Former star Ansett guard Freddy Webb making most of US college basketball opportunity

FORMER star Ansett guard Freddy Webb has done a lot of growing up after his first year at Central Maine Community College on the US east coast

Former Ansett star Freddy Webb won the Most Improved award in his first year at Central Maine Community College in the US. Picture Katrina Bridgeford

FORMER star Ansett guard Freddy Webb has done a lot of growing up after his first year at Central Maine Community College on the US east coast.

Knocking down 100 three-pointers and 100 free throws every day at practice led to the 18-year-old taking out the Mustangs’ 2017-18 Most Improved Player award.

But it was the way he matured as a leader that pleased him the most. And it was why coach Dave Gonyea appointed him as a joint-captain for next season, with Webb to go back to the States in July.

The young combo guard revelled in the extra responsibility of working as a personal trainer on campus.

“I’m in the physical fitness major, which is really good because I’ve got a job working in the gym,” Webb told the NT News after arriving back in Darwin last Friday on his academic break.

“I train some players, and the women’s basketball and soccer teams. Physically and skill-wise my game improved, but it was mostly my leadership.

“And that’s why Coach gave me the award — it was more for how I grew as a leader.”

Gonyea — who will come to Darwin on a talent scouting trip in June — has a high appreciation for the work ethic which young Darwin basketball players bring to his program.

New Palmerston recruit Cam Duncan played alongside Webb last season, and Essington sharpshooter Lachlan Shipway will join them for the 2018-19 season.

“His (Gonyea) philosophies are well established. He’s a Hall of Fame coach and he’s so genuine,” Webb said.

Webb enjoyed the gruelling workload in his freshman year at the Mustangs, and the support he received from his loyal fan base.

“We’d practise every day for two hours and you’d have to hit 100 three-pointers and 100 free throws every day,” he said.

“We’d have to lift weights four times a week while going to school.

“Everyone comes out to your basketball games and it’s like we’re celebrities.

“It was an amazing experience and I learnt so much. The team went really well — we finished (20-6 — wins/losses).

“We had the fourth-best record in the nation. We missed out on going to the nationals by one game.” Webb had a respectable 44.3 per cent three-point shooting record over the season and averaged 5.1 points per game.

“We’re in the USCAA and within that there are three conferences. I was the second-best shooter in the Yankee Small College Conference, and in the whole country — all three conferences — I was the fourth best,” he said.

“My goal for the next season is to go to the national tournament.

“I feel like now I’m captain, it’s my duty to gather the troops and lead them forward to nationals.”