Former Arizona Basketball commit Terry Armstrong will be part of the NBL Next Stars program in Australia during the 2019-20 season with something to prove.
When news broke that Terry Armstrong would be not be playing for Arizona Basketball, but to play for South East Melbourne Phoenix in Australia as part of the NBL Next Stars program Wildcat fans were full of mixed emotions. Many were upset, wanting to see this great young athlete fly high in McKale Center.
If he had committed and gone to Arizona, Armstrong would have gone down as just not one of the best dunkers in program history, but one of the top freshman to have played over the last decade…he’s that good! The choice was an easy one for him according to USA Today High School Sports.
Like many, players are looking to give back to their family and community. Armstrong having grown up in Flint wants to put his family in a better situation and provide fresh water to his hometown as well. Joining the NBL Next Stars program, will allow him to do that, plus put himself in a position to be NBA ready.
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Armstrong isn’t the only one to have skipped college and prepare for the NBA. Lamello Ball and RJ Hampton are the two others. With all the spotlight mainly being on these two, Armstrong feels he has something to prove to those who aren’t really putting him in the spotlight:
"“R.J. and Melo are great players and they deserve the attention that they get,” Armstrong said. “We’re all coming out of high school going pro so we all have something to prove, but I feel like I have more to prove. I’ve got an even bigger chip on my shoulder now.”"
Listed at 6 foot 6 and 185 pounds, his style of play makes him a difficult guard. Taking his talents to Australia will only making him that much stronger and add confidence to his game.
This trend of elite high schools players not playing in the college will continue to increase unless the NCAA can figure out how players should get paid. It’s 2019, time to figure it out! These players are too good not to be rewarded in some monetary way.
To those that question these athletes deciding to skip college should take a step back and look at the big picture. Yes, they may miss out on a college education, but they have the athleticism to play at the next level – why not! The game of basketball has changed, both on the collegiate and professional level, we all have to accept that.
Get to know Terry Armstrong a little more (check out more videos on his YouTube Channel):
At Zona Zealots, we wish nothing but the best for Terry Armstrong. He will go on to do great things and prove many people wrong. Things are meant to happen for a reason and Armstrong deciding to take his talent overseas will pay off for him in the end. Time to Bear Down in Australia!