Australian cager Josh Giddey, the first product of the National Basketball Association Academy to enter the NBA Rookie Draft this year, is glad at where his journey has taken him.
The 18-year-old point-forward said being in the NBA Global Academy for 18 months helped build his skills and confidence as he seeks glory in in the international stage.
“They built me up at an early age. I did not think that I have a big future in basketball. They were behind when I did not necessarily believe in myself,” said the 6’8" Giddey, who is described as player with tremendous instincts as a passer.
The NBA Global Academy is an elite training center at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Australia.
The 200-lbs Giddey discussed his chance to join the 2021 Draft on July 29 during a Zoom interview with Filipino scribes, facilitated through NBA Philippines.
Giddey had an impressive rookie year with the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball League, where he will be one of Filipino cager Kai Sotto's teammates.
The 7’3" Sotto is expected to meet up with Giddey once he officially joins the 36ers next month.
“I was there for 18 months. And they worked on me every day,” said Giddey.
Giddey made his debut with Australian national team before joining the 36ers through the NBL Next Stars program, and this was ahead of the 2020-21 season.
“So I give credit to them, for developing me and pushing me in the right direction,” added Giddey.
He averaged 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per-game when Giddey played for Adelaide during the 2020-2021 NBL season.