LJ47 has my heart...

Lauren Jackson is a superduperstar.

Although she will never get the recognition of some of Australia's other favourite athletes. She is the absolute best women's basketball player ever. Women's basketball certainly doesn't get the coverage it should, but neither does mens ball in Australia at least. In the states it's a bit different, Mens College and the NBA Leagues recieve all of the attention, but more than the attention, the respect! (See my post last month on the sendup of the WNBA)
I love Lauren Jackson, but not in the same way that I love my girlfriend, or say, a Red Rooster Strip Sub... but more in the way I love Andrew Gaze, or any other Australian competing versus the world... She is amazing.

I won't go into the long list of accolades that this women of mid twenties has acheived, I'm here just to let you know how I feel, and about another amazing feat she performed this week.

As stated on WNBA:

"Although her team lost by a point in overtime to the Mystics, Jackson tied Phoenix's Diana Taurasi for the most points ever scored in a WNBA game by finishing with 47.
She made a league-record 18 field goals, pulled down 14 rebounds and committed just one turnover in a straight-out-of-a-video game performance.

The forward/center knocked down jumpers and attacked the basket on the way to coverting 18-of-28 shots. She scored 33 points after intermission and connected on 16 of her first 20 attempts.

Her previous career high for points was 35.

Jackson is the greatest female basketball player to ever live. There, I said it. I dare you to prove me wrong."

In scoring 47 points in a single overtime game, in such a low scoring league, my love for her grew, like the pressure that now grows thorughout the WNBA to catch her in the race to her second MVP award this season!



Thanks to WNBA.com:

Race to the MVP - Overall Player Rankings 1. Lauren Jackson, Seattle
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
23.8 10.1 1.3 0.9 2.0 .517 .868

Last Week's Rank - 1
Barring injury, there is no way that Jackson doesn't win the league's biggest individual award. She is first in points and second in rebounds and blocked shots.


2. Deanna Nolan, Detroit
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.7 3.9 4.3 1.5 0.4 .480 .804

Last Week's Rank - 3
Cheryl Ford is hurt again, but with the way that Nolan is playing, it might not even matter. The Shock have won seven in a row. On Tuesday, she had 36 points and seven assists.


3. Tamika Catchings, Indiana
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
16.6 9.0 4.7 3.1 1.1 .417 .820

Last Week's Rank - 2
Catchings' MVP worth has actually gone up since she has been on the sidelines. Without their superstar, the Fever have lost three in a row.


4. Becky Hammon, San Antonio
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
19.1 2.7 5.2 1.1 0.2 .477 .938

Last Week's Rank - 4
The Silver Stars, who have won seven of eight, have been the biggest surprise of the season and Hammon deserves a lot of the credit for their turnaround.


5. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.2 4.1 4.1 1.3 1.0 .409 .856

Last Week's Rank - 5
Taurasi is scoring less, but the team is winning more. Her other numbers across the board have been outstanding.


6. Katie Douglas, Connecticut
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.8 4.5 4.0 2.0 0.3 .445 .800

Last Week's Rank - 8
After a terrible start to the season, the Sun are the team most likely to upset the Shock in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Douglas is the top option for the always dangerous club.


7. Sophia Young, San Antonio
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
15.9 6.1 1.3 1.3 0.4 .491 .750

Last Week's Rank - 10
Young, who has reached double-digits in points in nine straight games, is one of the key players for the West-leading Silver Stars.


8. Candice Dupree, Chicago
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
18.0 7.6 1.5 0.9 1.3 .456 .780

Last Week's Rank - 9
A strong case could have been made in the beginning of the season that Dupree was the most dominant player in the WNBA. She has been struggling lately, failing to score at least 20 points in six straight games.


9. Alana Beard, Washington
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
18.6 4.0 3.1 2.0 0.9 .419 .825

Last Week's Rank - 12
The Mystics are making a late charge towards the postseason thanks to the all-around play of Beard.


10. Penny Taylor, Phoenix (ANOTHER AUSSIE!)
PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% FT%
17.7 6.3 2.7 1.3 0.4 .500 .862

Last Week's Rank - 13
Yes, Diana Taurasi is still the heart and soul of the team, but Taylor has been arguably the best offensive player in the league in the past 11 games.


On the Outside Looking In (season averages - last week's rank)
11. Cheryl Ford (Detroit): 13.0 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 1.5 APG - (6)
12. Rebekkah Brunson (Sacramento): 11.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 0.8 APG - (7)
13. Asjha Jones (Connecticut): 15.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG - (11)
14. Tina Thompson (Houston): 18.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.8 APG - (14)
15. Lindsay Whalen (Connecticut): 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.0 APG - (Unranked)


Stop there. I know you're thinking it. Don't. "Why has she only won one MVP award then if she's so good?" WELL... since you asked anyway... Basically, she has not been fit enough, due to her hectic schudule and unwavering commitment to the Australian National team the Opals in her supposed "off time"! Couple that with the fact that she is always double teamed and routinely TRIPLE TEAMED, she still has been runnerup or close to it in recent years.

Now she is healthy, finally, and tearing the league apart!



Coach Anne Donovan was asked last week what it would be like if Seattle's Lauren Jackson got single coverage in a WNBA game.

"I think she would score 50 -- and I'm sincere about that," she said.

"She's not someone I want to play 38 minutes," Donovan said earlier this month. "Thirty-six, OK. But when it gets to be more than that, she gets tired because she doesn't know how to pace herself. She plays so dang hard."

Once again, just look at what she did in this game:

"Playing 42 of the 45 minutes, Jackson shot 18-28 from the field and 9-11 from the free-throw line, while grabbing 14 rebounds.
It was only the fifth time a player had scored 40 or more points in a WNBA game.

Jackson's effort of 47 points, eclipsing her WNBA best of 35, tied the WNBA record of Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi in a 111-110 triple-overtime win against the Houston Comets last year.

The dominance of Jackson was underlined by her 33 points in the second half, including a stretch of 23 of 27, while she opened by making 16 of her first 20 shots.

Not surprisingly, Jackson hit two free-throws with 3.2sec left in regulation to send the game into OT, but the Storm (12-12) could not overcome Alana Beard's 27 points to steer the Mystics (10-13) to a win."

Just watch this clip of Highlights from the game and tell me you don't love her too!

I DARE YOU!



http://broadband.wnba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://wnba-boss.streamos.com/wmedia/wnba/wnba/recaps/jackson_l_record_47points_070724.asx&contentpath=http://wnba-boss.streamos.com/wmedia/wnba/wnba/recaps/jackson_l_record_47points_070724.asx&secondClick=1&wnbasite=

For more on LJ visit her website, www.laurenjackson.org

JESS BEARZATTO - Wildcat to Lady BearCat!

>

After being noticed by a number of scouts in the Under 18 National Championship, Jessica started down the path that has led to a College career, travel and accolades she could never have envisaged when she first picked up a ball for the Wildcats. She now plays guard for another type of cat, the Brecia University Lady Bearcats!

Growing up Jessica always wanted to be like her older brothers, but it didn’t take long for her competitive side to take over. She wanted not only to be like them, but better than them! Now, this young lady has taken her all of that determination and desire with her to the USA, and is playing College basketball in the sports mad state of Kentucky! That’s right, Kentucky famous in the US as the home of horseracing, Fried Chicken and College Sports, now Eltham Wildcat player Jess Bearzatto, is staking her claim to join the list!

Below are Jess’s responses to my questions to her via email, regarding life, sport, the Wildcats and dealing with College Basketball in Kentucky!


How old were you when you first became involved with the Wildcats?
Started when I was 7, in Under 8’s.

Who was your biggest basketball influence growing up ? Why?
My brothers. They all played and that was the reason I started to play. All I wanted to do was to be like them and play basketball as well. And of course to be better than them at it!

Biggest influence from the Wildcats?
It would be hard to name just one but my coaches throughout my junior career, notably Marissa Phillipou and Michael Spoor who both coached me through some great team and personal successes.

Favourite Wildcats related memory?
Winning my first Victorian Title in U16 with Marissa as our coach. But the second one was also as sweet in U18s.

Was college basketball always a dream? When did you know it could be a possibility?
Yes it was always a dream when it began being talked about for career pathways. I guess the first time I new it could become a possibility was at the U18 nationals when there were a few scouts there and fellow teammates were being approached and given offers after the titles. But as I was not in my ‘senior year’ (year 12) at that stage they could not approach me due to the NCAA rules.

Have you encountered home sickness? How do you keep in touch with home and Australia in general?
Homesickness was a big thing for be at the beginning. Just being away from family and friends killed me. The first few months were pretty hard but as friendships strengthened with the new friends I made it became easier. I kept in touch with friends and family through phone calls, emails, myspace, text messages etc. But both my parents and I bought a webcam so I was able to see my parents and brothers regularly through the webcam which was great!


How have you overcome/enjoyed the crowds/attention college basketball attracts?
The amount of attention college basketball or any college sports receives in America is amazing. Where I am (Kentucky) college basketball is far more popular than the NBA, so its huge! Its good that everyone gets so involved with it and gets behind you but some games the crowds can get very verbal and when you’re the away team, its normally at directed my team. I just normally laugh it off and it makes me want to win more and play better to shut the crowd up!

How do you handle training and doing school work? What are you studying outside of playbooks?
I handle the trainings and school work quite well. Preseason normally involves a lot more early morning sessions than when we are in season, so many afternoons involve a nap from the lack of sleep. During season when were on the road it’s a bit harder, but you just have to be organized. This year my study was just all general subjects as in America you need to complete so many hours of ‘general education’ classes, which are mostly fairly easy. So the load wasn’t to hard for me my first year but I can imagine it will be more as I have less general subjects to complete.

How did this particular school find you? (Any past Aussies that have been there?)
My coach (Sean Page) is actually an Australian and had previously been the assistant coach at Troy University were 5 other Australians are currently playing there (including Amy Lewis, ex Eltham teammate). So previously Troy had looked at me the year before, then Coach Page got the Head Coach position at Brescia and rung me up.

What are your plans after College? Basketball wise and other?
Not sure what my plans after college are but I will hopefully be playing at a higher level in Australia than what I was before I left for college as well as having a degree in some form of rehabilitation.

What is the best advice you were ever given regarding basketball and/or life?‘Sacrifice for the Pinnacle’ – This way my U16 team motto when we won the title. You have to sacrifice to get to the top and to be at the top.


If you would like to learn more about the College that Jessica attends or the League she plays in, visit the team website www.brescia.edu/bearcats/basketball/women/, or if you would like to contact myself or Jessica regarding any of this information, write to;

Ryan Mobilia at
ryanmobilia@yahoo.com.au

No NBL Blitz... gives me the sh.tz

It's winter in Melbourne... and as I invariably do, I've been spending most mental energy throughout these winter months dreaming of an excuse for an escape to warmer climates and the type of fun that work just can't offer! I thought I had figured it out, and was already preparing the entire trip in my head until I found out that, unfortunatly this year the NBL Blitz will not be going ahead... (and just when I decided it was time to travel to it, no matter where it was and blog form there!) There goes that plan. I knew how much I loved my one and only "Blitz" experience, and to couple that with a trip to warmer surroundings seemed like the ideal getaway. But, alas my plans were shot down before they really took off.

For those of you unaware the NBL Blitz is the Pre season competition in the NBL, similar to the NAB Cup in AFL or Summer Leagues in the NBA. It is usaually held over a weekend with all teams attending, simultaneously playing shortened games, showing off new recruits and fine tuning game plans in a wonderfully fan friendly atmosphere! Held in Melbourne in 2004 (at MSAC), Cairns in 2005, and Coffs Harbour in 2006 (a non NBL city, but with not exactly the pull of the NBA's non tennanted city Las Vegas!) and not being held in 2007.





My first (and only) true exposure to the blitz was in MSAC, all players playing on courts that I as a junior had played on, a players (like imports of the time), Andrew Gaze walking around... It really was a sight to behold, with five or so NBL games being played across the floor, all accessable and visible, none with more than one row of spectator seating!

The NBA is concluding their version of the Blitz known as "NBA Summer League", although it is a bit different, as often players on the teams, don't end up playing for that side. It's more of a try out season, BEFORE the pre season. But it is in the more galmourous locations of Las Vegas and Orlando during their summer. (Not exactly where the NBL has held theres!) Everyone I hear from at the NBL is disapointed that it will not be going ahead, I asked NBL Communications Manager, Marc Howard, and then it was confirmed in the interview with www.nbl.com.au by Chuck Harmison.

Read the full interview at http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=featuredisplay&aid=5179

Or just the section concerning the Blitz below:

"nbl.com.au: What’s happening with the pre-season tournament, the NBL Blitz for the 2007/08 season?

Chuck Harmison: Unfortunately that’s not going to happen this season. It became a fairly costly exercise, and we had to weigh that cost against the benefits.

Whilst I think it’s a really good exercise to bring all the players, coaches and referees together in one location, some of the teams found that the format of the games weren’t really beneficial to their pre-season preparation. We played shortened games, which were only two 12 minute halves, so they were pretty quick-fire matches and I think the coaches felt that they could get more mileage out of playing more full, 48 minute pre-season games around the country.

We therefore made the decision to drop it from our calendar this year, which to me is disappointing, but hopefully we can bring it back and perhaps in a different format in years to come. Maybe bring back full games so it’s more beneficial to the teams."

Chuck does make some valid points, and I understand that it could be a hassle to organise and finance. But I still think there is a place for it! Although right now the Singapore Slingers would struggle to compete, with there one contracted player (as multi talented as Ben Knight is...). But I think there is definitley room for the Blitz in some form and Cairns are holding some sort of practice against local squads which I think could be an idea.... Such as South Dragons vs ABA Allstars or something? Someone get Brad Noonan on the phone!!

I think it's a great way to generate interest. Show off the new imports (even if only sparingly) and Imagine a three team playoff tourney between, NZ, South Dragons and Melb, the Qld teams, NSW teams, Perth, Adelaide & Singapore Or an Allstar team of some sort!?



Just like the NBA fans wanted to see Oden and Durant, no matter how little. The excitement of NBL fans to see Jawai, Ingles and others go up against... veterans, even just to give us fans a taste!



Bill Simmons, acclaimed ESPN columnist was on hand for the US Summer League, and discussed many of the benefits of a Blitz type experience, that true Basketball Lovers remember from the NBL Blitz.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070718

Essentially his point revolves around the fact that... A) It's Hoops galour (to attract fans) B) Great Location (to attract players, sponsors and fans!)

He also mentions something I discussed in my blog last month about Bill Russell making the H.O.F before Andrew Gaze, which sums up my argument in one paragraph, proving the difference between the two! It makes me very angry, but I vented enough at the time.

Simmons: "Wait, did I mention that I inadvertently sat one row behind the new Sonics owners and their guest, the great Bill Russell?! You haven't really lived until you've seen Russ crush the hopes of every young autograph seeker from three feet away. He was swatting them away as if swatting hook shots from Rudy LaRusso and Walt Bellamy. Remember, kids, Bill Russell doesn't sign autographs; it's against his principles. Well, unless you give him lots of money up front."
I have little doubt that with the correct marketing, this could draw more crowds and revenue than any type of Boomers, NZ series (particularly this year.)*

I'm extremely disapointed with the marketing of the 3 game series between the Boomers and TallBlacks...

Hell, I love all things basketball, and am hardly excited about it! What with the wonderful ad campaign on the BA and NBL site showing Jason Smith taking a foul shot, and cutting to a kangaroo and Kiwi cartoon picture... I think I could have designed a more impressive design with pencil and paper!



Anywho... I think an exciting new concept, with crowds, would bring money, (Much like the thrill of the AFL preseason tourney. Everyone knows some "big names" will be missing, but it's a chance to get people excited!

I don't think the NBL has quite got this right yet?

All I want to do is read the paper...

By Ryan Mobilia

All I want to do is read the paper... it is the one thing that pushes me out into the stinging cold air of the bathroom. Away from my showering fantasy of hot springs, summer days and adventure. I was far removed from the day that lies ahead, but I know what will take me back to that place. I know it so well, the pages set out in a beautiful order that I can only imagine my life to one day resemble. It is a cold winter’s morning; ice has formed over my windscreen. My car stubbornly refuses to co operate on our short trip to the train station. Like a child nearing the dentists chair, it fusses and fights me. We sputter along at the ‘speed of snail’.

When I park the car I prepare myself for the run to the platform, a business suited flash, as I fly past a dawdling group of high schoolers. "Must be Clark Kent!" I heard one of them jibe. Kids weren't as quick witted where I went to school, I thought. I didn't run for the train itself, there would be plenty of those. I ran to secure those wonderful pages of uniformity, which gave structure to my morning. Structure to my life. All I want to do is read the paper...

My exchanges with my dealer were always short and sharp. "Cold out there!" "Yeah, thanks." "Have a good one!" "Ok, see ya tomorrow." Rapid conversations are the forte of my 'paper guy', that’s for certain. Eager not to miss out on any potential purchases, but also not to dismiss the clients he already has. He sits all day distributing medicine through paper, like a chemist handing out pain killers.

My paper means much more to me than pictures and words; it is an escape from reality. I soon lose myself in the stories and images that flood forth from within its walls, as my train rattles along not much faster than my car, and certainly no smoother. Does anything really want to get where they are going? Or like me, is the journey the reward?

I look up momentarily. I’m surrounded by school kids who jostle for seats that they'll occupy only for minutes. I wonder if the younger ones are driven by their screaming leg muscles, shouting up at them "Give me rest! I'm carrying twice your weight in that schoolbag and your back has called in sick again this morning!" I feel for those poor little fellas, but their high pitched voices, do little to endear them to me. How do they have so much energy?

Two mothers chat back and forth like the they are the only ones in our "cone of occasional silence" the struggles of ones children to concentrate on their studies blasted from their surround sound voice boxes. "I told him we all get teachers like that in our life. He's got to hang in there. All he wants to do is sleep." Well, I constrain myself from shouting, all I want to do is read the paper.


As I look around the carriages there're so many faces just like mine. Each captivated by their drug of choice. Some have their headphones blaring, others text their fingerprints away while many noses are buried deep in books. The rest of my trip flies by. All around me, the train, like a travelling community, welcomes and farewells. I’m in my own private universe until we jerk to a halt at the end of the line.

Before we charge into the battles that are our days and lives, we all attempt an escape. Bouncing along like sardines in foggy windowed cans, we escape in some way, shape or form and to each their own. But all I want to do is read the paper.

Mile High Cat

By Ryan Mobilia
DANIEL BASS

Colorado, the Mile High city of the West. Famous for it's Rocky Mountains, beer, and South Park... and not to mention "a little place called, Aspen!" (For the Jim Carrey fans out there). Colorado is also home to one other note worthy star. Eltham Wildcat turned Metro State Roadrunners , Daniel Bass!

A Wildcat ever since he picked up the ball at the age of 13, Daniel's journey has now taken him into the heart of basketball crazy Denver, to a school, and basketball program that many current Australian stars have partaken!

Daniel Bass is one of three Aussies that take to the court for Metro State, a school that has in recent years been a gold mine for young Australian talent to hone their skills and take their game to the next level. Some names to come through the program in the past few years include Australian Boomers National team members, and Sydney Kings in the NBL, Luke Kendall & Mark Worthington, as well as Melbourne Tigers exciting new recruit Dave Barlow.

I tracked down Dave Barlow (earmarked by many as the next Australian to make the leap to the NBA), and here are some of the glowing comments he had for the place he called home for a year..." I spent a year at Metro State and in that year I probably improved the most I ever have. The schedule was tough, 4 am wake up, training twice a day and get home at 7pm. The basketball was great and my coach taught me a lot."

Below are Daniel's responses to my questions to him via email, regarding life, sport, the Wildcats and who is Eric Cartman’s father? (not really!)

How old were you when you first became involved with the Wildcats?
13

Who was your biggest basketball influence growing up? Why?
I didn't really have one. Maybe Andrew Gaze.

Biggest influence from the Wildcats?
Marcus and Wayne Pollock. Then later Peter Thompson (they were) great coaches.*Please note, I coached Daniel in Under 14's, and he was much taller than me by then, although I didn't have the impact on his game as the others, you could tell he would be great!*

Favourite Wildcats related memory?
Winning the Vic championship in U18 when I was bottom age. We beat Bulleen by 1 point.

Was college basketball always a dream? When did you know it could be a possibility?
Not always. I just realised I could continue playing basketball over there, as there’s not really anywhere to continue to, (in Australia) after U18s at a good level.

Have you encountered home sickness?
Home sickness sometimes, but I’m keep pretty busy with school and ball. And I’ve also made many new mates over here, so I’m in good company with other guys. Also have two other Aussies on my college team, so that helps.

How do you keep in touch with home and Australia in general?
I keep in touch back home over email and use iChat where I can talk over video chat.

How have you overcome/enjoyed the crowds/attention college basketball attracts?
Been good, our school has its followers, (but) it’s not as big as others. As our school is a ‘commuter college’ people don't live close by, so we struggle sometimes to get a good home crowd.

How do you handle training and doing school work?
We have study sessions every day which is organised by the coaches to make sure we are completing school work every day.

What are you studying outside of playbooks?
I’m studying for Mechanical Engineering Degree.

How did this particular school find you? (Any past Aussies that have been there?)
Through contacts in Australia as (Coach) Mike Dunlap, has Aussie connections as he coached the Adelaide 36ers here some years ago. Other Aussies that have been there are, Luke Kendal, David Barlow, Mark Worthington, Drew Williamson and present Aussies are, myself, Jesse Wagstaff and Hayden Smith.

What are your plans after College? Basketball wise and other?
I plan on completing my Degree, and hopefully continue basketball perhaps coming back home to play for an NBL side. Or some people I know have had the opportunities to go to Europe to play.

What is the best advice you were ever given regarding basketball and/or life?
You only get out what you put in.

Daniel also has earned more accolades during his young basketball career than there is space to include here, including Victorian and Australia Junior Teams. If you would like to learn more about the College that Daniel attends or the League he plays in, visit the team website, www.gometrostate.com , or if you would like to contact myself or Daniel regarding any of this information, write to;

Ryan Mobilia at
ryanmobilia@yahoo.com.au

Wildcat of the North.

By Ryan Mobilia
LUKE COOPER

Growing up in the leafy Suburb of Eltham, is so far removed from the life in Anchorage Alaska, that rarely would you ever find a connection. If Australia is known as “Down Under” then surely Alaska could be known as “Up Over”. One a small outer suburban area, where the temperature never really gets below 0 in the winter and certainly never snows, (Well, once when I was in Prep!)

Yet over the past few years the gap between the countries and cultures at opposite ends of the world, has been bridged. Through basketball in fact! And in particular Luke Cooper, a life long member of the juggernaut that is the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club, who has taken the lessons he learnt growing up in our world, across the globe to the far reaches of North America.

Alaska, known for it's isolation and cold temperatures, evokes in peoples minds igloos, hunting, and snow. But basketball?

Well he must be doing something right, as at the time of the interview Luke informed me he had been contacted and made aware of his inclusion in the Australian University Games team, and will be competing in the World Games in Bangkok this August.

Below are Luke's responses to my questions, sent via email to the States, regarding College life, Basketball, the Wildcats and Eskimos! (not really)

How old were you when you first became involved with the Wildcats?

I was 7 years of age.

Who was your biggest basketball influence growing up?

Definitely my parents.

Why?

They drove me to all of my games and were there to support me as I was growing up, whether it be through their financial support or just being there to support me. They are the reason I am here today.

Biggest influence from the Wildcats?

Peter Thompson. He coached me in under 14's and he taught me how to
compete and stay disciplined. Although some of the things he said back then
seemed stupid to me, when I look back I realise that he actually knew what he
is talking about, he is a great coach and a great guy.

Favourite Wildcats related memory?

I would say The Australia Day tournament and the friends that I have
made. The Australia Day Tournament was the most enjoyable weekend of my year
back then. Playing in the heat and being able to play against the best teams
in Australia was unbelievable and definitely something that should not be
taken for granted. I still stay in contact with guys I used to play with in
under 12's, so if not for playing basketball for Eltham then this would not
be possible.

Was college basketball always a dream? When did you know it could be a
possibility?

I don’t think it was ever a dream but always a possibility. After seeing
so many Australian players going over to play college I thought this would
be the only way I could take the next step and further my basketball
career and I feel I am on my way to doing this.

Have you encountered home sickness? How do you keep in touch with home
and Australia in general?

My first year in Alaska was the hardest of my life. It was the first
time I had ever been overseas and I was away for 8 months. To be across the
other side of the world from my family and friends and not really knowing
anyone at the start was really tough, but as I became familiar with my new
home and got to know my teammates and people in general I felt a lot more
comfortable. My freshman year (1st year) I talked to my parents 4 times a week, now
I talk to them once a week.

How have you overcome/enjoyed the crowds/attention college basketball
attracts?

It is definitely a lot different than playing Under 18's at Eltham High.
We played the University of Nevada this past season and there was 9,000
people there which made me check myself. The atmosphere was unbelievable and made
me realise how lucky I am to have the opportunity to play college basketball.

How do you handle training and doing school work? What are you studying
outside of playbooks?

It’s definitely hard to juggle my schoolwork and basketball especially
because if my grades are not up to standard then I am ineligible to
play. My time management skills have improved immensely over the past 3 years
and I have become a lot smarter and mature in establishing my priorities.
Hopefully once I have finished playing basketball over here I will have a degree
in Physical Education which will allow me to either teach back in Australia or
start coaching over here.

How did this particular school find you? (Any past Aussies that have been
there?)

I am actually the first Australian who has played at our school. After
realising college basketball was the thing for me I made a video tape
of myself playing ABA and sent it to a couple of colleges over here and
fortunately my coach liked what he saw and it was a long process from
there.

What are your plans after College? Basketball wise and other?

After my first month in Alaska I came to realise that I probably could
not live here. The climate is just not for me and I am way to far away from
my family. I am hoping that my basketball skills develop enough to be able
to come back and play in the NBL if not then I know Eltham ABA is always
there as there is no way that you will ever see me in any other colors than
the black and red.

What is the best advice you were ever given regarding basketball and/or
life?

"The harder you work the luckier you get". This advice is absolutely
true and I have seen evidence of this both over here and also back home. If
you put in the hours to become a great player there is no doubt you will be
rewarded. Success is an uncomfortable state and although it might not
feel worth it at the time, you will look back and be thankful that you put
the work in to achieve your goals.

Our school website is www.goseawolves.com. Although I have copied some
information about the year that I have just had and posted it below. I
also got a call yesterday and I have made the Australian University Games
team to play in the World Games in Bangkok in August.


Luke also has earned more accolades during his College career than there is space to include here. If you would like to learn more about the College that Luke attends or the impact that his play has had on their School and League visit the team website, www.goseawolves.com , or if you would like to contact myself or Luke regarding any of this information, write to;

Ryan Mobilia at
ryanmobilia@yahoo.com.au