A pretty big deal looking back, and it suddenly reminded me of how I found out about it.
I was actually at a Canberra Cannons training session, when the local media came on to the court after training (which was a common occurance for the team). They asked me to come over for an interview. I wasnt sure why, as I was a rookie and amongst some of the premier players in the NBL, but I naively said 'Sure' and went over. Straight away the question was, "So how does it feel to be selected to play in the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit?" I hadnt a clue what he was talking about, had never even heard of it and had no idea I was selected. A little awkward! I think I replied, "Im not sure what that is, sounds good though, and how did you hear about that?".
Im not exactly sure how the media found out about it before I did. I recieved a letter later that day inviting me. In Chicago for a week long camp, coached by some of the best junior coaches in the world, to see 2 NBA games, a college final 4 game (in front of over 40,000 people, inside!) and play a game against the junior USA team at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indiana. An incredible opportunity that I couldnt refuse and of course accepted.
I ended up playing pretty well, after a scare earlier in the week rolling my ankle quite badly. I scored 12 points in the first half, but for some reason only played a handfull of minutes in the second half. I was pretty bummed about that, but what can you do. We lost in the end by 1, so it was a pretty good game. Getting to know those guys and spending a week like an NBA player was just awesome and something that Ill never forget.
Looking back I had no idea of the significance of that game, playing on the world stage, in front of NBA and European scouts and also being on ESPN was a pretty big achievement.
Funnily enough I ended up watching myself by mistake on TV, back home in Canberra at the AIS visiting my then girlfriend Jemma who was working there. Quite bizarre seeing yourself on TV, especially on ESPN! when you werent even sure anyone even knew about it.
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