Exum hype with no end in sight

NBA hopeful Dante Exum playing for Lake Ginninderra College. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

NOT often do you see an array of photographers, cameramen and hoops scribes crammed into court one at Kilsyth Basketball Centre at 9am on a Monday for a high school championship match.

But even less often is there a young baller in action who is widely tipped to be a top-three pick in the NBA draft.

Melbourne-born combo guard Dante Exum - the youngster on every NBA scout's lips - was the headline act on Monday for the start of the Australian School Championships.

Such is the hype, Exum had his own designated cameraman shooting his every move for US sports website giant The Bleacher Report.

There was also a separate camera crew shooting for NBA scouts in the United States in a throwback to the days when LeBron James' every high school game would become an event.

The crowd was full of players from other schools, all keen to catch a glimpse of the future star in action.

Dante Exum playing in the National High School Championships. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

Exum didn't disappoint - dropping 32 points in Lake Ginninderra College's 96-90 win over Caulfield Grammar.

The 18-year-old even found himself posing for photos with some starstruck students after his match.

What adds to the intrigue is that Exum is yet to declare his future plans.

The son of former NBL import Cecil Exum - who was in the stands - is still wrestling with the decision of whether to bypass the long-held plan to play US college ball to nominate for the 2014 NBA draft.

Exum said he would make his decision "by February" at the latest.

"To be honest, I haven't been thinking about it too much," Exum said.

"I'm just trying to go with it.

"I will make my decision with my whole family.

Dante Exum has NBA scouts salivating and is considering skipping college basketball. Source: News Limited

"It shouldn't be too hard to make - I just want to make sure I use my time right so I make the right decision."

So, how does all the attention sit with him?

"There has been a lot of hype," Exum said.

"But I also have been a bit undercover being in Australia.

"It has been good still getting the hype while still being undercover.

"I don't mind it and I have adjusted well to it."

The speedy Exum dazzled the crowd yesterday with a selection of slick crossovers and a couple of big dunks.

Lake Ginninderra College coach Jason Denley said he had no doubt Exum was worthy of all the attention.

The hype is valid because of the excellent character he has," Denley said.

"He is a great performer, not only for school but for club and for country.

"I'm very impressed with him as a person away from the floor and the plaudits he receives from any person that gets to know him is thoroughly deserved."

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Exum hype with no end in sight

Dengan url

http://sportifoclube.blogspot.com/2013/12/exum-hype-with-no-end-in-sight.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Exum hype with no end in sight

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Exum hype with no end in sight

sebagai sumbernya