Here’s just a handful of feedback we’ve received from players and parents over the years
This is not just about academia and basketball. He has also gained so much personally.
Our son has received worldly knowledge we couldn’t give him at home and has learnt to cope for himself in a safe environment.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Don’t think twice - if the opportunity arises, grab it with both hands and go for it. You will not be disappointed.
- Anthony Goldrick (Father of Daniel)
Australia has a very good sporting culture with a possibility to produce professional players. Unfortunately, this may not happen due to limited pathways available to so many talented young Australians.
Parents, as well as children, should have an open mind of different life trajectory in quest for professional basketball career.
This might mean attending a high school in USA with elevated numbers of mentors, recruiters and professional players, in this case basketball.
- Alphonse Rutayisire (Father of Aime)
As a "late bloomer" to the sport, Rhys suggested Josh go to a US high School to "speed up" his learning of the game. This has been probably the most "life-changing" piece of expert advice I have ever received.
My son has improved tremendously both as a basketballer, physically and academically. Boarding at Montverde has seen him mature into a self-disciplined and highly motivated person. To commit to a college basketball program in the US you have to have both the Academics (NCAA) and the abilities in basketball. Attending Montverde is the best chance for my son to realise that dream. Currently, Montverde is the # 1 High School in the US with their varsity team being one of the most successful ever. He has a long, long way to go but is definitely in the place where he has the opportunity to go as far as he can.
The coaches at Montverde are simply amazing and whatever team you make, you know you will be looked after (they love us "Aussies"). The facilities are simply the best, in all aspects. Boarding is not for everyone but not a bad lifestyle for a young person, my son seems very happy! There are quite a few Aussies there already so the homesickness is minimised.
The high school season there is substantial, probably twice the games of a reps season here and there are no easy games. Basketballer heaven.
- Andrew Richardson (Josh Richardson's Dad)
As a mum, all I want is to help Jordan to reach his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. It is not easy as it involves a lot of training, games and money. But money is nothing compared to the feeling when Jordan got offered to study high school at Montverde Academy in Florida.
I’ll be honest, it was scary leaving Jordan in US but I know he will be looked after. Montverde updates me on his activities and the school organise activities for the students during the weekend or holidays. I also met new friends while I was there and they’re very helpful and have the same dream for their kids.
Jordan had improved a lot since studying overseas. I can see he’s more confident. For any parents who are thinking if they should send their kids to study either High school or college, all I can say is - do it! Don’t think twice as you are giving your kids the opportunity to succeed and reach his or her dreams.
- Rachel Roman (Mother of Jordan)
Heidi and I are blessed with three fabulous, smart and athletic boys. The oldest chose rugby, and the other two chose basketball. Our middle son was lucky enough to be nominated by Basketball NSW to represent Australia in three events. Through that and a couple of contacts, he got lucky and landed a D1 scholarship at Santa Clara University. This may be the path for the rare few who play for Australia, but it wasn’t the path for our youngest son.
After being cut by the NSW U18 state team, and seeing what a great experience his brother was having, our youngest decided he wanted to go to the US to finish High School. AAU tournaments are awesome and the AUSA Hoops tour presented many options and ultimately sealed a D1 scholarship for our son. But what really got him that was his hard work the years before at Scots Academy in Sydney, then 2 years at Montverde Academy in Florida in the US.
If you follow US HS basketball, you know Montverde. He ate, drank and slept basketball for 2 years, studied hard and challenged himself to be the best he could – in all aspects of his life. Simply put, you can get better anywhere, but if you want to be the best you can be, then you have to play against the best talent you can find. So, if you want to play college ball in the States, you simply have to go there.
Playing at Montverde, our son has played with and against literally hundreds of D1 prospects, and you simply won’t find that many in Australia. You can’t replicate the talent, size, quickness and attitude. You just have to go there. A tour is one thing….but going to HS in the States is priceless. The sacrifice is enormous – financially and otherwise. But, the payoff lasts forever. ‘No regrets’ was our son’s mantra, and now he has 4-5 years of free education and a life experience staring him right in the face! He would never have had that without the AUSA Hoops tour, and his time at Montverde Academy.
The guys at AUSA Hoops have developed a great network in the States. Their AAU Tours are second to none. And if you really want the full experience and give it your best shot….you should consider finishing HS in the States. Go for it!
— Mike & Heidi Healy