Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship holder Mitch Creek has knocked back numerous offers from leading US basketball colleges to sign a two-year deal with National Basketball League club the Adelaide 36ers.

Creek, who began his AIS scholarship last year, is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Australian basketball. The 18-year-old will reunite with his former coach Marty Clarke who left the Institute earlier this year to take up the head coaching role with Adelaide.

Creek admits the lure of playing under Clarke again was a major factor in his decision to sign with the 36ers.

‘I played under Marty for a year and a half when he was here at the AIS and I have such immense respect for him as a coach,’ Creek said. ‘He knows how to get the best out of me and I’m sure I’ll continue to grow as a player with him at the helm.

‘I’m so excited about joining the 36ers, they have shown great belief in my ability and see me as an integral part in taking the club forward in the coming years. Despite the overseas interest I always wanted to play in the NBL competition and Adelaide is the perfect fit for me.’

Since joining the Institute last year, Creek has gone from an 82kg lightweight guard to a solid 98kg player who is physically ready to handle the rigors of the National Basketball League.

Creek has enjoyed an outstanding 12 months on the international basketball stage taking out the Most Valuable Player award at this year’s prestigious Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. The under-18 tournament takes place every two years and frequently features future NBA stars.