North Harbour Under 19 representative Dan Fotu has returned from a short visit to the USA and announced that he has committed to St Marys College for the 2018-19 American college season.

The St Mary’s Gaels play in the NCAA Division 1 West Coast Conference and is the former home of NBA stars Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova.

Fotu said he was made to feel very welcome by the players and coaching staff at St Mary’s and is looking forward to linking up with head coach Randy Bennett and the team in mid 2018.

It is also helpful that the college are used to having international students. In addition to currently having six Australian players on its roster Marty Clarke, a former Australian NBL coach, is one of the assistant coaches at the Gaels.

Right now his focus will be on helping Rangitoto College in their bid to win a third straight Schick Secondary Schools National Championships in Palmerston North next week.

Fotu will play alongside another Kiwi during his freshman season as Canterbury guard Quinn Clinton has also committed to the Gaels. Both players are currently Development Players with the SKYCITY Breakers.

Dan is the third member of the Fotu family to gain a college scholarsip in the USA. Older brother Isaac attended the University of Hawaii before embarking on his professional career in Europe and sister Ella is currently a sophmore at Hawaii Pacific University.

All at Harbour Basketball congratulate Dan on the announcement and also wish him well at next week’s National Championships.