Basketball Tour

Mr Andrew Osnain Tour Coordinator and Coach

The 2014 Trinity College USA basketball tour was an opportunity for Trinity students to experience and participate in the sport at the highest level.

On 29 December 2013 the team departed Perth International Airport for our big adventure. The first couple of days in San Diego and Los Angeles involved Sea World, San Diego Zoo and a mega outlet shopping experience. The team’s first experience of basketball culture in the USA was the NBA clash between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Bobcats at Staples Center. We were privileged to be the team fan tunnel as the Clippers ran onto court, and one lucky student was interviewed by the Clippers MC which was displayed on the big screens.

The teams then played in six games over three days again Rio Hondo Prep, Poly Pasadena High School and the 2013 State High School Champions, John W North High School. Watching the state champions warm up was something to behold, with every player in the team dunking during the warm up and getting well above the ring in the process.

Rio Hondo and Poly Pasadena both hosted the boys over dinner following each evening game, and it was fantastic to see the relationships forged over a slab of pizza and massive steak sandwich and fries. I think the boys also enjoyed the attention from the Poly Pasadena cheerleaders who were keen to find out more about Aussie culture. I don’t think I have ever seen boys eat a meal so delicately in my time at Trinity!

During the day the team visited Disney and Universal Studios. Every Trinity tourist (including staff) reverted back to their inner child whilst experiencing Disney and Universal Studios and, as tourist attractions, were a highlight for many on the tour.

Our final day in Los Angles involved a day trip to Santa Monica and a half-day visit with Crossroads High School. Crossroads is an arts school that excels in a number of fields, including basketball. The boys were awestruck by the facilities of the school, which spanned over two campuses. The school has graduated a number of players who have gone on to play division one college basketball and play in the NBA. Unfortunately, both Trinity teams were outmatched, but learned how each opposition player executed the fundamentals, and how disciplined they were in achieving team goals. After departing Los Angeles we made our way up to San Luis Obispo, playing Mission Prep and their high school ‘phenom’ three point shooter. Mission Prep High School has been fantastic hosts in the past and again it was a pleasure to play their talented roster and share a meal post match.

The team travelled up to San Francisco, where we experienced Alcatraz Island, St Mary’s College and the Golden State Warriors. This marked the conclusion of the tour and it was fitting that the final NBA game was a tight contest that went to the last shot. The crowd (including Trinity tourists) celebrated with the Golden State fans, which will be something that they will always remember.

Throughout the tour we played double headers against the schools. The junior varsity team competed against students aged 13-15, whilst the varsity team competed against students aged 15-18. Each game was an opportunity to learn from professional programs that graduate a number of students who go on to play at the highest level. Both teams played admirably and represented the College with honour and dignity. The highlight was a tight victory against Rio Hondo that went down to the wire.

It was a pleasure to have such a fantastic group of young men realise their dream of playing basketball and experiencing the sport at the highest level. Thank you to everybody who helped the team – from our major sponsor to the parents who pushed the fundraising wagon along. I thank Mr Brett Silver (tour coordinator and coach) and Mrs Nicole Silver (student support) for their assistance on tour.

Mr Andrew Osnain Tour Coordinator and Coach

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