Recently we sat down with rising star Eagle, Jack Dean who was selected in the Vic Metro Under 16 State Team:

When and where did you start playing basketball?

I started playing basketball at Diamond Valley at the age of six. I played initially with Apollo Rockets, then Plenty Knights at a domestic level. I have been playing for the Diamond Valley Eagles for seven seasons. In this time I have been extremely fortunate to have some excellent coaches such as Melissa Rofe, Scott Delzoppo, Rob Coulter, Tim wood and Ross Clark as well as being helped by the director of coaching Al McAughtry. My first basketball coach was Jamie Davey and he taught me a lot about the game.

Playing position

I play the point guard position.

Advice for young DV players

My advice for young Diamond Valley players is to work hard and never give up and always remember to be a team player first and foremost. You need to constantly work on your skills and listen to your coaches. Practice, practice, practice!

Thoughts on being named in the Vic Metro Under 16 State team

Being named in the Vic Metro Under 16 State team is such an honour. I feel like every training session that I worked hard in has been worth it to get to this point. My goal was to make the Under 16 State team and I worked hard for three years with that in mind. I had watched my brother in all his achievements and saw the pride he had in representing Victoria and I wanted to do to the same. I feel excited and grateful for the opportunity.

Thoughts on being named captain

I am extremely honoured and proud to have been named as captain of the Vic Metro U16 team. We have an extremely talented team that all get along really well and work really well together. With every training session and practice game we get better and better as a team going forward to the nationals. I am extremely excited and looking forward to leading the team in Adelaide.

Biggest influence on your career

My biggest influence is my older brother Nick and what he was able to achieve in his basketball career. He made the Under 16 Vic Metro State team in 2010 and also the Under 18 Vic Metro State team in 2012. He was my biggest influence in my basketball career. Obviously the great coaching I have had at Diamond Valley and through Basketball Victoria has had a big influence on my game as well.

Favourite team and player

My favourite team is the New Orleans Hornets from the NBA and my favourite player is Chris Paul mainly because he is so quick and is able to make plays.