Marsters controlling his destiny

Wanganui basketballer Akira Marsters has received another invitation to go back to the United States for a half-year camp for potential college players, as he works towards his dream of a scholarship to an NCAA Division One school. Photo/Bevan Conley

Wanganui basketball standout Akira Marsters is preparing for a massive 2014 winter as he will forgo his aspirations of playing more games in the National Basketball League to set his sights on his American dream.

The 19-year-old impressed as captain of the New Zealand Under 23 team during their tour to the United States in December, after which he was picked up to attend basketball camps in Floirda for potential American college standouts.

Marsters played at power forward against players a lot bigger than him, but said his skill and hustle led to him getting a lot of positive feedback from the observing coaches.

He has already received an offer for a scholarship from California State University in Los Angeles, but the young man who is known for using his head as well as playing with his heart said he has been advised to wait.

"I got noticed from the coaches that I was one of the better players. Consistently playing good," Marsters said.

"This was a camp against kids that want 1st Division college [scholarships].

"I was told I'm good enough to play for a 1st Division college."

California State is around 2nd and 3rd division level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball competitions, and Marsters has set his sights higher.

He was been invited back to the United States in September to attend another college player camp in either Las Vegas or Florida, which will be fulltime for 7-9 months.

Therefore, he is going to find a job in Wanganui to fund the trip, although he can also attend another intake next January if he wishes.

"Training my butt off" for this camp while also working fulltime means Marsters is unable to try out again for his spot on the Nelson Giants roster, or consider linking with the Manawatu Jets for the 2014 NBL season.

"It's going to be full on.

"I had to make a choice of the NBL or the States, and I can play NBL when I want to."

A recipient of a Tupoho Sports Scholarship at the Ray White 2013 Wanganui Sports Awards, Marsters said all of his supporters and sponsors who helped get him to the US in December had to be thanked.

While preparing for his return trip this winter, he will keep his hand in with the local club scene and hopes to help develop a couple of his fellow players. el.

"I feel more motivated because no one from this area has got this experience like me. Hopefully this is opening doors for the younger people."

He will attend a camp in Wellington later this month.