Brisbane Bullets’ Spanish-born Next Star Tom Digbeu hasn’t lost focus on his NBA dream

Tom Digbeu admits he has faced challenges in the NBL, but Brisbane Bullets' Next Star remains focused on his NBA dream after a recent uptick in form.

When Brisbane Bullets’ Spanish-born Next Star Tom Digbeu finds the bright lights of professional basketball overwhelming, he contacts his father.

Digbeu’s dad Alain was a successful hoops star in his own right.

He was drafted in the NBA by the Atlanta Hawks in 1997 before leaving without playing a game and going on to enjoy a successful European career, winning championships and MVP honours.

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Digbeu has long aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps, but injury in the past two seasons has prevented him from nominating for the NBA draft.

“It has been tough,” said Digbeu, a small forward who is currently ranked 77th in ESPN top 100 prospects for the 2022 NBA draft.

Tom Digbeu showed off his athleticism with a huge jam against Melbourne United.

“I’ve been wanting to go to the draft for the past two years, but I got injured both summers and that is why I couldn’t go.

“Dad used to play at many levels, so when I was growing up, I started to realise I could also be good at basketball.

“I want to take my own path to the NBA, but dad has definitely helped me throughout my career.”

Digbeu has again relied heavily on his father’s devoted support as he navigates a challenging NBL maiden season.

The 20-year-old has struggled to consistently produce his best, averaging just two points, and shooting 33 per cent from the field.

Digbeu had five consecutive DNP’s before producing his finest game of the season against competition leaders Melbourne United in round 14.

He played a season-high 23 minutes, dropping 11 points and adding three rebounds.

Digbeu is figuring out what it takes to be a pro. Picture: Getty Images

Bullets coach James Duncan praised Digbeu post-game, but urged him to consistently maintain the high standard.

“Tom in the last week or so has been really working hard in practice and trying to get playing time,” Duncan said.

“We are obviously loaded at the guard spot but with injuries he was able to get an opportunity and he grabbed the opportunity and played really well.

“Now the challenge is to repeat the performances and continue to do that day in and day out.

“That is coming to work and playing hard. He is a young man who is still learning the game and trying to be a professional basketball player and that is what we are helping him to do.”

Digbeu is proud of the way he has pushed through limited game time as he attempts to impress coming off the bench.

“Yeah, that (resilience) is something I’ve learnt over time,” he said.

“When I was younger, I didn’t realise that you have to keep working. I’ve been playing with pros for four or five years, so I know what it takes and what you have to do to gain what I want on the future.

“I feel like this season has been really good to learn more about the game.

“Some of my teammates have played in the NBA or professionally in other leagues, so that has helped me a lot.

“I’ve had some up and downs with my playing time, but I’ve just kept practising hard and I feel like now my time is coming.”

Brisbane Bullets’ Next Star Tom Digbeu has faced his challenges, but he remains focused on his NBA draft dream. Photo: Getty Images.

Digbeu previously played professional basketball in Lithuania, where he kitted up for BC Prienai. As a junior, he was a member of FC Barcelona’s basketball academy.

He rates the NBL just behind his time in Europe with Barcelona.

“I learnt a lot in Barcelona, and I’d say the Bullets is the second team where I’ve learnt the most because of all the experience that the players have,” he said.

“It is a bit more physical in the Australian league compared to Europe, but I like the style because there is a lot of running and that is how I like to play.

“I really like the way the NBL plays its basketball.”

Digbeu, who is eligible to play international basketball for Spain and France due to family connections, remains focused on June’s NBA draft.

He hopes to climb as high up the rankings as possible to fulfil his draft dreams.

“That is my main goal – that is why started playing basketball to play in the NBA,” he said.

“Two years ago, I was really nervous about it (the NBA), but now I just want to play my game, be the best I can and whatever happens, happens.”

Originally published as Brisbane Bullets’ Spanish-born Next Star Tom Digbeu hasn’t lost focus on his NBA dream