Success for James O'Donnell

Congratulations to Year 11 student James O’Donnell who has achieved what most young men can only dream of – a full scholarship to the NBA’s Global Academy. The announcement was made this week by Basketball Australia that James will be joining the NBA Global Academy in Canberra this July.

He says, “I am really excited by the doors that the NBA Global Academy opens up for me in terms of exposure and experience at the highest level. I can’t wait to move down to Canberra to get started.”
 
James will be joining the Centre of Excellence which has produced many current and former NBA players, including Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Luc Longley and Patty Mills.
 
James is also shooting for success for Australia after being selected for the Australian Under 17 Men’s Basketball team who will compete in the Asia Cup in Qatar from 12-19 June.
 
James started at Shore Preparatory School in Year 3 and developed his interest in basketball in Year 5. His love of the game, combined with his natural talent, was recognised and nurtured by our Head of Basketball, Mr Anthony Separovich. 
 
Mr Separovich has been a key figure in helping James excel on the court, dedicating his own time to provide James with extra training since James was in Year 5.
 
Mr Separovich’s dedication to James and the game reflect our determination to help Shore boys hone their talents and realise their dreams.
 
Whilst Mr Separovich is disappointed to lose a star player, who was instrumental in Shore winning the Basketball Championship last year, he’s excited for James to take-up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for James. A pivotal point for him occurred in Year 8 when he was cut from the North Bears Junior Representative basketball team. He knew he had an important decision to make if he was to realise his full potential in the game and not succumb to the pitfalls of rejection. With Mr Separovich’s encouragement, James chose not to give up, but to work harder and prove he deserved a spot on the team.
 
Two years later, James was playing representative level for NSW, and a year later, he is now part of Australia’s U17 World Cup Basketball team, the Crocodiles, heading to Qatar and then Spain for the World Cup!

At this week’s assembly the Headmaster presented James with two unique Basketball trophies in honour of yet another great achievement - scoring more than 50 points in a game for Shore, not once but twice!
 
It has been a pleasure to see James develop his talent here at Shore. We all look forward to watching James’ basketball career progress as he takes to the world stage. gg
 
Press Release about NBA Global Academy Scholarship: NBA announcement
Press Release: Australia U17 Men’s basketball team announcement
 
Watch the full story here.