Personal Statement
Basketball has profoundly shaped who I am as both an athlete and a person. I started playing at 10, drawn to the intensity, teamwork, and competition. My parents supported me by enrolling me in teams and encouraging me to compete against older players, often up to four years above my age. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the lessons of hard work, discipline, adaptability, and perseverance, but looking back, I see how these experiences have shaped my mindset on and off the court.
In March 2024, I underwent elbow surgery, but by July, I returned mentally stronger and more determined. I finished the season strong, playing in the final four games with my team. But I didn’t stop there. In September 2024, I left my family in Australia and joined a basketball development program in Belgrade, Serbia, working with Luca Dončić’s former coach – Mirko Miličević. Since then, I’ve been training intensively, completing up to 17 sessions per week, at a professional-level training load. The growth I’ve seen in just 10 weeks has been nothing short of extraordinary.
I also work with Dr. Johann Bilsborough, a performance and nutrition expert who has worked with top teams like the Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and more recently, the Dallas Mavericks. His program focuses on enhancing my physical conditioning, nutrition, and overall performance, ensuring I’m prepared for the next level of competition.
This combination of elite training and personalized coaching has elevated my game. My skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ have all improved, making me faster, stronger, and more confident on the court. As a player, I pride myself on my versatility - reading the game, finding open teammates, and creating scoring opportunities. My long arms and athleticism make me a disruptive force on defense, and I’m not afraid to dive for loose balls or hustle for rebounds.
I’ve always been driven to outwork everyone around me, whether by staying late after practice or pushing myself daily. This relentless work ethic has helped me reach the highest level of basketball in my state, and I’m eager to continue my growth at the collegiate level. I’m looking for a program that will challenge me both academically and athletically, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
I sincerely thank you taking the time to read my profile and for considering me for your program.