Nicholas Formosa is taking his basketball skills to the next level. 84668_02 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
NICHOLAS Formosa is one of the latest Altona Gators juniors to take their basketball to the next level.
The 12-year-old from Williamstown was recently selected to represent the state in this year’s School Sport Australia Basketball Championships to be held in Dandenong in August.
Nicholas’s father, David, couldn’t be more proud.
“He’s over the moon,” Mr Formosa said.
“He didn’t think he would get selected, so he was quite surprised.”
Nicholas, who has played for six years, is already a two-time MVP and was named Altona’s junior Rising Star in 2010, and said he was “happy and excited” to be part of the team.
Like many young basketball hopefuls, Nicholas says he admires the likes of NBA stars Blake Griffin, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, and hopes to eventually play college ball in the US.
His proud mother, Debbie, says basketball means “pretty much everything” to Nicholas.
“He’d rather have a ball in his hand than anything else, he loves it,” she said.
“I wished he’d do more reading but he would rather play basketball.
“But it’s fantastic that he is outside all the time.”
Nicholas impressed Victorian team selectors with his good performances throughout a selection process that began in March, eventually making the final team of 10.
“He’s got real determination, great skills and very good ball handling skills,” Mr Formosa said.
The Gators’ track record with producing talent continues to rise in stature, with former junior Rachel Jarry currently going for gold at the London Olympics.
Along with Nicholas, Altona’s Cassidy Gould and Tegan Hindle will also be heading to Dandenong as part of Victoria’s 12 years and under girls team.
