At the start of 2024 and while still at high school, 17 year old Troy signed an amateur contract with the Wellington Saints and made his NBL debut in March.
In addition to being a regular starter for the Saints Rapid League team through the season, Troy was selected for the Junior Tall Blacks to attend the FIBA Under 17 World Cup where the team made New Zealand basketball history by qualifying for the semi-finals and achieving a creditable fourth place.
Continuing his achievements this year, Troy was one of 10 players selected to attend the inaugural Team Adams USA tour in Los Angeles. “Having Steven there was cool,” says Troy. “It was awesome to have an NBA player, and fellow kiwi, watch and stay with us and getting to chat.”
Wellington Basketball’s Pathways and Development lead Sam Twomey says it bodes well for the future of basketball in Wellington with the rise of up and coming talent like Troy.
“The Performance Pathway programme has really helped fast track Troy’s goals to be the very best basketballer he can be. He has been fortunate to have former Tall Fern and former Junior Tall Blacks coach Deslea Wrathall as his Performance Pathway independent facilitator and mentor, key roles in the Pathway programme.”
Troy’s original Individual Performance Plan (IPP) had two goals – represent New Zealand in the Under 17 FIBA World Championships and secure a scholarship to a good USA college when he leaves school.
“A key benefit of the Performance Pathway is the ability for Troy and his fellow pathway athletes to make use of HPSNZ’s gym facilities and engage with the Athlete Pathway workshops,” says Sam.
The Circle of Support is another important part of the programme and Troy is fortunate to have an extremely strong group around him including Mum Lara, Dad John, a former Hurricanes coach and All Blacks assistant coach, and Wellington College Principal and former Tall Blacks captain, Glen Denham.
In the future Troy wants to wear a black singlet and play for the Tall Blacks. He certainly seems to be on the right trajectory.
The Wellington Performance Pathway programme currently has 32 endorsed and registered athletes in the wider Wellington region, including one from Wairarapa, across 13 sports.
