Joel’s American dream

By Tania Martin
KILSYTH Cobras’ NBA hopeful, Joel Naburgs, has won a coveted American college basketball scholarship.
The 18-year-old has signed with Stetson University (the Hatters) in a move that will see him living his dream.
The 192cm point guard has proven himself at both ends of the court.
Last season, Naburgs averaged 23 points a game while taking five rebounds and two assists.
He also took home the 2008 Big V Youth League Most Valuable Player award.
The Hatters head coach Derek Waugh announced Naburgs scholarship in December.
Waugh said the rising point-guard had shown promise in all areas of his game.
“Obviously he can score, but I think he will be a very good defender for us,” he said.
“He has been very well coached and I think he will be able to step in and contribute quickly.”
Naburgs first stepped onto the court when he was just 12 and has never looked back.
He started as a fill in but soon formed a passion for the game.
Naburgs said winning the scholarship was a dream come true.
He was shocked to learn in December that he was at the top of the list for selectors.
Waugh came over to see Naburgs in action last year, which was all it took to sign the upcoming guard.
“I was shocked,” Naburgs said.
But, the scholarship was about more than putting on a good performance on the court.
Naburgs had to make sure his grades were up to scratch.
Cobras’ director of coaching Rod Popp said Naburgs has the chance to become an exceptional athlete.
“The coaches came and liked what they saw and the rest was up to Naburgs,” he said.
“He worked hard academically … these colleges require the grades to match the athletic ability … he got his grades up and it all worked out.”
Popp said Naburgs also showed great potential to be a leader on and off the court.
“He’s good at a bit of everything … he’s a good shooter and defender,” he said.
Naburgs is now looking forward to the next chapter in his exciting basketball career. He will move to Florida in August to take up his post with the Hatters.
Naburgs said he is a little apprehensive about moving to a new country but at the same time excited to take up the challenge.