Conrad Etchi has had a marked impact on basketball in Dubbo over the past few months, but it’s not the 407 points at an average of 25.44 that stands out for the man himself.
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And, as good as they are, it’s also not the ridiculous dunks he has performed.
Rather, it’s the work he has done with the next wave of Dubbo Rams who he hopes can continue to build upon the legacy he has established this season.
Etchi and his teammates will take to the court for the final time in 2017 on Saturday when they play Canberra at the Woolshed from 3pm.
But prior to that, from 10am-12.30pm, he will conduct a clinic for kids.
Because, you see, that is where the Salem University product gets the most enjoyment.
“These kids, they’re the ones coming up,” Etchi said.
“I love working with them, helping them develop their games, because they have their whole basketball careers ahead of them.
“The door isn’t closed on me coming back here next year, I will go home and weigh things up, but if I didn’t end up back in Dubbo for whatever reason I am leaving knowing I’ve helped the kids and helped the Rams.
“I’ve also had to grow my game. I’ve learned a lot playing the Australian style because it’s very physical.
“I’ve had to adapt my game and I’m a better player for coming here.”
While is future plans are largely unknown, Etchi is definite about one thing.
He plans on finishing his stint with the Rams on a high after helping the team to six wins so far in the 2017 Waratah League season.
“It’s going to be great to finish our season in front of that home crowd. They are amazing,” he said.
“Looking back we’ve had a great season but it would be nice to finish it off with one more win and I’ll be doing everything I can to help make that happen.
“The one game that really stands out for me was when we scored our first win. It was against Hawkesbury and we scored 100 points that night.
“After the game everyone was smiling. It had been so long since they had won a game, and to score 100 points was special.”
Aside from his experiences in basketball and coaching, Etchi said he will also return to the United States with a number of amazing tourist experiences under his belt.
“I’m going to have some pretty cool photos to show my family and friends when I get home,” he said.
“I’ve been out to the zoo here in Dubbo, that place is amazing.
“I’ve also been to the Blue Mountains and seen the Three Sisters. This stuff you just don’t see in the States so it will be great to show my family Australia.”