TAKING OFF
Spurgin’s bags packed for Utah following delay
BASKETBALL: Jason Spurgin is set to begin the next phase of his basketball journey in the United States.
The talented centre will head abroad today, where he will join NCAA division one school Southern Utah University.
Originally the Mountaineers
QBL and Queensland U20s representative was set to fly out in May, however the global pandemic put a temporary halt to his plans.
Issues have since been resolved, and with plans for games to go ahead, Spurgin is set to embark on a new adventure.
“I’m feeling very excited. It’s been a while since I planned to go over, but there’s a relief that I can get over there,” Spurgin said.
“The plan was to head over in May, start schooling over the summer semester and then be over there for the pre-season.
“I was a bit worried at times. We had to get through a few more processes and get exemptions approved.
“I was worried that I wouldn’t get over there this year, but our coaches said players are allowed to come.”
While the formation of the season is still to be confirmed, Spurgin said he is excited to be able to take in a new perspective on both the game and life.
“So far the season is a bit up in the air. The pre-season is still starting in August so that’s why coaches wanted us over there in the next few weeks,” he said.
“They want to play a full season. There’s talk of the season only being in-conference with no out of conference visitors.
“I want to cement myself in the program and I want to get a lot out of this experi
ence in America.
“The chance to experience new things with basketball and my teammates. One of my main things is to get a different perspective on how things are.”
Kabe Cicolini coached Spurgin during his time at Toowoomba Grammar, and said catching the eye of NCAA scouts came down to an exemplary work ethic.
“This is all based on Jason’s ability to work hard and stay focused,” Cicolini said.
“It doesn’t matter which league he’s working in or who he’s working with.
“He’s come a long way since I started working with him in Year 10.
“He was a long and tall athletic body. His attention to detail is of the highest calibre, as is his ability to pick up high motor skills and nuances of the game.
“With his QBL playing time, he showed what he can do against international players. He held his own and isn’t one to shy away from a challenge mentally or physically.”