BLOOM FILES: Part 2 – Taking the next step

Adelaide 36ers NBL Next Stars signing Trentyn Flowers said his beginning to basketball life in Australia has been exciting.

Flowers made his NBL debut in the 101-65 pre-season victory against South East Melbourne Phoenix in Mount Gambier on September 1.

“It was a special game, especially because my family got to watch me play,” Flowers said.

The Flowers family were meant to be back in the US, but a Hurricane warning kept them in Australia and on the road to Mount Gambier.

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The 204cm point guard wowed the crowd with two highlight slam dunks as Flowers scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

“I had some moments, it was a nice start in my first professional game,” he said.

“In college, you’re playing against teenagers or guys 20 or 21, out here, you’re playing against grown men, I want to be an NBA player, so to go out there and get that bump early, I think that is going to be better for me.

“I’m expecting it to be physical, but I’m physical myself, so I’m ready for it.”

FAMILY MATTERS
Flowers has been adjusting to life without his parents and siblings while embarking on his dream basketball journey to the big league, the NBA.

The 18-year-old said he’s getting used to being independent but knows his family is only one FaceTime call away.

“I was sad (when the family left to go back to the US), but I have a new family here at the 36ers,” Flowers said.

“Making this jump, it’s a big jump, not too many people have skipped their senior year of high school and then go to college.

“But to then go and turn pro and be so far away from my family, this is a very proud moment for me.

“I’m looking to push harder and concentrating on the dream will keep me focused.”

Flowers’ father Travis, who himself was a professional basketballer in Europe, is the Next Stars sensation’s biggest role model.

“My dad, he’s been there for me my whole life and I’m blessed to have a father like him since a young age,” Flower said.

“He’s taught me so much, and not just on the court, he has taught me how to be the man I am today.”

POINT TO PROVE
The reason Flowers made the jump to the NBL as a Next Star in Adelaide was the opportunity to play as the point guard.

Flowers has always been a point guard throughout his basketball journey but shot up literally overnight and coaches were trying to play him in different positions.

“I had a growth spurt, growing six to seven inches going into high school, so I have always been a point guard and that’s the position I want to play,” Flowers said.

“I had the chance to experiment my game a little bit there, but now I’m back in my normal position.”

During NBL24 Flowers will get great guidance from Boomers point guards Mitch McCarron and Jason Cadee, and he can’t wait to learn off of the experienced duo.

“I want to be around great veterans and I have that here and develop my game as a point guard,” Flowers said.

“To see how (Josh) Giddey’s game has transformed from the NBL to the NBA has been amazing, he’s one of my favourite players to watch.

“I want to make a tremendous impact on the game, I want to be known as a bigger point guard.

“Whatever size you are, you can play any position in basketball, as long as you put your mind to it.”

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THE AUSSIE ‘STYLE’
Flowers has embraced life Down Under, and he has already caught up with a few of the locals.

“I’ve already met the kangaroos, that was a once in a lifetime experience, it’s not every day you go and feed kangaroos,” Flowers said.

“I was nervous at first, but once I calmed down, I made some new friends.”

He made be a highlight reel on the court, but off the court Flowers also wants to make an impact.

“I’m really big into fashion, I like putting on nice clothes and dressing myself,” he said.

“But 36ers gear is going to be my drip out here, but when I’m off the court you might see me in a little something.

“I also play the guitar a little bit, just something to take my mind off basketball. I play everything, I like all types of music.”

The NBA prospect knows how important the NBL24 season is for his club and himself and he is leaving nothing on the table.

“I’m funny, I’m always laughing or smiling, very outgoing and ambitious, I’m focused too, I want to go out and get after my dreams and goals,” he said.

“I’m very flashy, exciting, I can pass, dribble, shoot, when you come watch me play, there’s nothing I can’t do, I’m a very versatile player.

“Off the court I want to be a good role model, setting a good example.

“I work hard, that’s all there really is to say about me.”