What I Learned Growing Up in American Basketball - And How It Helps Young Australian Athletes

11 Aug

When you grow up in the United States, basketball is everywhere. In Indiana, where I was raised, gyms filled up on Friday nights the way footy ovals do here in Australia. From middle school all the way through to college, basketball was more than just a sport - it was part of our culture.

Coming to Australia as a coach, I quickly noticed something: the passion is the same, but the pathways and styles of training are different. That difference can be both a challenge and an opportunity for young athletes here.

Basketball in the USA vs Australia

In America, every level of the game is treated as a stepping stone. A high school gym might be packed with scouts, parents, and local fans all watching a teenager who could be one season away from a college scholarship. That intensity means players are pushed to refine the small details — footwork, shooting mechanics, decision-making under pressure - because those are the things that separate one athlete from another.

In Australia, the system is smaller and more community driven, which has its strengths. Kids here grow up playing because they love the game, not necessarily because they’re chasing a scholarship. What I’ve found, though, is that many Australian athletes who do want to test themselves overseas aren’t always prepared for the pace and pressure of the U.S. style.

That’s where an international perspective can help.

What Parents Should Know

As a parent, you want your child to enjoy basketball, stay active, and grow in confidence. But if they’re serious about improving - whether that’s to make a rep team, earn more minutes on court, or explore college opportunities later on - the type of coaching they receive matters.

Here are a few things I’ve learned from both sides of the world that parents often overlook:

1. Fundamentals Win Games

It’s easy to focus on highlights - big shots, flashy handles, athletic plays. But at every level I’ve coached, it’s been the players with solid fundamentals who stand out. Proper footwork, consistent shooting form, strong defense. These habits are built through repetition and attention to detail, not just playing more games.

2. Decision-Making Is the Difference

In the US, players are taught to read the game quickly: when to attack, when to pass, when to slow it down. That basketball IQ is often what sets one player apart from another. Parents can support this by encouraging kids to watch more basketball, ask questions, and think about the “why” behind every play.

3. Preparation Is More Than Physical

Athletes who make it in the U.S. system are often the ones who understand the mental side of the game - dealing with pressure, setbacks, and competition. It’s not just about training harder; it’s about preparing for challenges off the court as well.

Blending the Best of Both Worlds

One of the things I value about coaching in Australia is the balance. Kids here often play because they genuinely love the game, which is a strong foundation. By blending that passion with some of the structure and intensity of US-style training, we can create athletes who not only enjoy basketball but also have the skills to take it as far as they want.

I’ve seen athletes in Adelaide and Melbourne grow tremendously when they start approaching the game this way. They gain confidence, improve their fundamentals, and start to see what’s possible - whether that’s excelling in their local competition or preparing for opportunities overseas

A Note for Parents

No matter where your child is in their basketball journey, the right environment can make all the difference. Encourage them to focus on fundamentals, surround them with coaches who push them to think as well as play, and give them opportunities to grow in both confidence and skill.

And if they have dreams of testing themselves beyond Australia, start preparing them early. Building strong habits now will make those transitions much smoother down the line.

Want to Explore More?

At Shoot HQ, I work alongside Adam Gibson and our elite team of coaches to deliver programs designed to give young athletes both passion and perspective. If your child is ready to take the next step in their basketball journey, I’d love to see them on court.

If you’d like to explore how elite coaching can support your child’s basketball journey, simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

About Shoot HQ

Shoot HQ is a premier basketball training facility with two locations - Beverley in Adelaide, and Notting Hill in Melbourne. Whether you’re a young athlete chasing your basketball dreams, a parent supporting your child’s development, or a casual player looking to get shots up, Shoot HQ offers something for everyone.

Our memberships provide access to state of the art training courts, shooting machines, and gym facilities. We also offer casual court hire, school holiday clinics, basketball birthday parties, and development programs designed to build confidence and ability at every level. For athletes ready to take the next step, our elite coaching team - led by ex-NBL head coach Joey Wright and Olympian Adam Gibson - brings world class experience to the court.

At Shoot HQ, we’re here to help athletes of all ages train smarter, play harder, and enjoy the game they love.