Live stream: Victoria’s Emilia Drmic out to shine at Basketball Australia U16 National Championships

Her dad, Frank, forged a decade-long career in the NBL, now Emilia Drmic is looking to make an impact on the national stage. Catch her LIVE playing for Victoria from Sunday.

Emilia Drmic has had to learn to adapt her game on the basketball court at a young age.

A growth spurt early in her teenage years meant she has gone from playing as a guard to more of a role on the inside.

Luckily, her father, Frank, a former NBL player who also had experience in Europe, has been there to help her every step of the way.

And her continued development has seen her earn a place in the Vic Metro under-16 girls side that will compete at the national titles from Sunday.

Emilia Drmic hits the national stage in Perth over the next seven days.

Catch all 108 games from the tournament LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV. Victoria girls open their campaign on Sunday against Western Australia Country at 3pm (AWST).

U16 NATIONALS HUB: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, FULL SCHEDULES, DAILY LIVE STREAM LINKS

Along with an increase in height came a move to Nunawading from Eltham where Drmic now plays in one of the best representative teams in Victoria.

“The physicality has gone up a level and I’ve had to learn to play differently,” she said.

“At Eltham, I always played as a guard but I’ve learnt some new skills now. I’m a very defensive orientated player, I love being able to interrupt offence of the opposition.

“I’m really enjoying playing with Nunawading, I made some great friendships at Eltham, that’s one of my favourite memories.

“With Nunawading, we played at the National Junior Classic (Australia’s elite junior tournament) and finished third, it was some really good preparation.”

Young Victorian player Emilia Drmic

Frank’s influence on Drmic’s game can’t be undersold.

As she puts it, she picked up a ball because of her dad.

Frank’s professional career spanned just over a decade where he won the NBL title with the South East Melbourne Magic in 1996.

“He coached me in the under-12s and it was really good having him there,” Emilia said.

“We still go for a lot of individual workouts where he teaches me about different parts of the game.

“He says I’m a better shooter than he was. We’ve been working on some of the post moves, he’s tried teaching me and I really enjoy learning from him.

“Mum played junior basketball for Broadmeadows, so it feels like I was always going to play.”

Frank Drmic played for 10 years in the NBL.

Ahead of the trip to Western Australia, Drmic said it was simple what she wanted to achieve.

“Play good defence and hopefully win a medal,” she said.

“There’s been lots of practice games and training sessions in the lead-up and we’re really excited.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself against other states.”