Young Kiwi basketballer makes mark in US

Hamilton basketball player Jayden Bezzant has made his mark overseas after a strong debut season in the Arizona Interscholastic Association.

Playing in the US and averaging 16 points per game as well as five rebounds and four assists, the 18-year-old is showing he can play with the best.

Jayden moved to the States in January after playing basketball for St John’s College last year, the high school his father Brett Bezzant played for back in 1992.

A full resume of basketball honours, including representing Waikato and New Zealand, has seen him make the jump to overseas where he hopes to play for a Division 1 college.

Bezzant plays guard for Westwind Prep Academy in Phoenix Arizona, which was ranked the sixth best prep programme in the country by ESPN in 2009.

Westwind has had three alumni reach the NBA, including Tony Snell who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls last year.

Standing at 6ft1in Bezzant does not rely on freak athleticism to fill the stat sheet, but rather an arsenal of offensive weapons which he will need in a much more physical style of play.

“It’s much more physical and intense. No such thing as a ‘tick tack’ foul. You got to hold your own.”

When asked how he represents his home country Bezzant makes no secret of his origins, literally putting New Zealand on his back.

“I take my basketball New Zealand backpack everywhere I go.”

Bevan Sutton, Jayden’s coach at St John’s for his last three years of high school, believes Jayden’s biggest strength is his passion.

“Passion is the key. He hates losing and sees the connection between minimising losses and hard work. It’s not a common core value in our experience.”

Jayden’s nan, Mary Ellen Bezzant, said basketball has always been a part of his life.

“At 18 months he was entertaining the crowds at the national league games in Hamilton. He would be the halftime entertainment, he went out dribbling the ball in the middle of the court.”

Mary Ellen, sports administrator at St John’s College, said Jayden’s success in basketball has come from his drive to win.

“I think he has a natural desire to succeed in the game.”

Jayden said his favourite moment in the States so far was his game winning three in the Impact Academy competition, but stresses “the best is still to come”.

You can find a highlight reel of Jayden’s best plays for Westwind Prep Academy here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk9GZaWJ_V0&feature=youtu.be