POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
LESS than a year ago, Sudanese refugee Majok Deng (204-C-93) was playing division three under 18s basketball for Forestville.
Fast forward to 2011, and the 208cm giant is firmly established in the Eagles Central ABL mens team - and aiming higher.
The 17 year olds rapid development is even more impressive given he only took up basketball in 2009.
The Paradise resident, who came to Australia five years ago, credits an early coach for assisting his quick rise.
My under 18s coach Scott Freer basically gave me specialist training and helped me a lot.
The Windsor Gardens High student also works out regularly with ex-Melbourne Tigers (and current Forestville) star Rashad Tucker.
Rashad is helping me with my ball-handling, shooting and working on match situations, Majok said.
He helps a lot of Sudanese kids with coaching.
Majok has set his sights on a professional career, and said he would happily represent his adopted country if given the chance.
I want to take it as far as I can and if I could go professional, that would be great, Majok said.
And if I can make it, I would be more than happy to play for Australia.
Forestville coach Andrew Simons said Majok made an immediate impact in senior basketball.
We asked him out to pre-season over Christmas and he made our side straight away, Simons said.
Its unusual for a kid to come up from the under 18s and have an immediate impact.
Simons said the sky was the limit for Majok if he can deliver on his enormous potential.
Hes only been playing for about four years and hes still learning, Simons said.
But theres no question hes got a lot of potential. Hes about six-foot ten, got long arms and is just starting to grow into his body.
Courtesy of: eastern-courier-messenger.whereilive.com.au
