Froling family’s pride
TOWNSVILLE basketball product Harry Froling has shown just what local talent can achieve at the top level.
The 20-year-old took out the NBL’S Rookie of the Year award on Sunday night after receiving 63 votes for his breakout 2018/19 season with the Adelaide 36ers.
The acknowledgment came after receiving the call up for the Australian Boomers squad who will be playing in the final International Basketball Federation World Cup qualifying window in Kazakhstan and Iran this weekend.
Froling was able to come back from a “lacklustre” college career to play 28 games for the 36ers, averaging 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 14.7 metres per game.
His dad Shane Froling said the achievement was made even more special after beating US import Brian Bowen of the Sydney Kings.
“It was a pretty proud moment for us to watch,” Froling said. “I think I scared half the people on the hill with my cheering.
“I think it was made all the more special after the rules were changed to include new international imports like Bowen. (Bowen) played very well this year, so it’s a big feather in Harry’s cap to have beaten him.
“Harry has worked very, very hard to get where he is and the coaching staff in Adelaide have been fantastic in harnessing his talent.”
The awards come after the young gun decided to forgo the last two years of his college eligibility after stints with MSU and Marquette before linking up with the 36ers.
His dad admitted his son’s performance at college level wasn’t great but he had improved his game since playing in the NBL.
“He did everything he could to get back to the level he’s on now,” he said.
“He’s got a lot more work to go but he’s working hard to get there.”
In receiving the award on Sunday night, Froling credited his coach for helping him get to this point.
“Just want to thank Adelaide (coach) Joey Wright for taking a chance on me,” he said on the night. “I had a lacklustre college career and Joey took a chance and gave me my first contract.”
The achievement topped off a big weekend for the Frolings, after sister Keely helped her University of Canberra Capitals claim the premiership win on Saturday.