Personal Statement
At 6’7 with a 6’11 wingspan, I have the ability to bring immense length and versatility to any collegiate basketball program. Although I’m more than happy playing anywhere SG through C, my preference is at the PF/SF. My ability to score at all three levels and shoot efficiently from three at high volumes unlocks my ability as a wing player, however my length, basketball IQ, foot speed and defensive awareness means I’m more than capable defending both guards and physical bigs alike. I pride myself on my shooting ability, which unlocks the playmaking ability of those around me by spacing the floor effectively. The length and fluidity with which I play allows me to get a shot off against most defenders, however I’m not afraid to get physical and battle my way to the rim.
Growing up in Nelson, New Zealand meant I was brought up predominately playing rugby. This benefited my athletic development greatly and taught me ball skills, physicality, and the importance of foot speed and body position. I became interested in basketball after a family trip to the United States, in which I watched in awe as the Indiana Pacers played the LA Clippers at the Staples Centre. I was instantly hooked. Although I picked up basketball later comparatively to many other kids, towards the end of primary school, my rugby skills translated across codes and helped me excel after the initial learning curve. At high school, I’ve played for the nationally ranked Nelson College team for three consecutive years. I’ve also represented the Nelson region for three consecutive years at age group national tournaments, a team with which I will be competing for a national championship later this year. Additionally, I was selected in the New Zealand U17 national team squad for 2023, and I also recently signed with the Nelson Giants in the New Zealand National Basketball League on an amateur contract.
Although much of my life is focused around basketball, I pride myself on achieving highly academically. Throughout my schooling life I have thrived academically, with the highlight being representing New Zealand at the international Future Problem Solving competition held in the United States in both 2019 and 2020. This competition taught me the skills of cooperation, persistence, and problem-solving that I apply to both my sporting and academic careers. I thrive the most academically in subjects such as physics and mathematics, both of which I’m doing at a scholarship level this year. I was awarded the top of Mathematics award in 2022, recognizing my ability in the subject. Outside of the classroom, I was selected as a house leader at Nelson College, a leadership role that is challenging my organization and management skills. I am also a senior member of the Nelson College academic committee and am the head of the peer tutoring program. This is a position that I am proud to hold, as the assistance of other students is important. Collectively my efforts in the classroom and on the basketball court were recognized as the Blick Cup and Network Tasman Award for best all-rounder at Nelson College in 2022.
Because I place importance on both the academic and sporting aspects of my life, I am looking for a collegiate program that excels at both basketball and academics. Ideally, I would compete at a high level of collegiate basketball whilst also obtaining a degree that will allow opportunities and options to be open once I finish playing basketball. I also place immense emphasis on the culture within the program; I am looking for somewhere with supportive and trustworthy values. I am always motivated to become a better version of myself, extremely persistent, and think I can be a valuable asset to any program due to both my athletic and leadership attributes.
