Under 20 Australian Junior Championships Prospects Review

Written for NBL.com.au by Michael Houben

Year after year, the Under 20 National Junior Championships foreshadow the NBL’s stars of tomorrow. Of those who participated in Australia’s premier junior event last year, six players would find themselves signed to NBL21 rosters, including Taine Murray (Breakers), Tamuri Wigness (Brisbane), Blake Jones (Brisbane), Luke Travers (Perth), and most notably, Josh Giddey (Adelaide).

Outside of the typically elite NBA Global Academy, who went unbeaten despite fielding a team primarily of Under 18 eligible youngsters, the competition was wide open. With the Global Academy ineligible for the title due to their status as a invitational team, it was Queensland that would take home gold, thanks to a herculean effort by Global Academy graduate Blake Jones, complemented by a deep roster that included son of a gun Max Mackinnon, Boston Mazlin, Preston Le Gassick and Harrison Rouhliadeff.

With the 2021 event coming to a close, here’s a look at some of our country's brightest stars who could end up as future NBL Next Stars, as well as a check-in on the performance of some of the NBL’s existing young talent who participated as well as potential NBL players of the future.

Potential Next Stars and Current NBL Development Players

Potential Next Stars

Dyson Daniels - 6’6, PG/SG, Victoria 

16.6ppg, 8.6rpg, 4.8apg, 2.4spg, 0.6bpg, 53.9 FG%, 36.4 3PT%

There was no player coming into this year’s tournament with higher expectations than Dyson Daniels. The guard’s stock has been steadily rising since becoming the Centre of Excellence’s lead guard over the past year, helped by performances such as his 23-point outing for Australia in their Oceania Qualifier earlier this year. As a result, he’s currently ranked #16 on ESPN’s 2022 Mock Draft.

Starring for Victoria Metro, Daniels has lived up to every bit of the hype. Finishing with averages of 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game on over 53% from the field, Daniels did it all whilst flashing a vastly improved physical profile that looks ready to compete with the pro’s.

While his shooting remains an area for growth, the small sample we got was positive, finishing 6/19 (36.3%) from three point range. Given his ability to impact the game in nearly every other area, developing this aspect of his game will ultimately decide his ceiling long term and catapult him into an echelon of prospect similar to that of Josh Giddey right now.

With rumors linking Daniels to the NBL, he will face the tough choice of following the path of Giddey and Mojave King, or entertaining the extensive Division 1 college interest he’s receiving. Having practiced with Melbourne United at times this season, and seeing Giddey’s incredible success this year, suiting up for his home-town team as an NBL22 Next Star would be my hot tip for Daniels landing spot next season.

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David Okwera - 6’11, PF/C, Western Australia Black

10.2ppg, 8.3rpg, 2apg, 1.2spg, 0.7bpg, 41.4 FG%, 30.8 3PT%

Barely known by evaluators only a couple of years ago, Okwera burst to prominence at last year’s event as a standout for Victoria A. Now representing Western Australia Black, Okwera has truly come into his own, demonstrating an immeasurable improvement from the year prior.

At 6’11, Okwera moves exceptionally well, with the speed and lateral quickness of a guard that allows him to both protect the rim and switch on to guards with ease. Offensively, his rare ability to grab and go with the ball in his hands has now expanded to include a legitimate ability to shoot off the dribble, and his developed frame has him finishing above the rim more than ever before.

Okwera has often been considered a player of ‘raw potential’, but with every passing event, that potential appears to be swiftly translating to success. Though his production scoring the ball was mixed, his efficiency struggled as a result of some tough spacing and a heavy offensive burden. Okwera did however, show enough flashes of brilliance to inspire great hopes for the future.

Despite fielding Division 1 college offers from Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Portland, Maryland and many more, Okwera announced late last month his intentions to play professionally. Whether as a Next Star or in a development player role, Okwera has immense long term potential, and it appears likely we’ll have first row seats to his further growth should he join an NBL roster next season.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZYb_WBUJx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZYb_WBUJx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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Tyrese Proctor - 6’4, PG/SG, NBA Global Academy

13.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6apg, 0.8topg, 45.9 FG%, 41.4 3PT%

As possibly the best player on the best team in the competition, it’s hard to understate Tyrese Proctor’s ability. It becomes even more undeniable when you realize he’s doing it playing up an age group, having only turned 17 at the start of the month.

After dominating the Under 18 event in April as New South Wales’ lead guard, Proctor has adapted well to his new star-studded Global Academy entourage, running the offense whilst still managing to find his looks offensively. Impressively, he’s been able to find ways to influence the game when his shot hasn’t been dropping as well, crashing the glass hard to the tune of 5.8 boards a game.

At 6’4, Proctor is developing the size to play at either guard position at the professional level, and with an uncanny ability to find his shots and make jumpers off the dribble, the early estimation is that that next level could eventually be the NBA. In the meantime, Proctor will continue to develop at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, where the talent pipeline keeps building it’s impressive list of alumni.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyrese Proctor - enough said. <a href="https://t.co/F3Yj7Wk4Mj">pic.twitter.com/F3Yj7Wk4Mj</a></p>&mdash; Michael Houben (@michaelhoub) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelhoub/status/1389792650664943617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Currently Signed NBL Development Players

Sejr Deans - 6’2, PG/SG, Tasmania

13.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, 43.3 FG%, 44 3PT%

It was a slow start for Sejr Deans, going 9/30 from the field over his first three games, but he saved his best basketball for last, with 17 and 23 point performances against WA and NSW White to finish off the tournament.

With a strong frame and hard-nosed approach to the game, Deans impact is felt regardless of his scoring proclivity, getting into opposition guards defensively and acting as an offensive foil to the high volume play of back-court teammates Taran Armstrong and Reyne Smith.

Previously citing shooting as an area for improvement, the 18 year old went an encouraging 11/25 from three over the event, shooting 44% from three. Should this be a sustainable improvement, it increases the guard’s ability to provide an impact at higher levels of play mightily.

Deans was recently announced as the Tasmania JackJumpers inaugural player signing. As a lead-in to his college career, which continues to be his intention despite no commitment at this stage,  it’s great to see the new franchise supporting local players. Before he dons a JackJumper uniform, however, you can catch him playing for the North-West Thunder in NBL1 South.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?PLAYER SIGNING?<br><br>We’ve signed our first player! <br><br>Welcome to the JackJumpers Sejr Deans.<br><br>18 year old Tasmanian <a href="https://twitter.com/DeansSejr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeansSejr</a> has been signed as a development player for the 2021/22 season. <br><br>?? <a href="https://t.co/XMu8pZaip8">pic.twitter.com/XMu8pZaip8</a></p>&mdash; Tasmania JackJumpers ? (@JackJumpers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackJumpers/status/1382114866983366658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Jaylin Galloway - 6’6, SG/SF, NBA Global Academy

2/ 3 FG, 6 points and 3 rebounds in 14 minutes of play

Dealing with a minor ankle injury coming into the event, Jaylin Galloway only suited up for three games in limited minutes for the NBA Global Academy, but his brief cameo for the team was enough to reinforce hopes for a bright future.

Like his older brother Kyrin, who currently plays for the New Zealand Breakers, Jaylin is Australian despite spending time growing up and developing in the US High School system, where he played for ‘The Skills Factory’ alongside recent Adelaide 36er’s signee Kai Sotto.

Now back home, he is currently a development player for Sydney, with the 18 year old even logging some minutes for the injury-depleted Kings roster this year. While it hasn’t been enough of an opportunity to show his ability, Galloway should eventually shine through his combination of positional size, above the rim athleticism and dead-eye shooting.

Recently announced as a client with Mogul Sports Group, it appears Galloway will continue to develop in the NBL instead of going down the collegiate pathway.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Athlete Profile - Jaylin Galloway <br>Representing the NBA Global Academy at this year’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusChamps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusChamps</a>, Jaylin Galloway shares insights into his versatile playing style, his respect for LeBron&#39;s game and his desire to go Pro.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreBasketbal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreBasketbal</a> <a href="https://t.co/7H04OKrfGy">pic.twitter.com/7H04OKrfGy</a></p>&mdash; Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/BasketballAus/status/1390154418700574724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Blake Jones - 6’10, PF/SF, Queensland

20ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, 1.6bpg, 49.4 FG%, 33.3 3PT%

Already with the Brisbane Bullets this year and with a commitment to join Nate Tomlinson and staff at Mason University locked in, there’s not a whole lot for Blake Jones to play for at this point, yet he still managed to return and carry Queensland all the way to the final against the NBA Global Academy.

While his team didn’t require a heavy load from Jones in many of their games due to a handful of blow-out victories, Jones still managed to average 20 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. His production, combined with the fact he led his team to gold, resulted in Jones being awarded the Bob Staunton medal, presented to the event’s most valuable player. Having also taken home the award in last year’s event, Jones would become only the second player in U20 AusChamps history to win two. The other? Patty Mills.

At 6’10, Jones is an exceptionally fluid athlete, and demonstrates a well-rounded offensive game with the ability to score inside, shoot from behind the arc, and take less mobile players off the dribble. Logging 3.4 assists a game, Jones also possesses remarkable versatility, and once his wiry frame fills out, his talent should take him far.

Finishing off his junior career in style, expect Jones to accrue plenty more accolades as his career continues to progress.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A massive congratulations to our very own Blake Jones, who becomes just the second player to ever win the Bob Staunton Medal TWICE at the <a href="https://twitter.com/BasketballAus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BasketballAus</a> U20 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusChamps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusChamps</a> ??<br><br>The first was <a href="https://twitter.com/Patty_Mills?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Patty_Mills</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/AqMU5R4Vr2">pic.twitter.com/AqMU5R4Vr2</a></p>&mdash; Basketball Queensland (@basketballqld) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketballqld/status/1390842417352364033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Potential NBL Players of the Future

Joshua Duach - 6’6, SG/PG, Victoria 

9ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.4apg, 2.2spg, 50 FG%

With Centre of Excellence duo Dyson Daniels and Patrick Ryan ahead of him in the depth chart, having Iona commit Joshua Duach coming off the bench was an absolute luxury for Victoria Metro.

His best performance came against NSW White, where Duach exploded for 24 points on an efficient 11 of 14 from the field.

At 6’6, Duach can play either guard position, with a poised offensive game that belies his maturity, and a tenacious defensive presence that overwhelms opposition guards. 

While his short-term future will be with the Gael’s, Duach’s long term goal, sans the NBA, is to come back home and make a name for himself in the NBL. Hopefully, after years of tutelage under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, he’ll be ready to make a big impact once that time comes.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COj9jdlJhCW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COj9jdlJhCW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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Keanu Rasmussen - 6’2, PG/SG, South Australia Red

14.2ppg, 5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.8spg, 34.7 FG%

On a loaded South Australia Red squad that is so deep it has three Global Academy/Centre of Excellence players coming off it’s bench (Aime Rutayisire, Fiston Ipassou and Lachlan Olbrich), Rasmussen stands out as the most polished contributor of the bunch.

Sometimes overshadowed by what is an incredibly deep class of guard prospects, Rasmussen is a sharpshooting combo guard that can shoot at a high level and get into the paint with his exceptional first step. Though somewhat undersized, his skill and athleticism allow him to be a dynamic offensive threat.

Unfortunately, Rasmussen’s shot abandoned him this tournament, shooting 34.7% from the field and a particularly uncharacteristic 5/29 (20%) from three. He still managed to impress with his ability to get to and finish at the rim, and the flashes of advanced shot-making were there so much so that he still managed to lead SA Red in scoring, so expect this to be nothing but a blip on the radar for someone with an incredible promising future.

Another factor boding well for Rasmussen is his form in NBL1 Central thus far. Over his first four games, Rasmussen is averaging 14.3 points per game on 54% from the field for the Sturt Sabres, making him a must-track prospect for the rest of the season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keanu Rasmussen takes it ALL THE WAY to the bucket! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL1Central?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL1Central</a> <a href="https://t.co/s6PQm9tNQt">pic.twitter.com/s6PQm9tNQt</a></p>&mdash; NBL1 (@NBL1) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL1/status/1383387787815129089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Taran Armstrong - 6’5, PG, Tasmania

15.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.6spg, 1bpg 47.1 FG%, 33.3% 3PT

Of Tasmania’s talented back-court trio, Taran Armstrong may be the most well rounded. Always a steady floor general and crafty scorer, the point guard now stands at 6’5, and his ever-increasing stature has created a point of difference that gives him the edge against opposition guards. 

Armstrong used his size to score efficiently (47% FG) inside the arc and dominate the boards with a whopping 9.4 rebounds a game. Averaging over a steal and a block a game, his dimensions would also prove to be a difference maker on the defensive end of the court.

Armstrong can be found suiting up for the North-West Tasmania Thunder in NBL1 South this season. Starting at point guard for the side, there’ll be plenty more of Armstrong to watch before he heads to Cal Baptist University next season.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZ_lRgA1Cz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZ_lRgA1Cz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZ_lRgA1Cz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Baseline Hoops (@baseline.hoops)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Reyne Smith - 6’1, SG/PG, Tasmania

23.2ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, 41.9 FG%, 33.3 3PT%, 90.9 FT%

If you didn’t get the memo watching him drop 22 points in Australia’s FIBA Oceania Qualifier against New Zealand earlier this year, Reyne Smith is a bucket.

The most potent scorer of his age lived up to his reputation, finishing with 23.2 points per contest, #1 in the competition. His tournament was highlighted by a 33 point outburst against New South Wales White, which included 6 triples.

Though undersized for the shooting guard position, Smith is a scoring guard through and through. His ability to shoot on or off the ball, run around screens and release on the move, as well as pull-up from well beyond the three point line, makes Smith a lethal offensive weapon.

Smith will be following the lead of fellow Australian’s Xavier Cooks and Kyle Zunic, having committed to Charleston University for the 2021-2022 season. With his ready made scoring skill-set, expect his game to make waves at the college level sooner rather than later.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZadujh4DC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZadujh4DC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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Evan Kilminster - 6’3, PG, New South Wales Blue

16.2ppg, 5rpg, 3.5apg, 2spg, 37.5 FG%, 34.6 3PT%

It speaks to the absolute depth of guard talent in this year’s crop that yet another point guard deserves a shout-out. Kilminster, who joined the Centre of Excellence last year, had a big load to shoulder for New South Wales Blue, and while his efficiency may have suffered due to the offensive volume, it was also the green light needed for him to flash the extent of his capabilities.

Demonstrating a shifty handle and some impressive shot-making off the dribble, Kilminster thrived as an on-ball creator, finishing as the events 6th top scorer. While he would shoot a modest 34.6% from three over his 6 appearances, such a proficiency given the nature of his attempts, many off the dribble, is a credit to his shooting versatility.

He also proved to be an absolute pest on the defensive end, logging 2 steals a game.

It wasn’t enough to get his team past the pool games, but it was enough to help put his name on the map, as it was his most impressive Australian Junior Championships to date.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZ1aQ4hFcU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZ1aQ4hFcU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZ1aQ4hFcU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Basketball Australia Pathways (@bapathways)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>


Fiston Ipassou - 6’5, SG/SF, South Australia Red

11.6ppg, 5rpg, 2.2apg, 0.8spg, 41.5 FG%, 36.4 3PT%

Recently moving to the Centre of Excellence, Fiston Ipassou is brimming with potential. The 6’5 wing is one of the most explosive players of his age in the country, and was able to provide South Australia Red with an athletic, two-way presence throughout the tournament, locking up opposition perimeter players on defense and relentlessly slashing to the hoop offensively. Despite a shooting form that continues to be a work in progress, he also managed to shoot an encouraging 8/22 (36%) from 3 point range.

Ipassou saved his best performance for last this year, scoring a game high 21 points, along with 10 rebounds and 5 assists against a star studded Victorian lineup.. It was in a losing effort, but the flashes of potential are exhilarating, and his exceptional physical tools make him one to keep an eye on long-term, specifically as his skill-set develops over in Canberra.

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Bol Dengdit - 6’9, C/PF, Victoria Metro

13.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, 0.6bpg, 54.35 FG%, 37.5 3PT%

Behind Blake Jones and David Okwera, it’s hard to find a big that made more of an impact than former Longhorn product Bol Dengdit. Playing Robyn to Dyson Daniel’s Batman, the two would make for a lethal pick and roll combination and lead their team to a silver medal finish.

Dengdit possesses a versatile offensive game, able to score inside whilst flashing glimpses of an increasingly promising jumper, going 3/8 from three and 13/17 (76%) from the line. Improving with every game, Dengdit’s ultimate impression would come in their final medal clinching game against South Australia Red, where his line of 20 points and 8 rebounds would be highlighted with a big jam on Aime Rutayisire (shown below).

Coming to Australia from South Sudan at the age of 12, Dengdit had never played basketball prior. His late-blooming rise to prominence may hit a new peak this July, as he aspires to represent Australia in the 2021 Under 19 World Cup this July. With this year’s Australian Junior Championship performance now under his belt, it seems he’s put himself in a great position to do so.

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