Help Ben to an NCAA Basketball Scholarship USA

ABOUT ME

Hi my name is Ben Williams - I’m 19 years old from West Auckland, New Zealand. I have a deep passion for basketball and everything about it. I am a 6’4 (195cm) guard who can play multiple positions on the basketball court. I’ve played basketball since I was 8yrs old and I absolutely love it. This passion sparked at Massey High School and my love for the game grew. It has taken me to other parts of the world such as; Australia, Hawaii, America and all over New Zealand. My dream of playing in the college system began while watching the annual NCAA basketball tournament on ESPN.

Basketball is a huge part of my life (#ballislife) but I understand there is much more to life than playing sport. So I want to use my basketball talents to gain a full athletic scholarship to a college in America. To further my studies in business commerce and computing IT. All the while doing what I love -- in the basketball capital of the world.

I have completed 5 years of secondary school at Massey High, the 3rd largest school in NZ. Selected a 'prefect' in my final year, I was recognised a 'leader' amongst my peers. I was a school senate member for 2yrs and represented the school in organised events. My top academic achievement would be receiving 4-5 top student awards in year '10 and '13. Also gaining NCEA level 1, level 2 and level 3 university entrance with merit.

THE ROAD AHEAD:

Determination and ‘Hard work’ has earned me a spot to train at Impact Basketball Academy in Las Vegas from January to June 2015. This is an elite training facility where countless NBA players, College stars, and High school athletes have gone through their program and achieved success. I will be working with top US coaches at Impact to improve my game and work towards a obtaining a full college scholarship. *Three times a day six days a week for 6 months of basketball.

Key Teams:

• New Zealand U-20’s National Men’s Team (2014).

• Samoa National Men's Team (FIBA OPC games) (2013).

• NZ Storm Basketball (Las Vegas Summer Classic) (2014).

• ANZ Horizons Representative Basketball (Hawaii Tour) (2012)

• Waitakere West Auckland Rep Basketball (WWABI) (2009-Present).

• Massey High School Senior Men's Team (Nationals 4yrs) (2010-2013).

I played basketball throughout high school and made the top team in 2010. Honoured as captain in my last year, I lead a young team to the secondary schools nationals, where the top teams in New Zealand meet. In 2013 I also made the Samoa Men's National team and competed in the FIBA Oceania Pacific Championships held in Wellington. This was an amazing experience to represent my native country. I’ve also had the privilege of representing my home country, Aotearoa (NZ). Making the final selection for the New Zealand U20s National Men's team in 2014.

TRIBUTE:

I also want to dedicate my journey to my brave cousin Joshua Timaloa who ended his battle with cancer aged 8 years old. His passing also encouraged me to live life to its fullest and not take anything for granted. I would love to wear the number #43 in his honour.

COSTS:

Impact Basketball Academy - $5,500 (Per month, 6 months)

(includes Training=2hrs x 3daily x 6days per week x 6mths, Transport, Accommodation, Food)

Flights - $3,500 (Return)

HOW I PLAN TO GIVE BACK?

In completing my degree, I hope to one day run my own company and ‘pay it forward’ to the next generation of young athletes seeking to obtain their athletic scholarships overseas.

JOIN MY JOURNEY:

I would love for you to join me on this amazing journey to the states and Impact. Through my supporters page and other media platforms, here you'll receive first hand updates on my experiences on the other side of the world. With weekly photos, written paragraphs and short video clips on how it’s all going.

You can be much a part of this journey, and I will try to include you as much as possible. Any donations (big or small) towards my dream I’ll work even harder to be the best I can be – representing all my family and friends and New Zealand as best I can being a catalyst for others in the future.

If you pledge to my cause, congratulations you will be coming along to Las Vegas with me! Giving you front row seats to my journey through my social media sites.

If you pledge over $100 you’re awesome I will provide you an insight of IMPACT with personalised emails and video clips from ME!

If you are just amazing and want to pledge over $500 I will offer the all the above plus a free one-on-one hour training with you and a friend and/or if you want to have a quick game I'm always looking for new challengers :-) Time, date and Auckland location to be agreed upon.

PLUS everyone who pledges will go in the draw to win one of 5 leather SPALDING basketballs.

Thanks for your support!!