By LIAM TWOMEY
SPORTING fans around the world are starting to catch on to the talents of Western Suburbs’ local Dante Exum.
The Seabrook resident and Keilor Basketball Association junior is touted as a top five draft pick if he decides to nominate for next year’s NBA draft. If not, he will have a host of college recruiters desperate to secure his services.
However, Exum’s astonishing exploits on the court are coming as no surprise to members of the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club.
The 18-year-old is one of hundreds of young athletes from the Western Suburbs who have been nominated for the club’s prestigious Don Deeble Rising Star Award which is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club.
Each month, one nominee receives $1000 towards achieving their sporting goals while at the award’s grand final, the overall winner is given $5000.
On top of that, two runners-up also receive $2500.
Sixteen athletes were nominated from June 2012 to November 2013 and are all in contention for the upcoming grand final which will be held in January.
Sunshine Western Region Sports Club vice-president Barry Watson is rapt with the standard of nominees the award attracts. “We all are thrilled that he (Exum) is continuing to climb the ladder in basketball,” Watson said.
“What an extraordinary effort if he gets into the top five draft picks. Cecil (Exum’s father) and the family will be so thrilled.”
Exum isn’t the only former Don Deeble Rising Star Award winner to be turning heads around the world.
Point Cook’s Rachel Jarry secured a WNBA Title with the Minnesota Lynx this year while Werribee’s Jess Cameron is one of Australia’s leading female cricketers.
“Rachel and Jess have been outstanding and have great careers ahead,” Watson said.
“We all hope and wish them well. The Western Suburbs are producing some outstanding talent and with programs like what’s happening at Maribyrnong (College), let’s hope we keep seeing these youngsters with these talents continue to come through.”
Watson also highlighted the amazing contribution of Yarraville Club Cricket Club in providing sponsorship for the award.
“Yarraville Club Cricket Club is unique,” he said.
“What other club do we know of that would support such a great cause?
“We know the parents are so appreciative of this support and with many athletes travelling the globe, the Yarraville Club Cricket Club contribution cannot be underestimated.”
To nominate a junior athlete for the Don Deeble Rising Star Award, contact starsport@starnewsgroup.com.au or call 9933 4800.
“We certainly encourage all athletes, coaches and parents to email their respective sons’, daughters’, friends’ or kids’ achievements (age bracket 13-20),” Watson said.
“There are a number of ways, even if not nominated for a monthly award, that they can be helped.
“Any athlete travelling and having to pay costs can be supported by our club.”
