Golden Gens: Is this Australia’s most successful basketball family?

In this week’s golden gens, we look at a young Gold Coast basketball prodigy and his impressive basketball pedigree.

CALLUM Dalton has basketball in his blood.

His father Mark, aunty Karen and uncle Brad have all represented Australia at the highest level and if Callum has his way, he will be the fourth Dalton to play for the Boomers at the Olympics.

“My aim is to go to the Olympics one day so that’s what I’m working towards,” he said.

Dalton family (from left) Brad, Karen and Mark ahead of the 1984 Olympics.

The 18-year-old quickly came to share the love his family holds for basketball though he arguably didn’t have much choice.

“I started playing as soon as I was born and played my first game of basketball at age four,” he said.

Dalton never had to look far for motivation, with his families list of sporting achievements continuing to grow even in retirement.

“My family definitely inspire me,” he said.

“My uncle is about to be inducted into the Australian basketball hall of fame so I’ve always had someone to look up to.”

DOUBLE DRIBBLE: GOLD COAST BASKETBALL’S GREATEST MALE STARTING FIVE

Despite the success of the old guard, the youngest Dalton is quickly making a name for himself and could soon surpass the feats of the older generation.

Late last year, Callum signed with the Brisbane Bullets and should soon make his mark on the country’s national competition.

“The guys on our team are very experienced and I learn so much for them every day,” he said.

“They point things out to me and help me get better each session.”

Callum Dalton driving into the basket against Thailand at the Under 19 Asia Cup.

Dalton is already beginning to make waves as a future Australian powerhouse overseas.

The power forward was part of the U18 Australian team that stunned Italy in the Albert Schweitzer semi-finals only to lose to host nation Germany in the final.

Dalton joined household names Patrick Mills, Andrew Bogut and Matthew Dellavedova who have previously represented Australia at the tournament though not even they were named in the all-star five.

After a stunning performance, Dalton became the first Australian since 2010 to be recognised in the starting five which compiles the best five players at the conclusion of the tournament.

“We played teams from all around the world and managed to make the final which was incredible.”

“I didn’t expect it (being name in all-star five) and it was a huge surprise but I was honoured to be recognised.”

GOLD COAST BASKETBALL’S TALENT EXPLOSION

Dalton has just recently returned from the U20 National Championships where he starred for Queensland and was named top point scorer for the tournament though standing at 207cm, it wasn’t his hulking frame that gave him the edge over opposition.

“I wasn’t the tallest there,” he joked.

“There are some big boys at the Brisbane Bullets.

“Some of the guys are over seven foot so I get to train against them.”