Spencer Wright has been called up to Victoria Country’s under-16 side to contest the National Championships in July.
Shepparton Gators youngster Spencer Wright is about to touch great heights.
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It’s not just because he stands at 190.5cm (6’3’’) at 14 years old, either.
The dazzling yet dominant young hooper is beating a seriously impressive path for a player of his age and the latest gleaming recognition is a spot in Victoria Country’s under-16 side.
Wright was selected alongside 11 of the best young players from the regions to don the Big V at the Bendigo-hosted National Championships in July.
He was first identified to attend the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup in January, where he clinched the under-16 boys title with the Victorian Bushrangers
From there Wright was tapped to attend a combine and after impressing the towering teen is prepared to play whatever role the state selectors deem best for him.
“I’m a bit of a taller forward, but in the Basketball Victoria system I play a bit more in the centre of the court,” he said.
“I’m a lot taller than a lot of kids my age, so they use that to my advantage and really try use me out of that low post.
“I think I’ve got a natural touch for the ball around the ring and shooting the ball is something that’s come to me over time and using that to my advantage is definitely helpful for my size.”
Wright, who has called Shepparton home for the past few years since moving from Victoria’s Southern Peninsula, seems to be growing at an exponential rate on and off the court.
From heating up on the hardwood for the Gators’ under-16s to mixing it with the big boys, the 14-year-old phenom is already stepping up to play beyond his years.
Spencer Wright’s budding career is coming on in leaps and bounds, with the 14-year-old already getting a taste of senior action.
“We moved to Shepp a couple of years back, so I’ve just played my second year of Gators in top age 16s and that was really good,” he said.
“Now I’m training with the senior Gators, so that’s really good reps to get in. It’s definitely helping me grow with a lot more experienced players and it’s just a good environment — I love the boys.
“With coaches like Josh Waight and Wrighty (Ian Wright) now being a coach, I feel like there’s a lot of experience around and it’s really helping the growth of my game.
“Especially with the imports as well, just being able to ask a lot of questions and learn a lot, that’s really helpful.”
So what will Wright’s preparation look like leading into the national champs?
He said the next four-month block would consist of training, game prep and countless hours of shooting jumpers in the gym.
His first chance to don the state jumper for real is not one he is taking lightly.
After all, the ball is in his court as far is his future is concerned and Wright plans on taking it right to the rim.
“I’ll take it as far as I can,” Wright said.
“The goal is always to play at a professional level, whether that’s playing in the NBA ... or those higher leagues in Australia, I feel like I’m definitely capable if I keep trusting myself and work harder.”
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