I would simply say work extremely hard and give everything you have mostly on your worst days. It’s easy to be at your best on your good days. Soak up the entire atmosphere of college, meet new people, and chat with classmates and people who live around you, especially those who you would not normally talk to. You will find you learn and experience more with those people than anybody else and the connections you can make could change your life or someone else’s down the track. It’s also very easy to forget about your education while there. It’s a great feeling to come home with a degree with no HEX fee. Most of all, embrace the opportunity, it flies by!
6. Would you recommend the US collegiate pathway? Why or why not?
It’s not for everyone that’s for sure. At times its hard work, and lonely being away from your friends and family. But it is something if you asked me to do it all again I would in a heartbeat. The experiences you gain from Basketball are great, but what you learn about yourself, the people you meet and the experiences you have are the best part about being in college. I have made lifelong friends that I will always stay in contact with and now have free accommodation across America any time I want to visit haha. But definitely, for those passionate about the challenge and the experience I would say do everything you can to find a school that fits you and an opportunity in the US.
