NBA dream for junior state rep Phoenix Somerville

Young Phoenix Somerville didn’t let the disappointment of missing out on a state junior basketball team hold him back. One year on, he’s all set to represent Victoria. But he’s determined to reach even greater heights.

Phoenix Somerville plays for Victoria at the national championships last month. Victoria finished runner-up. Picture: Paige Cummins

Basketballer Phoenix Somerville has been nominated in the Junior Individual category for the Leader Local Sports Stars awards.

Nominee: Phoenix Somerville, 12

Sport: Basketball

Suburb: South Morang

Club name: Diamond Valley Eagles

Coach/manager: Anthony Allen

For team sports, what position do you play?

Point Guard

How old were you when you took up your sport?

8 years old

How did you get involved in this sport?

I got involved in basketball through my parents taking us to my brother’s games then I wanted to play and give it a go, so I joined my local team, South Morang Lions and started playing competitive basketball.

What has been your biggest success?

My biggest success has been making the SSV Under 12s Boys Basketball Team as I had been working towards this goal for 24 months. Last year unfortunately I was unsuccessful, but from this challenge, I focused on the areas of my game that the coaches told me to improve on.

Being able to overcome this hurdle has been really satisfying.

What do you love most about your sport?

The fact that my brothers also play has allowed me to really enjoy the sport.

I love the challenge of mastering all the skills and being able to compete with other really talented players.

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

My ultimate goal is to play college basketball and then hopefully onto the NBA or a professional career as a basketball player.

‘I couldn’t have done this without …’

My coaches, my family (mum, dad and brothers) and my friends (Ajang, Brodie, Mitch, Ty and Blake)

Do you have anything else you’d like to add?

I’m really proud to have come this far but moving forward I want to make sure this isn’t the end of my story and strive to get better everyday.

Thanks to our partner Gold 104.3.

Know someone with great sporting talent? Nominate them here.