Tall lesson for young basketball hopefuls

By Casey Neill
KNOX Basketball After-Schools Program participants received a treat when the Victorian Under 20 State Team led one of their sessions last month.
Knox Basketball development coordinator Tony Smyth received ‘phenomenal’ feedback on the session from the kids and their parents.
“You’ve got two guys that stand over seven feet tall and some of the best talents in Australia running around like they were six year olds again,” he said.
“The state guys were fantastic for the kids and will be great ambassadors for our sport for many more years to come.”
The 10 players were due to play an exhibition game against American college team Nicholls State University just an hour later.
Most of the team will head to the US in six weeks time to take up full athletic scholarships with American colleges in the world’s premier amateur basketball league, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The after-school program is an introduction to basketball aimed at primary school aged children and has been running for 10 years.
Senior Knox Raiders players and coaches teach kids the fundamentals of the game at Boronia’s Knox Converse Stadium on Monday and Wednesday nights.
“The level of coaching that these kids receive each week is really putting them in good stead as they progress further along with their basketball,” Smyth said.
Anyone who would like more information on the Knox Basketball After-Schools Program can call 9762 1298 or email tony @knoxbasketball.com.au.