HORSHAM basketball prodigy Darcy Tucker will live his childhood dream on Monday when he takes off to America.
HORSHAM basketball prodigy Darcy Tucker will live his childhood dream on Monday when he takes off to America.
Darcy, 15, will join his Vic Country team-mates as part of a 20-day tour with the National Intensive Training Program, visiting Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Charlotte, North and South Carolina and Georgia.
The St Brigid's College year 10 student, who idolises Miami Heat champion LeBron James, will test his skills against some of the most talented basketballers in the US and will have the chance to watch NBA and college basketball matches, while visiting a number of tourist attractions along the way.
The talented teenager said he couldn't wait to board the plane and travel to America for the first time after watching his NBA idols on television from an early age.
"I'm very excited I've been waiting for it for a while now and it's getting close," he said.
"I've never been to America before and I've always wanted to go there it will be amazing.
"The skill of basketball over in America is obviously one of the best in the world so it will be good to play against some of the colleges over there."
It has been a year to remember for Darcy, who captained the Vic Country under-16s side to a bronze medal in the Australian Country Basketball Championships in July.
Darcy, who is also part of the North Ballarat Rebels' under-16s side, said he was yet to make a decision on his sporting future.
"I'm still not sure which way to go so I'll just see which way the next few years go. I'll keep playing both sports until I have to make a decision," he said.
"I'll give footy a hard crack next season as well as basketball, and see whatever comes out best."
Darcy will return home in time to spend Christmas with his family.