McKenzie, 18, was flown to see the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, a university with an NCAA Division II basketball team.

McKenzie said the school paid for his four-day trip to see the university and had offered him a scholarship.

"I went over just for a couple of days to see how it was - I haven't made a decision yet, but it was a pretty nice place," McKenzie said.

McKenzie said playing basketball at a college in the United States was something he had always dreamed of.

RELATED: Sky is the limit for talented McKenzie

He hoped to follow in the footsteps of fellow Horsham Hornets such as Aaron Bruce and Chloe Bibby.

"I've always wanted to go to America to play basketball," he said.

"It was pretty cool to experience being over there and checking it out.

"I watched a few games, and it was a big step up. They are all really bigger bodies and a bit more athletic than what I'm used to."

McKenzie's Horsham Hornets coach Tim Pickert was full of praise for the talented youngster, and said he was excited for McKenzie to pursue basketball as far as he could.

"The amount he has improved over the last three years is ridiculous," Pickert said.

"I put him up there as the best player in the (Country Basketball League, South West Men) league this year.

"His development has come a long way, and he's the captain of the team this year for a reason."

McKenzie's Ballarat Miners youth league coach Daniel Knaggs said McKenzie had the attributes to thrive in the college system.

"He's deceptively long for a genuine guard, so you could say he's more similar to the Division I or Division II style guards these days," Knaggs said.

"(It helps) his perimeter defending, being able to challenge every shot and play against rotating players."

Knaggs said the athleticism and competitiveness would be the biggest adjustments for "Jezza" if he does venture to the United States.

"The competitive nature over there is really quite cutthroat," Knaggs said.

"(But) Jezza has shown he is able to change and adjust his game, which is a real credit to his success."

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