An NBA scout says Rewi McPherson has the skills to play in America. McPherson was selected for the Triple X Basketball (TXB) tournament team that will travel to Las Vegas in August before he goes on to Oklahoma to take up a one-year basketball scholarship at Tulsa Academy.
He is someone with an eye for detail in basketball.
“This is an opportunity not many get, so you grab it with both hands really and you just take whatever comes,” says McPherson from Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Manu.
NBA Scout David Jerning told Te Kāea, “I am projecting that next year he will have some major D1 (Division One) programmes interested.”
McPherson is the first of his family to receive a scholarship with Tulsa Academy. His cousin Tai Wynyard, who is on a basketball scholarship at University of Kentucky, has been huge inspiration and support person.
“I am very excited; I am the first of the siblings and the second from my area,” says McPherson.
Raymond McPherson is proud of his son, but he admits he will miss the youngest of the family.
“I am very proud. The family is very proud that he's getting the chance to go to America. I can't help but feel sad that he's going.”
In August, McPherson and the Triple X Basketball tournament team will leave for Las Vegas before he heads to Oklahoma.