2019 State Performance Program (SPP) Athlete Announcement
The Future Development Program (FDP) is the entry-level tier of the High Performance Program for athletes aged 12 – 13 years of age. The program focuses on the identification, support and development of athletes and on the development of aspiring elite coaches. The program aims to identify potential state and national representative athletes at an age where skill development is crucial to an athlete’s future playing career. We sent interview questions to all athletes selected in this year’s program to find out a little bit more about who motivates and inspires them on the basketball court and what they hope to get out of the program. This is the second round of interviews from our 2017 FDP athletes with more to come next week!
Andria Heard (Cairns Basketball)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
My 2 most favourite coaches are my under 14 Dolphins coach Amy Fearne and my first rep coach that I had in under 12s Myra Donkin. Both coaches made me work hard so that I can reach my goals step by step. They are always positive and encouraging towards pushing myself harder in training because they believe in me and help me to believe in myself. They give me confidence towards my game.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Myra Donkin – Myra is currently playing in the women’s Cairns Dolphins team. She is a quick guard who penetrates the ball and forces turnovers in defence. She made me realise that basketball isn’t just about offence because strong defence wins games. She is a strong leader and cheers her team off and on the court. She has a good work ethic and encourages me keep my head up high and keep going.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
So far, I have enjoyed the competitive high intense training sessions and learning new skills. I am enjoying my FDP coaching from both Kerry and Amy.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
I am so exited for the U14 camp because I wont to learn new individual and team concepts. I’m really looking forward to being physically challenged to improve my fitness and mental toughness. I’m excited to meet new people at the camp, and making new friendships.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I am aiming to become a stronger basketball player by training hard during the FDP sessions.
Baden Robinson (Mackay Basketball)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
My favourite coach is Phil Walters, he encouraged me to never give u
p and give it my all regardless of the outcome.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Charles Barkley was undersized for his position but still achieved greatness. He had extraordinary all round skills and was an awesome rebounder. He is one of the all-time great NBA players.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I enjoy the intense and challenging training sessions. They are not only fun but also are improving my skills and fitness levels.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Training and playing with the best U14 boys in the state. Having the top coaches to learn from and improve with.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I hope to improve and develop my skills and create a deeper understanding of the game.
Destiny Mino (Southern Districts)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
Aja, because when I started training with her she improved my skills by a lot, she is encouraging, pushes you to do your best and challenges you.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
My basketball idol is Aja because of the way she plays and sees the court when dribbling down the court.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
Meeting new people with many good skills, learning new skills and the keys to training.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
I’m looking forward to developing my skills and learning new things.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
Developing into a professional basketball player and hopefully play for the Australia team one day.
Javarne Hunt (Logan Basketball)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
John Taia – he’s a strict coach. I like strict coaches. He makes us learn our plays and do them.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Steph Curry because he’s a good shooter.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
The coach because she’s strict like John and our drills.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Meeting new people.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
Improve my ball handling skills and shoot better. To make the Queensland team.
Olivia McGrath (Southern Districts)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
My favourite coach is Lloyd Whyte who was my u14 Titans coach this year. He gave me lots of responsibility on the court which made me a better player.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
My basketball idol is LeBron because I’m a huge Cavs fan! I like LeBron also because he always tries to lead his team to victory and I hope that can be me one day.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I have enjoyed getting to meet new girls who are great players and training at a high intensity.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Making more friends, training with a wide group of girls and getting better at basketball.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I hope to become a better basketball player, improve my fundamentals and defence, and have a great time whilst doing it!
Jayden Harris-Wihongi (Northside Wizards) 
Who is your favourite coach and why?
Mik Scott, he has taught me a lot and is also very funny.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Lebron James.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
Making new friends and learning new drills.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Making more new friends and learning from great coaches
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
To become a better basketball player
Casey Dunn (Rockhampton Basketball)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
Bri and Michelle Bailey, they both pushed me physically and mentally to achieve my goals.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Briana Bailey.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
The fact the training is pushing me to be a better player.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Meeting other players and learning new skills.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
Learn to push my boundaries and to step out of my comfort zone.
Liam Monk (North Gold Coast Seahawks)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
My favourite coach is Brendan, because if you do something wrong or incorrect, he shows you exactly how to do it.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Jimmy Butler because he went from living on the street, to an NBA All-Star.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
Competing against all the best players.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Meeting all the other kids from North Queensland.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
To become a better player, and continue developing my skillset, whilst also meeting other players.
Hayley Olding (Cairns Basketball)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
I have two coaches who have helped shape who I am today as a basketball athlete. The first is Brian Waters. He was my coach with the U12 Dolphins. He was very hard, but taught me to be resilient and helped us to be fit. The second coach who is my favourite would be my current and most influential coach since starting basketball in 2015. This coach is Amy Fearne. Amy has always encouraged me and has helped me reach my potential by letting me know that I can do it. I think that Amy is an excellent coach for young girls.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Myra Moore is my basketball idol that inspires me. She always commits 100%, she never has a ‘give up’ attitude and she believes in herself no matter what.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
So far I have enjoyed the intensity and the challenges. I really enjoy the fact that I am involved with a smaller group of like-minded athletes.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Meeting new people and being able to be apart of this program so I can continue to grow as a basketball athlete.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I am hoping that this program will help me to get better at dribbling, passing and being faster on my feet. I am excited at the prospect that this program may help me to achieve my goal of playing for Queensland.
Reagan Crees (Cairns Basketball)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
My favourite coach is my Marlins Coach, Brett Toombs. He understands what it is like for bigs on the court and inspires me to try harder every time I step on the court.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Jimmy Butler. He was homeless at 13, and showed courage and determination to become an NBA star.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I enjoy working with new coaches and learning new skills.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Meeting new people who will help push me to be better. It’s always good to have a variety of people to work with who might see something different in your game.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
Hopefully I will become better physically and mentally, which I hope will translate to my improved performance on the court.
If you are part of the 2017 FDP Program and would like to feature in our 2017 FDP Athlete Interview series, please email [email protected]
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