SEM Phoenix’s teen sensation Austin Rapp offered chance to stay in NBL on eve of final game

He is the teen sensation that took the Under-20 Nationals by storm, but back at the SEM Phoenix, Aussie Rapp is a big time rookie with an even bigger decision to make. Find out more.

South East Melbourne wants to keep US-bound young gun Austin Rapp in the Heartland.

The 18-year-old recently committed to Portland University but, following the young big’s late-season emergence at the injury-hit Phoenix and starring role at the Basketball Australia U20 National Championships where he led Victoria to gold, it is understood the Phoenix have begun talks in a bid to convince the development player to stay in the NBL.

Victorian young gun Austin Rapp in action for the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Picture: Kadek Thatcher

It’s left the 208cm marksman with a big career decision to make.

Rapp recently admitted the opportunity to continue his tutelage under the likes of Phoenix veterans Mitch Creek and Ben Ayre and coach Mike Kelly was attractive.

“I have committed to the University of Portland for next season, but there is some stuff that could open up, my options are a little open,” Rapp said.

“I owe the Phoenix and owe myself the chance to see what they have to say.

“I have improved a lot throughout this NBL year, and I will always have a soft spot for the Phoenix for giving me that shot.

“We have to finish off this season and then see where we go from there.”

On the eve of the Phoenix’s final game of the season against Sydney, a frank and honest Rapp opened up about his own internal doubt that he was good enough to compete at the level.

“I didn’t expect to get any time on court this season, to be completely honest, I didn’t think I was up to it,” he said.

“I feel like I started getting better in training and adapting to that physical play style of the NBL as the season wore on.

Victoria's Austin Rapp at the Under-20 and Ivor Burge National Championships. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw

Austin Rapp during the Under-20 Nationals boys gold medal match. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw

“We had a few injuries around that FIBA break and Creeky was out of the side for a little bit. I got to get in a lot of training reps filling in for him. Instead of just going through the motions like I had been, I felt like I actually made some plays for myself and impacted what we were doing.

“That has always been my style, I am here to make an impact. It is hard to make that step up, but I am confident in my abilities and I feel like I belong.

“In the end, it is just playing basketball, which is what I love to do.

“It is a credit to the Phoenix and those guys for getting me in the situation to fulfil my dreams in the NBL.”

Ayre said Rapp had a level head and hasn’t been caught up in his own hype.

“He’s in the NBL, getting recruited, playing well at the 20s, hitting gamewinners, but he’s done a great job of staying humble, staying in the gym, working out and just learning,” Ayre said.

SEM Phoenix Austin Rapp in action for the Phoenix in the NBL. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

“For someone of that age, it’s a lot to take in.

“He’s just a fun kid to be around and it’s been cool to see him develop and pick other guys’ brains and just try to learn the game from whoever it is, me, Creeky, Sauce (Alan Williams), whoever’s around, he’s always asking questions or taking in what we have to say.

“He’s had stretches of practice and games where he’s looked like an NBL-rostered guy.

“He’s done well with his body, he’s been locked in and hasn’t missed too many practices, Rapper’s a great young player with a bright future.”

The Phoenix, on Saturday night, host a Kings’ side that must win to sew up its finals spot. Creek, who last month poured in 31 points and grabbed 10 boards as his side shocked the Kings, is relishing the chance to end a rival team’s season.

“We know how good Sydney can be they’ve got MVP-calibre players across the board, they’ve got great Australian talent,” Creek said.

“But I think we have a good chance to go out there and really have a lot of confidence and play against them the way we did last time and make life hard for them.

“We know how good they are, they’re a championship caliber side the last two years and we have to respect them, that’s for sure.”

Originally published as SEM Phoenix’s teen sensation Austin Rapp offered chance to stay in NBL on eve of final game