Jonah Slockee-Albert has some serious hops – and he’s working on jumping into a career as a professional basketball player.
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The Eurobodalla teen was selected for the Shoalhaven Tigers team in division one of the youth league. He will begin playing for them in March, against teams including the Sydney Comets and Illawarra Hawks.
Last year, he was selected for the National Scouting Report’s pathways program.
“The NBA is my major goal, but I’d settle for any pro league,” the ambitious 17-year-old said.
“I made a new program team that goes to America for two weeks in July to play against college and high school teams over there. It’s a chance to showcase my talents to coaches over there, and best-case scenario I’ll get a four-year scholarship to a college. No one in my family has gone to university or college, so I want to be the first; for people to be able to look at me, know they can make the change, and do anything they want to do.”
Jonah has been putting in the hard yards to make his dreams a reality.
Hitting the gym four times a week to work on his fast-twitch muscle fibres, he routinely jumps over a metre – up to 155cm.
“I try to get at least something done every day, whether it’s at the gym or a run in the morning,” he said.
In addition to gym sessions, Jonah works on his cardio fitness and ball handling skills daily, as well as holding down a part-time job. He also starts Year 12 this year.
The source of his work ethic is clear: Nan, Robyn Albert.
“He knows he’s got to get out and do part-time work,” she said.
“If Jonah wants it, he’s got to do it with no mucking around, and we’ll be behind him no matter what.”
He’s taken her advice on board, and is keen to make her – and the rest of his family – proud.
“The main thing that drives me is my family,” he said.
“My grandmother has shaped me into the man I am today.”
Unfortunately, it’s going to take more than just hard to work to get to the USA. But he’s hoping his hometown will help him take the next step towards an American college scholarship.
“The trip to America is going to cost eight thousand dollars all up,” Jonah said.
“I have a gofundmepage set up, and I’ve been putting up videos every week of my progress. I’ve worked hard for the chances I've got, but I wouldn’t be here without my family’s support.”
To watch Jonah’s training journey, head to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRvXrdEqcBa_JpYoiB_8Ig
To support his American dream, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/please-help-me-accomplishment-my-dreams
