Jack Rigden '17 Recruiting Profile

Jack Rigden

Personal Statement

After being born and raised in Outback South Australia I have seen many challenges including committing to high level Basketball. With this commitment comes hurdles to ensure I play at the highest level hence many times having to drive to Adelaide a 6-hour drive to trainings, games and camps. For our family this was part of our everyday life. My personal commitment to the sport is training, games and following my coach’s instructions and eating well. My parent’s commitment in getting me to and from the city and regional areas with it being nothing to drive to and from in one day.

Basketball is my passion and I live and breathe the sport having played basketball since the age of 6. I am excited at the idea of being accepted to play at USA college level. The opportunity to be part of this program is something I can’t express enough with balanced academic and sporting values I see myself only growing more and more in an all rounded way. I am interested in studying Sport & Fitness Management after I finish High School and this year I am completing my Certificate 3 in Fitness. Whilst I am quiet at times, once you get to know me and being part of the team my confidence grows more and I have been developing my leadership qualities which is now helping me even more in both education and sports.

Now 17 years old I have moved to boarding school, where I play in the Westminster Schools A team and South Adelaide Basketball Club Div 2 Youth League. I have achieved plenty of accolades’ over the years including: two under 12 Team Best and Fairest; Under 12 Association Most Valuable Player; two under 14 Team Best and Fairest; Under 14 years Runner Up Most Valuable Player; Under 15 years Team Best and Fairest; Under 15 years Runner Up Most Valuable Player; Under 15 years Roxby Downs Junior Basketball Association Champion; Under 15 Championship Best on Court; Under 16 Team Best and Fairest. Whilst it is wonderful to be given awards and commendations I also believe the reward is the outcome of the team both on and off the court. Including improvement, growth and hopefully the win we all aim for.

As I have grown older I have also gained more height and am now 6ft and still growing and weigh 65 kg. I do understand the commitment needed in all aspects of sport and education, therefore I make sure I eat well, sleep well and listen to my coaches, team managers and trainers in every way to ensure I will improve and learn from those that can guide me. Whilst sport is my passion I have goals to achieve high standards in Basketball and I also understand the need for education and commitment to achieve the best I can. Therefore, if I am successful in being accepted to play at college level in the USA I will continue to commit myself to my studies and achieve goals both in my sport and education.

As a team player I ensure that the whole team works together in the best possible way. Communication being the key objective to making sure the team gels together. My personal attributes are rebounding and not only with my height but my very strong vertical leap. I am a good passer and will help teammates get good looks on the court allowing them to get easy shots. I like to be a supportive player with my team and encourage my fellow teammates to work hard both on and off the court.

I will ensure that training, playing and homework are my priorities. I would love to be part of this program and look forward to further communications.