College is the future for driven TSS talent
HARRY Blair knows that he’s got a long way to go if he’s to achieve his childhood dream of playing college basketball in the US.
The Southport School First V player spent the weeks leading up to the GPS basketball season in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on an AUSA basketball tour – a venture that helps provide opportunities for young talents – in a bid to boost his university prospects.
After playing against some of the best teams in America and having nearly 600 college scouts on hand to watch two prestigious tournaments, Blair realised his American dream would require hard work to become a reality.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a young kid,” the 16-year-old power forward said. “It showed me how much I need to work to make it over there.
“It was 10 times faster than basketball games here and everyone can shoot.
“It’s so competitive.” Blair, 195cm tall, said he’d have to work harder than most to crack the college system; he begun emailing colleges last year when he was a member of the First V as a Year 10 student.
“You have to constantly email as many colleges as you can and make a shortlist of schools you want to attend and send out tape of yourself playing,” he said.
While TSS are still chasing their first win of the GPS basketball season, Blair believes his side were a good chance to get it done against Toowoomba Grammar School today (1pm) away from home.
“I’m confident about this weekend and think we’re a really good chance against Toowoomba,” he said.
“If we start off strong and finish the same way then I think we can get it done.”