Former NBL, NBA player backs SA for big country basketball championships

He took on the world’s best players like Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady, now this NBL champion is aiming to deliver gold to his home state. Find out about SA Country’s NBA influence at the ACJBC.

One of Australia’s top former basketball exports will add some high-powered help to South Australia’s quest for gold in Victoria this week.

Former NBA player Luke Schenscher will be part of team SA’s coaching staff during this week’s Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup country and has backed the state for a big tournament.

Former Adelaide, Perth and Townsville NBL star Luke Schenscher has been appointed as assistant coach of the SA U16 boys side for the tournament.

SA-born Schenscher, who won an NBL championship with the Wildcats and was also named an NBA D-League all star while listed with both the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trailblazers, believed his home state could do some damage in Albury-Wodonga.

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“The boys are all super competitive and really want to do well and get better at this level,” Schenscher said.

Schenscher battles with NBA legend Allen Iverson during his time in the NBA with Chicago. Picture: File

“Preparation was really good and we’ve all been working very hard and coming together for the tournament.”

SA’s team has been stacked with talent from the state’s country regions and Schenscher has relished the opportunity to coach the stars of tomorrow.

“I’m really enjoying it – Ryan Byrne asked me to come out as an assistant during this process and I’m really appreciative of it.

“I’m just starting to get into the coaching side of things and it’s been a great experience just trying to impart my knowledge and experiences to the guys and help them with their games.

“There’s not a clear top and bottom player in our team which I think is a great sign and we’re ready to see how they go playing in a tournament at this level.”

Former NBA and NBL basketballer Luke Schenscher during his time with Southern Tigers. He will assistant coach SA this week. Picture: Mark Brake

While Schenscher said SA would be aiming to win as many games as possible this week, he believed development would be at the top of the agenda for the coaches and players.

“You come to these tournaments and everyone’s got their own reasons for being here. For us it’s about developing the players,” he said.

“Obviously when you’re competing you want to win but for us as coaches it’s about developing the players and putting them on the right path for success, not just now but in the future.

“We’re excited for the challenge ahead and we’re ready to go.”

Originally published as Former NBL, NBA player backs SA for big country basketball championships