Roman Siulepa takes major step towards basketball dreams after NBA Global Academy selection
Passing up a potential rugby union career, this imposing Brisbane teenager could be Australia’s next NBA star after joining some of the world’s top juniors at the NBA Global Academy.
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Forget the All Blacks, meet the 200cm and 100kg Brisbane “beast” who has passed on a potential rugby union career to chase his NBA dreams.
The high-flying and physically imposing Roman Siulepa is the latest Queenslander to be identified as an NBA prospect after being selected to attend the NBA Global Academy in Canberra.
The Global Academy is the NBA’s hub for top male and female prospects from outside the US, where athletes train under the supervision of NBA-hired coaches and in collaboration with Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence team and coaches.
Siulepa’s commitment to the Global Academy is big news for Australian basketball with the 15-year-old Brisbane State High School student also touted as a future rugby union star, where he could have represented the All Blacks.
Known as “beastmode” around the Queensland basketball scene due to the incredible force and contagious energy he plays with, Siulepa established himself as one of the most exciting athletes in the country after leading Queensland South to an under-18s national title last month.
“It means a lot to me because not many Polynesian people make it in programs like this or even through basketball at all,” the Upper Mt Gravatt resident said.
“So it means heaps making it but a lot more because of where I come from and the people I represent.
The Southern Districts Spartans player said there have been a lot of obstacles during his journey but praised his parents, Nadas and Rachel Siulepa, for helping him through all the ups and downs.
“They sacrifice a lot and in a way, they spoil me giving me and providing me with the things and opportunities I have needed to progress as a basketball player,” Siulepa said.
“I’ve faced a lot of obstacles like not being able to perform in my age group but I’ve always relied on them to guide me and let me know what I can do better in harsher ways then others might be told.”
The new step in Siulepa’s career means he will move away from his family in Brisbane to live full-time at the Global Academy.
“Rachel and I are very proud of him and are grateful for this great opportunity for Roman to take his game to the next level,” Nadas Siulepa said.
“Roman has always enjoyed playing both rugby and basketball and he excelled at both sports and eventually the time came to choose and he chose basketball.
“We knew the time would come for him to move away from home for sport but didn’t think it would come at 15-years-old.”
Basketball Queensland’s state performance manager, Luke Cann, has worked with Siulepa for several years and said his will to win was what made him a standout.
“His physical stature is probably the most obvious trait which makes him an NBA prospect but other than that, I would say just his energy,” he said.
“He is a player that will always bring his best, his motor runs hot and he has a will to win that is rarely seen in athletes of his age.
“Add his physical traits and you have a player and person who has the potential to have success in the game.
“He is a very imposing young man at 200cm and 100kg.
“He has matured a lot of the last 18 months and become a great leader and understands the true value of having a team first mentality
“He is still developing some technical aspects of the game but possesses impressive physical and emotional tools.”
Siulepa said being selected to attend the NBA Global Academy inspired him to chase his dream of one day playing in the world’s best league even more.
“It’s just about making the most out of this opportunity and getting better so I can then compete at higher competitions,” he said.
Siulepa will join the NBA Global Academy in July.
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Originally published as Roman Siulepa takes major step towards basketball dreams after NBA Global Academy selection
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