BLOOM FILES: Part 1 – From the US to Adelaide

He’s been outside his homeland for the first time in his life for just under a month, but Trentyn Flowers has already found a new home in Adelaide.

The Adelaide 36ers NBL Next Star signing is loving life in South Australia and has welcomed the new challenge of turning professional.

Flowers’ decision to join the NBL was made in July when an opportunity came up after meeting head coach CJ Bruton.

“I thought this was the best path to achieve my goal, which is the NBA,” Flower said.

“I knew of the guys like Josh Giddey, LaMelo Ball and Terrance Ferguson, I consider myself as a basketball nerd, I love basketball.

“I see a little bit here and there, but now I’m here, my knowledge is getting better and better.”

During the recruitment process, Bruton sent Flowers a clip describing the history of the 36ers, and once the point guard saw that, he was “all in for Adelaide”.

“Getting that video was the tipping point for me, just being able to see about Adelaide, how this was as a program – it was a no brainer after that,” Flowers said.

“Being able to see the club history, winning a bunch of championships, I’m a winner and I want to be a part of a winning culture, and then I saw Giddey and Ferguson, so that sealed the deal for me.”

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The 204cm point guard then made the long trek to South Australia with his family, dad Travis, mum Kristi, sister Kristiana and brother Brysen.

“It’s the first time I’ve been out of the States and the flights were long, but we got here,” Flowers said.

“I had a bit of jet lag, but now I’m getting into a nice schedule.

“Adelaide is chill, it’s super nice, it’s great to live right around the corner from the beach.

“Where I come from is the city, so there’s nothing like this, so it’s a good change of scenery for me.”

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THE BEGINNINGS
Flowers had the game of basketball in his blood from an early age and has been around professionals all throughout his life.

“My basketball journey, it has been a while now, I started playing when I was six or seven years old,” Flowers said.

“My dad (Travis Flowers), he played overseas and grew up playing the game so I as always around the game.

“I remember from a young age I started to love the game and was always around basketball, and as I got older, I started working harder, got into the gym and being able to do different things.”

Flowers said the key to his success is not to ever get “outworked” by anyone, to be the first in the gym, and the last to leave.

“My journey has been all about hard work and my family has been there every step of the way for me, this is not only for me, this is for them as well.”

THE DECISION
After choosing to skip the final year of High School and commit to play for Louisville University earlier this year, Flowers then made the call to choose the NBL Next Stars program.

Flowers’ decision had mixed feelings across the world, but the point guard knew deep in his heart he had made the right call to come to the 36ers.

“Louisville, that was the place I chose to play college basketball, there is nothing but love for them,” Flowers said.

“I still love Louisville and Louisville basketball, but it was crazy but for me as I don’t want like to be in the noise like that.

“It was an easy transition, you just got to know when you’re in basketball at a high level like this that kind of stuff comes with it.

“I’m more of putting my head down and work and do what I need to do.”

The opportunity to play point guard in a professional league which has had the reputation of producing NBA stars was too good to refuse.

“I just want to learn the style of play out here and better myself within the game, and being able to come out here and win,” Flowers said.

“To win, that is something big for me, I heard no NBL Next Stars players have come out and really win, so that’s one of my personal goals.

“The game style is quite similar, it’s all run very professional, basketball is basketball, it’s all about staying sharp.”

NO.1 REASON TO SUCCEED
Flowers will wear the No.1 this season in Adelaide, and he said he has always had the number on his back as a tribute.

“The reason I wear the No.1 – I had a friend that was shot and killed,” Flowers said.

“I grew up playing basketball with him and he wore the No.1, so since then I thought it’s only right that I carry his legacy on thorough my jersey number.”

Every time the 18-year-old steps out onto the court, he takes a moment to think of his friend.

“Nothing is given in this game, you have to go and take it, I’m a competitor, you have to better than the next man in front of you,” he said.

BLOOM FILES: Part 2 - Taking the next step will be going live tomorrow.