Navexa Geelong United Youth League Men’s co-captain Kuol Reech says he’s “excited” about furthering his basketball education in the USA.
The popular Reech, who plays in the GUB Community Competition with Surfcoasters, has been offered a scholarship with Jacksonville-based division one junior college Florida State.
“I’m looking forward to expanding my basketball horizon and trying a new experience,” Reech said.
“A friend who played in the same conference at Florida State put my name forward as a potential recruit, and after a chat with the coach and watching my film, they were happy to make an offer.”
For Reech, of South Sudanese descent, joining Florida State is the next step in a basketball journey that started as a 14-year-old with Rovers.
Unbelievably, the 21-year-old’s first taste of representative basketball didn’t come until 2021, when he was selected in the Geelong United Youth League squad.
Reech, who hopes to use his time with the BlueWave to find a home at an NCAA Division One school, says the influence of coach Luke Beard has been crucial to his development.
“Luke has been fantastic for my game during his time as coach,” Reech said.
“He’s helped me improve to a level that has allowed me to play in the USA.”
Reech will miss Geelong United’s attempt to qualify for the Victorian Youth Championship in February, but wherever the team lands in 2024, his beaming smile will return.
“I wish the boys all the best as they try and crack into VC,” he said.
“As much as I’m looking forward to my time in the US, I can’t wait to see what next year holds for Geelong United.”
