Teen star heading to US college
As Kiwi schoolboy hoops sensation Kruz Perrott-Hunt wryly notes, ‘‘basketball never stops’’.
Not for him anyway, with a year of big moments on the hardwood continuing to net the high points for the 17-year-old Rosmini College standout.
Already this year Perrott-Hunt has tucked away back-to-back national schoolboys titles with his Auckland institution, finished runnerup at the Fiba Asia Cup (and qualified for the World Cup) with the Junior Tall Blacks, landed a Breakers development spot, been named best defensive player at the Nike Asia camp in China and become the latest junior prodigy to be promoted to Paul Henare’s national senior squad.
Now, to cap it all, he has secured himself a full scholarship at NCAA division one college the University of South Dakota.
‘‘Basketball never stops for me. I love it,’’ he tells Stuff.
Perrott-Hunt, who was named this week in Paul Henare’s 14-strong Tall Blacks squad to prepare for the next Fiba World Cup qualifying window, learned soon after sitting his year-end business studies exam that he would be heading to South Dakota to play his college hoops.
Life has certainly been flowing by at a rapid clip for the impressive shooting guard who made his visit to the campus just last weekend, and was clearly impressed with what he saw, announcing his intention to commit for 2019 in the immediate aftermath.
The Coyotes made it clear from the outset of the recruiting process they were keen on the young New Zealander, and as soon as he saw with his own eyes what was on offer he jumped at the chance. Never mind that other schools were also showing interest.
‘‘I was really impressed with the coaching setup, the facilities and the atmosphere around the team and the campus,’’ he said.
‘‘It will be an ideal environment to pursue my academic studies as well as develop as a player.’’
It also helped Perrott-Hunt’s decision that former Australian NBL sharpshooter Brad Davidson is an assistant coach in South Dakota and further underlined a feeling of comfort for the young Kiwi.
‘‘Coach Davidson was a terrific shooter and I’m sure his knowledge will help me refine my shooting game. He kinda influenced the decision,’’ added Perrott-Hunt.
The youngster hopes to study sports psychology at South Dakota when he starts midway through next year, though admits his ultimate goal is to kick on to a career in pro hoops.
He has had a lot of highlights in 2018, but considers his Tall Blacks squad callup the ultimate honour. His next aim there is to hopefully make the final cut for action at the end of the month.