Junior basketballers explore the sport overseas

A GROUP of twenty-nine young athletes from the Junior Bendigo Braves program has spent two weeks exploring the culture of professional basketball in the United States.

They were joined by Bendigo Braves graduate and first-round 2022 NBA draft pick Dyson Daniels.

The group got to see Daniels in action as he and his New Orleans Pelicans beat the Brooklyn Nets in a 112-85 slam at Smoothie King Center in Louisiana on 2 January.

Braves leadership group member Ben McCauley, who coached Daniels from age nine until he joined the NBA Global Academy in 2019, shared his excitement at the opportunity for the current crop of junior players.

“Having coached Dyson from a young age, I can attest to the immense value of this tour for our Bendigo players,” he said.

“It goes beyond basketball, offering them exposure to a different style of play and providing life experiences that will shape their futures.

“The camaraderie and networking opportunities with friends from across the globe makes this journey more significant than just a game.

It’s about life experience.” Junior Braves player Harry King said going to the US had fulfilled a “lifelong dream.”

“It was finally possible, with the help of my parents, coaches, and Showtime,” he said.

“The once-in-a-lifetime memories are insane.

“Couldn’t believe the hospitality these Americans have shown to a small town in Australia and as far as basketball is concerned you can’t ask for much more.”

The Junior Bendigo Braves went through an Australian tour company, Showtime Basketball, to facilitate the tour, with the business seeking to help young players get a taste of the professional scene in the US.