Basketballer Sean Preston will line up in his fourth state team at the upcoming National Championships. 76315 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Liam Twomey
SEAN Preston is no stranger to the big stage after three years representing Victoria in the National Basketball Championships.
The Altona resident is preparing to pull on another Big V jersey, this time competing in the under 20 state team for the second successive year.
His role is set to be a different one as a top age player after learning from some star studded teammates in the 2011 tournament.
However, he will be hoping the end result will be the same, with the Vics lifting a National Championship Cup last year.
Preston and other members of his team will travel to Canberra in early February to take on some of the best under 20 basketballers from around Australia.
Despite almost being a veteran of state teams, the novelty is yet to wear off for the point guard who can’t wait to kick off his tournament in game one against South Australia.
“Every year it is a privilege to make the team. I’m hoping this year I’ll be able to get a few minutes on court but I’ll just see how I go,” he said.
“I’ve been working really hard lately so I’m hoping that the coaches see that and I will get to play a large role.”
After the success of last year’s tournament, the point guard is eager to pass on his experience to his new teammates.
“We had a great side last year. I didn’t play that much of a big role,” Preston said.
“The team I was in was actually full of stars.
“We had about five AIS players in there and most of them have gone on to play college basketball or NBL.
“It was great to be able to play with those guys and see what it takes to come away with a win.
“I got to see how the attitudes are different with the more elite players so hopefully I can carry some of that through with this team.
“Our draw seems pretty tough but all our focus is just on that first game. We will be taking it one game at a time and hopefully we can get the championship.”
Preston will most likely be packing his bags later in the year to play college basketball in America, something he has been working towards for a long time.
“It’s an exciting time. I’d love to further my career as a professional basketball player wherever that may be,” he said.
