By Cam Lucadou-Wells
An inaugural ‘March Madness’ tournament between 70 young South Sudanese basketballers left nothing on the 24/7 HOOPS court at Dandenong on 25 March.
Eight teams – including three local Red Roo teams which draw players from Melbourne’s south-east, east and the La Trobe Valley – took part.
As is the tradition at similar national comps, Red Roo – organised by Dandenong-based businessman James Kerr – emerged victorious.
Red Roo assistant coach Wicthiel King said the tournament was based on the March Madness Tournament involving all the NCAA Division One basketball teams in the US.
“We thought it would be a great idea to run the same tournament here in Australia since most of our guys and a lot of the young people … want to play college basketball in the US.”
Mr King said the tournament also filled a gap in the calendar between the South Sudanese Summer Slam in December and the National Classic competition in July.
“I always wanted to run a small tournament in the south-eastern suburbs but just never had the resources and someone to believe in it.
“It brings the South Sudanese community together and gives these young people something to do during that waiting period.”
Many of the Red Roo players are prepared for SAT tests in May as part of winning a US college basketball scholarship.
Mr Kerr, who has devoted hours of time and his own money to educating, feeding and supporting the Red Roo players, believes the players are talented enough to succeed.
He says the players will have to study hard to pass the SAT – a general English and maths exam that is equivalent to VCE.
“They’re going to be doubly smart – taking on the VCE and the SAT at the same time.
“They’re going to be smart kids, nice smart athletes – that’s what I want them to be.
“If they’re not prepared to pay the price, get out of the program.”
Mr Kerr is seeking to liaise with Greater Dandenong Council and Victoria Police to back the tournament as an annual tradition.
Food business sponsors are also being sought to help feed the athletes.
Other participating teams were Yarra Wild Beast, Sunshine Thunder, Team Stand Out, City Kings from Springvale and Perth Rhinos from Western Australia.
