Savannah Pride member Mohamed Karkoun from Blacktown to attend US basketball clinic

BLACKTOWN resident Mohamed Karkoun has his eyes on the top prize in the NBA, and his first step is to get scouted in the US.

Mohamed Karkoun, 20, has secured a basketball scholarship to the US in Virginia, hoping to get a shot at the big leagues. Picture: Peter Kelly

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MOHAMED Karkoun is among tall company. The 20-year-old Blacktown resident is one of a growing list of former Blacktown PCYC members who are getting a kickstart on their NBA career.

The Savannah Pride team based in western Sydney has produced dozens of basketball talent who have received scholarships for US high schools and universities, with Karkoun hoping to add his name to the list.

“Every game I play I know there’ll be a scout watching,” Karkoun said. “I’ve got to really concentrate on that and on being the best I can.”

The 6’4” shooting guard wants to be one of the few Australian players chosen for the international scholarship.

Karkoun has the potential to join Savannah Pride alums, including Miami Hurricanes’ Deng Gak, his brother and Florida Gators player Gorjak Gak, Portland Pilots’ Chier Maker, University of Southern Illinois’ Bill Awet, and Makuei Puondak with the Minnesota State Mavericks.

Mohamed Karkoun began training with the Savannah Pride basketball team. Picture: Peter Kelly

Savannah Pride basketball coaches, Acuouth Acol, Mayor Changi and Deng Acuoth. Picture: Supplied

“I know I want to do this,” Karkoun said. “I don’t want to rush anything or be too eager, but my mum and I have been praying that I get this shot.”

Karkoun is in Virginia in the US for the basketball clinic tour, a goal he has been striving for since 2013.

“I started with Blacktown PCYC four years ago,” Karkoun said. “To get exposure and give it 110 per cent is all I ever wanted.

“When I’m on the court, that’s where I’m happiest and if someone will see me playing and want to give me a division one or division two scholarship that would be everything.”

It was a team effort to get Karkoun the funds to make the flight to the clinic, with Joanne Tau from Blacktown’s PCYC pitching in with the help of Seven Hills Toongabbie RSL’s Sponsor a Youth initiative.

“Jo helped me out a lot,” Karkoun said. “A few months before the clinic we were worried we wouldn’t have the money to go, but they were really great in getting the sponsorship to help me out.”