The future of Australian basketball gets brighter every year with more players getting involved in the US college system with hopes of furthering their careers both locally and internationally. One such player is Lakeside Lightning guard Kyle Armour.

Kyle began playing basketball at the age of five, learning the necessary skills from his older brother. He first applied his trade with the Willetton Basketball Club, and continued with the Tigers through to the age of sixteen, when he relocated to the Australian Institute of Sport.

“The AIS sped up the whole process from playing kids your own age to playing grown men, it is such a huge difference,” Kyle said.

Upon leaving the AIS, Kyle was unsure whether to enter the NBL system or stay local. Eventually he found himself in the USA, albeit away from the tall buildings and bright lights of the big cities.

“I kind of floated around after the AIS and I wasn't sure of where I wanted to be. I had eligibility issues so I ended up at a junior college called Missouri State West Plains," he said.

“I spent a year there. It was basically a farm town in the middle of nowhere. It was such a different style of game, everyone was so much more athletic and so much faster so I needed to adapt very quickly.”

Kyle then transferred to Augusta State University, where he plays under decorated coach Dip Metress and alongside the Perry Lakes Hawks’ Ben Purser.

“His credentials speak for himself. He is intense and really knows how to get the best out of his players.”

During the 2010-11 season Kyle averaged just over ten minutes a game as the Jaguars compiled a 30-4 win loss record. His transfer to ASU was the first for any player coming from the AIS.

“Kyle has demonstrated a great work ethic and is a fabulous teammate. We are counting on him to be a major contributor this year. We look forward to Kyle expanding his role and help lead us to another championship,” Coach Metress said.

Upon his first return from America, Kyle passed up an opportunity to enter a developmental program with the Perth Wildcats, opting to head to Sydney instead.

“I got to know Bevo (then West Sydney coach Rob Beveridge) quite well on a trip to China, got a feel for him and how he operated and thought I’d give it a crack. It was a great experience, but I realised that going to college was the best thing for me. I could get a career and play basketball at the same time,” Kyle said.

In August this year, Kyle will head to the selection camp for the 2011 World Universiade Summer Games which are being held in China.

“It would be great to make the team I just have to work really hard. 20 of us will be there and only 12 will be picked. I think I have a really good chance,” he said.

Although spending his junior career with Willetton, Kyle now calls Lakeside home under the guidance of Coach Andy Stewart.

“This place has so much culture on and off the court. Andy is an unbelievable coach. I’m so glad I made the move,” Kyle said.

“Kyle brings additional excitement and energy to a group of guards that just thrive on playing defense,” Stewart said.

Lakeside currently sit atop of the MSBL ladder, only losing two games so far this season and setting a new club record for wins and losses. Kyle remains optimistic about the Lightning’s chances heading into the playoffs.

“Come playoff time it is anybody’s game. The regular season doesn’t matter it’s about what you do on the night. The taste of losing last year to Willetton is still pretty fresh so the boys are even hungrier this year," the exciting guard said.

As of round 17 this season, Kyle was averaging 9.5 points and 4.6 assists per game. His experience coming off the bench has proved invaluable thus far.

“It is great to bring another quality player off the bench as he helps keep our tempo high, we don't miss a beat,” Stewart said.

“He is a pleasure to coach and has fitted into our group, style and culture exceptionally well. He has enough talent to play at the next level."

With two years remaining at college, Kyle has a lot of basketball on the horizon. He sees not only Lakeside being a permanent home whilst here in WA, but also a launch pad into a potential career in the NBL.

“I would love to come home and play for the Wildcats. I grew up watching them as a kid, it would be a dream come true for me,” Kyle said.

“For now I’m enjoying being at Lakeside. I’m looking forward to a good year at college and playing good basketball.”

Whichever career path Kyle chooses it will no doubt be a successful one. His hard work and dedication to the game is unrivalled to most, and he has the skills and knowledge of the game to become one of Australia’s brightest young players. Kyle Armour is definitely a name to be on the lookout for and Australian basketball has a lot to be excited about.

Article by Nathan Winch

Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)

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