Hoop dreams become reality for Leamington teen
Sports
Posted By Pat Bailey, Leamington
Posted 2 months ago
Matt Willms
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Matt Willms' hoop dreams are dreams no more.
The 6'10", 17-year-old forward from Leamington got word last night that he had made the Under 17 Canadian National Basketball Team.
It has been a whirlwind of sorts for Matt, tryouts for the past 11 days in Toronto and hopping on a plane tomorrow headed for Spain.
For his dad Bob, it is still unreal.
He's excited for his son and all the experience and exposure he will gain from this trip.
With several U.S. colleges already expressing an interest in Matt, Bob said he was warned to expect a whole lot more once Matt has been scouted internationally.
Bob said Matt will be playing a three-game exhibition tournament in Spain, before heading to Germany for the FIBA World Championships.
The proud dad said 24 youngsters from across Canada were invited to try out for the national team and the roster was trimmed to its final 12 last night.
He said he got the call from his son last night. "He's a boy of few words," laughed Bob, "but he was excited."
Bob said rather than meet with each of the selected players, the coach brought out the Team Canada uniforms — the players' names already sewn on the back.
It's an exciting time at the Willms home, but Bob said this is a little new to him. The chauffeur responsible for hauling his son back and forth to practices with his AAU Detroit team, Bob said he didn't get to see any of the tryouts and will not get a chance to see his son play for the first time — representing his country.
"I would've liked to see how he compared to the best in Canada," said Bob.
In addition to the phone call from Matt, Bob said he also got a call from the University of Windsor Lancers' coach Chris Oliver, offering his congratulations.
As for next year, Bob said Matt will probably head stateside and play for a prep school to help further his development and his chances of living his dream of playing college basketball.
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