Dorset's basketball prodigy has his eyes set on the NBA
A 13-year-old basketball sensation hopes to represent England one day
A 13-year-old basketball prodigy from Weymouth has his eyes set on representing England one day.
George Payne is currently playing two age groups above for the Taunton Tigers under 16s. The Tigers currently sit top of the National League table and a win today against Vale Vipers will crown them champions.
The U16s National Title is just the first step in George’s ambitious career. He told us:
“I’d love to go to Europe and play in Spain for someone like Real Madrid, for example. That would be a dream!”
The ultimate goal, however, is to play in the NBA, as it is for every aspiring basketball player. He shared with us that he’d love to move to the United States and get recruited by a college and one day enter his name into the NBA draft.
Cllr Alex Fuhrmann is helping to make this dream a reality… representing the Dorset Basketball Association, he put emails and calls to Weymouth Round Table, The Rotary Club and The Lions, who all allocated funds to support George in his pathway.
The 13-year-old will attend the Red Star Basketball Camp, a weeklong training camp in Leeds where some of the best basketball players in the country all go to compete.
Cllr Fuhrmann said:
“As part of George’s development, it is essential that he compete. The camp will give George a grounded perspective on the level he is on and what will be required in his development.”
Claire Payne - George’s mother and travel buddy - has been telling us how incredibly proud she is. She said:
“He’s been doing exceptionally well, and I just hope he continues on that path and keep on improving as a player.”
The teenager also plays for the men’s team at his hometown club in Weymouth. Claire added:
“George has got to that next step where you're really learning tactics and skills and how to play.”
George said:
“It was odd when I went to the men’s training as they seemed slower than I expected. However, once I started playing, I really noticed the strength and gamesmanship that I need to work on.”