Starling makes young Noah's "dream come true"

Last Saturday, newly signed Adelaide 36ers forward Alex Starling made a dream come true for a brave young basketball fan.

Starling had a surprise training session with eight-year-old Noah Hallam at GameReady Performance Gym, which was weeks in the making.

Noah, who lives with craniosynostosis, travels to Adelaide up to 12 times a year for appointments with more than 20 specialists.

These car trips to Adelaide can be difficult, but this drive turned out to be a special one for the eight-year-old from Whyalla.

Noah said the experience was a complete surprise and he was excited to tell his friends when he returns to school.

"It's a dream come true," he said.

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Noah’s mum, Bree, said Noah would "be talking about this for weeks to come".

"He lives and breathes basketball," Ms Hallam said.

"He goes to bed with basketball cards in his top pocket or under his pillow."

Starling, who signed with the 36ers last month after becoming an Australian citizen, said he hoped the training session had given Noah new confidence.

"I always told myself if I ever had a chance to become that hero, anytime I had to spend with children or that next generation, I would do more than anything to give them that time," Starling said.

For the full story head to >> Basketball fan Noah, 8, treated to surprise meet with Adelaide 36ers recruit Alex Starling.