Queensland Refs Selected For Exclusive NBL Camp
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. Having started on Sunday June 25, the FDP Program will aim to identify potential state and national representative athletes at an age where skill development is crucial to an athlete’s future playing career. Excitement levels are building amongst athletes, who have all expressed how much they are looking forward to playing basketball with other players the same age from around the state! In our final round of FDP interviews, we find out who inspires them and what they hope to get out of the program!
Read interviews from other players by clicking here.
Layla Cameron (Gold Coast Regional)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
I have three favourite coaches, Chris Ward and Jenny Buchbach are my rep coaches, they have taught me so much since I started playing rep basketball, mostly giving me confidence by believing in me and trusting me on the court and helping me become a better defender. My other favourite coach is Shelley Trinder, she takes me out of my comfort zone and makes me think about other positions on the court.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
I look up to my brothers Bias and Flynn the most as players, I want to be able to put their strengths as players into the way I play. I want Flynn’s offensive game and Bias’ defensive game.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I like how competitive the whole program is, at first I was very nervous because I didn’t know what to expect but once I got there and did the first session I felt more comfortable. I like learning from Mel Downer and spending time competing with the other girls.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
I’m looking forward to learning new skills and being in the camp environment, also spending time with friends from other teams that I don’t usually see a lot of.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
Using all the skills that I learn from the program to become a better player and use in my own game.
Hayden Lammon (Burdekin)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
I have had lots of great coaches who have all taught me so much, but my favourite coach is Teresa Kennedy who was my U12 Rep coach, she was strict and fun at the same time and made us a train hard. She always encouraged me to try my hardest.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Kevin Durant – he is my favourite player in the NBA.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I have really enjoyed the variety of drills in the training sessions coached by Brad, Tegan and Jody. I have learnt lots from them and I have enjoyed training with the Townsville kids who were also selected in the FDP.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
I am looking forward to training with the best U14 boys and girls in the State and making new friends.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I am hoping to learn lots of new skills so that I can be become a better basketball player and hopefully one day make a Queensland team.
Bohde Norton (University of Sunshine Coast)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
I have two favourite coaches and they are Darren Cain and Francis Moala. Darren was my first ever coach and he taught me the rules and how to play as well as teaching me the basic skills. Francis is a great coach and he helped me keep on trying to get to my full potential.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
My idol is Michael Jordan. He is my idol because he did not stop trying to do a game winning shot even if he had failed previously.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I have enjoyed the FDP because of the intensity of the drills and the other kids there are great.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Learning new skills and drills from all the new coaches and also getting to know the other players from around the state.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I hope to get better knowledge and understanding of the game and to improve my skills.
Lillyanna Edwards (South West Metro)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
Coach Steve (father) because he knows me better than any other coach, and knows how I play and like to play in terms of my ability (strength and skill wise) and always trusts me to become better and makes me work hard for things.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Kobe Bryant is my basketball idol.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
That it is ok for me to make mistakes, there are heaps of coaches that are here to help me, and others implement the training habits we are learning.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Learning new moves and meeting all the North coaches and players.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
It’s a great opportunity for me to develop my basketball skills, and become more confident on the court. Also for me to know all my roles of being a point guard.
Mason Amos (Brisbane Basketball)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
My favourite coach is Greg Popvich because he is smart with his plays and is a great coach.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
My basketball idol is Lebron James because he inspires me to keep working and learn from mistakes.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I have enjoyed the competition of the program and how fun it is. I also really enjoy learning new things.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
I’m really looking forward to having fun and getting to compete with other great players.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I’m hoping to have learnt everything I don’t know. I want to be good at every aspect of my game! (Defence, ball handling etc).
Dempsey Hall (Sunshine Coast Phoenix)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
My favourite coaches are Vern Robateau and Shaka Hatcher. I was playing in a B division school comp last year, which was one of my first ever games, when Vern asked me if I would like me to play for Phoenix which was an amazing opportunity. Throughout the season, Vern and Shaka have helped me to improve and I am extremely grateful for that.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
My favourite player is Kyrie Irving, he is an all-round great player and plays for the Cavs who are my favourite team. Although he didn’t decide to play for Australia at the Olympics, he did very well on the USA team as he is generally a great team player.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
I have enjoyed how we are introduced to drills and routines that can be easily applied to games and worked on outside of training, and can always help us improve.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
I am looking forward to improving and getting to know some of the people in the team and of course developing my skills, endurance and knowledge.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
I purely want to improve as a player and build all my skills to help me in all aspects of basketball and at all levels.
William Mahoney (Southern Districts)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
I don’t have a favourite coach but all the coaches I’ve had, have been great and have contributed to where I am now. If I had to pick one I would say my Metropolitan East Coach U12, Mr Bill Heron was fantastic because he made it fun and he still shows a general interest in my development.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Allan Iverson. This player is sensational at both end of the court. I admire his quickness and explosive speed to the hoop. I particularly like his handles and his ability to dribble and get passed defenders easily.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
Playing with the best players from south and getting to know them better. It’s also great to fill in the Saturday afternoon with well-organised sessions.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Combining the best players from south and north makes it better competition and improves the team cohesion. I am looking forward to all players getting together. A camp atmosphere is always fun and you learn a lot more in these situations.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
Learning and improving on all parts of the game.
Blake Johnson (Southern Districts)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
It is hard to say who is my favourite coach. I’ve had many good and inspiring ones. Michael Henley stands out as he was my first rep coach. He has always believed in me and still watches my games when he can and is always encouraging and helpful.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Definitely Dennis Rodman. He is known to be a legend at rebounding which inspires me to work hard on my vertical jump and my defensive game.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
Training with the next level of coaches and players is really challenging me to refine my skills on the court – both offensively and defensively. Learning how to improve my teams spacing on the floor and run plays effectively is also a really enjoyable part of the program so far.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Playing intensively with great players and being able to showcase what I’ve learned during the FDP training sessions. Plus developing new and existing friendships.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
To improve all aspects of my game – especially when playing offensively. To have fun and to further develop my intensity and passion for the basketball.
Nive Lale (South West Metro)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
Out of the vast number of coaches I’ve been mentored by, I’ve narrowed it down to three; Coach Steve Edwards, Coach Ezria Parsons and Coach Afi Laina. Each coach has taught me the fundamentals of basketball to a high level.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
A player I idolise is Stephen Curry as he is not only a great player, but also a man of commitment and shows great sportsmanship.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
One thing I’ve definitely enjoyed about the FDP is meeting new girls and being able to collaborate and interact with them.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
I’m really looking forward to bonding with the girls and getting to know them outside of their basketball lives.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
One thing I’m hoping to take away from the FDP program is training habits and to be coachable. I also want to be competitive in everything I do.
Thomas Vesperman (North Gold Coast Seahawks)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
Greg Popovich, as he develops the team offences and ball movement based on the players skills, rather than the team learning normal plays.
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Greg Hayward (Utah Jazz). He is a cool, calm & collected player. His hard work goes unnoticed. His all-round skills are great.
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
Improving my basic skills and teaching me new moves and plays.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Competing with new friends and guys I know. Shaking off the under-dog tag.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
To improve my overall skills and my ability to read the game. To develop into an all-round team player and to be the best that I can.
Ezekiel Stortenbeker (Gold Cost Regional)
Who is your favourite coach and why?
J.P – my first Gold Coast rep. coach (U12s) because he was the first coach to really believe in me and get me to progress in my skills
Who is your basketball idol (player or coach) that inspires you?
Kawai Leonard – the way he plays defence and how hard he plays on the court inspires me!
What have you enjoyed about the FDP Program so far?
Learning new things, meeting new coaches and playing with friends.
What are you looking forward to about the U14 Camp?
Playing with the best players in my age group from across the state.
What are you hoping to get out of being part of the FDP Program?
To improve on my skills for the future.
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