By JARROD POTTER
HEADING overseas for a better chance to enter the college arena, Endeavour Hills’ basketballer Damien Rance is reaping the benefits of making an early move to America.
Rance, 19, has signed on the dotted line with San Francisco State University (SFSU) ahead of the upcoming NCAA basketball season after playing out his final year of high school at Pope John XXIII High School.
The road to becoming a Golden Gator was challenging to say the least as Rance packed his bags and left for greater opportunity abroad.
He featured in Dandenong’s Victorian Youth Championship Men campaign in 2013 and also played SEABL that year, but craved the chance to play a better standard of basketball in the United States.
Lining up for Pope John XXIII High School, Rance thoroughly enjoyed his time in New Jersey as he plied his craft in a successful side that picked up a state championship.
“Going overseas to end my high school career has always been a plan of mine,” Rance said.
“Talking to my trainer and mentor Luke Sunderland helped me with this process – I saw this as a head start into my college career, as the game is different and so is the lifestyle.
“Another factor was being exposed to hundreds of colleges – It’s hard for all colleges to reach out to Australia and see the talent there.”
His high school basketball resumé is dotted with achievements including nomination for a McDonald’s All American honour, high school state championship and earning a Peach Jam National Championship with the New Jersey Playaz.
These accolades led to a lot of prospective offers, but his love of the bay lifestyle and a familiar face helped make his decision easier as he picked SFSU.
“I went on a visit to SFSU and I really enjoyed my time there,” Rance said.
“It is a great city, met some great people within the school and team and the opportunity to play and be a part of a growing team is very exciting to me.
“I had a previous relationship with Coach Vince Inglima (Assistant Coach) whom had coached me while he was an import for Dandenong Rangers.”
At 200cm and still growing, Rance doesn’t mind mixing it with the guards or forwards and his versatility as a swingman has impressed wherever he played.
“I am a hybrid player; I can play both outside and inside, depending on my match up,” Rance said.
“Personally I like playing at the three – this is where I feel most comfortable.
“I love hitting a big three in the last minutes of the game, boost my team to go on a run and also making the opposing coach call a timeout.”
Setting his sights on the peak of college basketball – the NCAA March tournament – Rance hopes he can play a crucial part in lifting the Golden Gators’ campaign through the ranks – sticking by the side even if Division-1 opportunities are offered in years to come.
“My hope for SFSU is to go to the NCAA tournament and make a good run my first year,” Rance said.
“As years go on, we aim to go deeper into the tournament and winning the whole thing.
“I am very happy to be attending SFSU and do not plan on leaving.”
Rance is set to make his SFSU debut in November.
