Two new talented athletes have been selected to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) men’s basketball program, commencing on the 1 July 2011.

AIS Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ian Stacker has identified Ben Richmond (Tasmania) and Joshua Derksen (Queensland) to join the Institute’s world class basketball program.

With the recent graduation of eight senior athletes from the AIS Basketball program, the recruitment for the next generation of future Boomers has commenced.

‘Ben has demonstrated the potential to be an outstanding shooting guard at the senior level,’ Stacker said. 

‘He toured to the USA with us in March and also demonstrated good basketball smarts and a great attitude towards learning and competing.’

‘Ben comes from a situation in Tasmania where there has been limited competition opportunities and we are confident in the environment here at the AIS we will see him accelerate his development.’

‘With regard to Josh, he has been identified through his outstanding performances at our National Junior Championships and Australian Development Camps.’

‘He has the potential to play as a perimeter player at the senior level where he can utilise his height and perimeter shooting ability.

‘We will be focusing on his continual development as a perimeter player while also making sure we develop his skills closer to the basket where his height can be a great advantage.’

‘Josh is another athlete who should benefit from the tough day to day environment of the AIS.’

The AIS men’s basketball program was established in 1981 and is internationally regarded as one of the best athlete development programs.

It works in partnership with Basketball Australia to support the training and development of talented junior athletes.

‘The AIS Basketball program aims to equip our juniors with the mental, physical and tactical skills needed to perform at league, national and international levels,’ said AIS Deputy Michael McGovern.

‘We are extremely proud of our record and tradition of producing talented basketball players who have gone on to excel at the elite level of the game.’

The AIS Basketball program is one of the eight founding sports at the Institute and offers residential scholarships to both men and women.

The men’s program has developed a strong tradition of striving for excellence in basketball and in life and has produced many star players including Luc Longley, Andrew Bogut and Patrick Mills.