The 17-year-old centre has been playing rep ball for three years, but this is his first call into the CHS side – and he’s the only lad from the North Coast in the 2018 squad which is dominated by Sydney students.

Towering at 6ft 7in doesn’t hurt in the sport, but height is a minor consideration compared to skill and determination to reach the upper levels.

Locally, Sam plays for the Coffs Harbour Suns in the men’s State League, and he told the Guardian he was now “fully focussed” on basketball after playing as a rugby league backrower for a number of years.

“I’d like to go as far in the sport as I can – that would be great,” the Year 12 student said.

At the weekend, Sam travelled to Minto in Sydney for a training camp with the CHS side ahead of their tournament next week against NSW Combined Catholic and Combined Independent Schools.

From that play-off, a NSW All Schools team will be named to go head to head with Victoria and Queensland at a tournament at Darwin.

The youngest of three brothers, Sam admires – as do many Australian fans – NBA rookie of the year candidate Ben Simmons who has been stunning on debut for the Philadelphia 76ers.

While Sam follows Oklahoma City Thunder in the premier NBA, he can but dream of one day following Simmons into the elite ranks.

Nambucca Heads High School is understandably proud of his rise.

“To be named as one of the 12 best basketballers in NSW public schools is a tremendous effort,” principal Simon McKinney said.