Luke revels in Atlanta basketball experience - The Redditch Standard

Luke revels in Atlanta basketball experience

Redditch Editorial 23rd Nov, 2016 Updated: 23rd Nov, 2016   0

REDDITCH basketball star Luke Rankin has enjoyed an excellent start to life playing for Action Sports Academy Prep in Atlanta, USA.

The former St Augustine’s Catholic High School pupil had previously spent six months in the capital of Georgia with an elite basketball company as he pursued his dream of becoming a professional.

The initial journey Stateside proved effective for Rankin and as a result he was offered a spot with Action Sports, with whom his first month has proved successful.

“I’ve been here in Atlanta for about six weeks now and so far it’s been a really good experience playing for ASA Prep,” said Rankin.




“We’ve played a lot of games already against other prep schools, junior colleges and Division Two universities and also travelled to play different states such as Tennessee, South Carolina and Alabama.

“It’s great because I’m getting a lot of exposure to different college coaches every single week.


“I have a good role on the team and I’m contributing very well so far. I’m in the starting five and play good minutes every game.”

At the time of writing, Rankin and his team were on a three-game winning streak having beaten two Division Two universities and Alabama Prep.

Rankin added: “I had my best game of the season so far against Alabama Prep as I led my team in scoring with 24 points.

“We will be continuing to play lots of games and travel to more states. Next month we are scheduled to travel to Florida for three days to play in a showcase.

“When we are not playing games we are training Monday to Friday. I feel I have improved my game already here, I’m getting stronger and I’ve also grown a little bit as I’m 6ft 5in now.

Rankin, from Enfield, began playing the sport during his time at St Bede’s Catholic Middle School and, having starred for Redditch Basketball Club and won honours with the West Midlands county team, he joined the Birmingham Knights Academy before being scouted to join British Basketball League side Plymouth Raiders at the age of 17.

You can watch Rankin in action in America by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFeGvlGk1nw&feature=share.

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