Myerscough well represented at Deng Camp

Myerscough College Basketball Academy is sending a tremendous representation to the 2017 Deng Camp, which tips off its three-day camp on August 23 at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London.

The Academy has placed one player, Kyle Carey, atop the final rankings, which came during the 2015-16 season whilst Zion Tordoff finished fourth at the conclusion of last year.

Konrad Kantorski and Radostin Papazov make their returns to the camp alongside first-year attendees Alex Roberts and Edoardo Del Cadia.

Kantorski to use Deng Camp as positive motivation

Konrad Kantorski is the lone Myerscough student athlete headed to the 2017 Deng Camp with National League 1 experience — he’s played against top players and is ready to gauge himself against the best in London.

“Being selected simply means that the work I put in is recognised across the country and is rewarded by giving me a chance to prove myself against the best competition from my class,” said the 18-year-old guard. “This will help me to judge where I am as a player right now.”

Kantorski was one of four players to average in double figures for Myerscough in Elite Academy Basketball League play. He contributed 11.1 points per game on 39.8 percent shooting, as well as 3,7 assists and 3.2 rebounds. The guard ranked second in made field goals with 43 behind Zion Tordoff’s 49.

Tordoff was recently named the Deng Camp’s fourth overall prospect in the 2016 final rankings, and that height is a ceiling Kantorski hopes to break into.

“It’s a great motivational tool,” said Kantorski. “After the rankings are complete the goal will be to remain at the top of them if I find myself there, or to climb up and reach the top — either way, this system will help me to stay motivated throughout the season.”

Papazov: Ready to show my game

If there are any weaknesses in Radostin Papazov’s game, it isn’t in his knowledge of what it takes to compete at the highest level — something he’s ready to do at Deng Camp.

“The coaches at the camp will know which aspects you need to improve to play and the high level and what you need to stay there,” he said. “The camp will help me realize at what level i am and what parts from my game I need to improve.

“If I’m in the top 20 to show I need to show I deserve that spot or if I’m not, then to improve my performance.”

Papzov has gained tremendous experience at Myerscough playing in the Elite Academy Basketball League, as well as in Basketball England’s National League 3. He’s flourished, averaging 4.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in a deep EABL team.

The 19-year-old makes his second trip the Deng Camp, where he missed out on the top 20 for the 2016-17 season, and he knows what kind of motivation it provides aspiring players.

“The most important for me is to improve my game and gain as much experience as I can,” he began. All of this will be motivation to have a great season.”

Roberts: Proud to be selected

Alex Roberts had a fruitful first season at Myerscough and he’s accepted the challenge of testing his game against the best at Deng Camp.

“Being selected is an achievement on its own,” he said. “Being recognised as one of the best athletes at my age in the country is something to be proud of.

“It provides a lot of exposure for me and puts me in a very good position at this stage of my basketball career — I’m excited for the challenge.”

The 17-year-old spent time last season with a trio of teams at the Academy, including with the Under-18 Men’s Cup Champions. He also made cameo appearances in the Elite Academy Basketball League where he averaged 2.4 points per game.

“It will help gauge where my game is currently at as the standard of skill throughout the camp will be high intensity,” he said. “It will make me maintain a higher standard and intensity in my own training and help me progress quicker and take my game to the next level.”

The coaching Roberts will receive is not lost — in fact he’s ready to reap the benefits of great basketball minds like Joe Mantenga (Blair Academy, USA), Atiba Lyons (Sheffield Sharks) and Nigel Lloyd (London Lions).

“They will push me to the limits which is what I want; to get better,” he said. “That’s why I’m very humbled about being selected for the camp.”

Del Cadia to keep nose to the grind

Edoardo Del Cadia has targeted a successful camp to help continue driving him towards his goals.

Del Cadia already posses the motivation — that motivation got him to Myerscough and it has vaulted him into the Deng Camp conversation.

“If you work hard the work will repay you every time,” said the Italian, who is full of personality.

The 18-year-old was one of seven players to average more than five points during Myerscough’s Elite Academy Basketball League campaign in 2016-17. That’s more than likely to go up judging by the work Del Cadia is ready to commit to.

“You must invest in your sport, like you do your schooling,” he said. “‘Will’ understands if you worked hard enough — you must train everyday at 100 per cent.”

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