Clippers change US College Basketball scene

 Maroochydore Clippers Basketball Association hosted a visit from American basketball, coach and player evaluator, Nelson Washington III during the first week of the school holidays. Nelson held workshops and evaluation sessions over three days with players in the junior ranks who have ambitions of playing in the United States and perhaps securing an American College (University) scholarship.

 ”The junior Clippers representative players that I have seen compare favourably with their American counterparts” Nelson stated, adding that “these youngsters reflect well upon the standard of training and support provided by the club”.

 Nelson is well-qualified to make such remarks, having played himself for San Jose University, California on a basketball scholarship, and having being a basketball coach in the San Francisco Bay area for almost 20 years.

 Local players Josh and Isiah Tueta and Zeke Meehl assisted Nelson at the workshop sessions and since Josh and Isiah are currently attending American Colleges on ‘basketball scholarships, they were able to provide personal insights of their experiences to the attendees. Nelson has developed a close association with these Clippers players while they have been in the USA, and junior players attending indicated that the sessions were very informative and tremendous for skills development.

 Nelson Washington III said “The Clippers have changed the US College Basketball scene “when asked how Maroochy Junior Clippers Josh and Isiah Tuete performed in the States over the past season. He went on to say “The college team they represented had not made play offs for 20 years before the Clippers took up scholarships with Canada College“. With the addition of Josh and Isiah the team not only made the play offs but had two playoff victories creating modern day history for the College

 While this was his first visit to the club, Nelson is hoping that it will become a more regular event, earmarking this time next year for a visit. He said that his aim was to help the club to facilitate the transition of those players who are seeking to gain a basketball scholarship to an American University. He said that he also wanted to encourage and inspire younger players to see what is possible with dedicated training and support. “Clippers kids are talented enough to be successful in the USA” he added.