At just 17 years old, Nick Wild, an ex-student at Derby College Group, is living proof that big dreams and hard work can take you anywhere, even across the Atlantic. Nick's basketball journey, which began on the courts of Derby, has propelled him to an exciting new chapter in the USA.
While studying a Sport BTEC at Derby College’s Broomfield Hall and playing for the Derby Trailblazers Academy EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League) team, Nick honed his skills both on and off the court. Under the guidance of Coach Matt Shaw, his confidence and abilities skyrocketed, setting him up for a career many young athletes dream of.
During his time at Derby College Group, Nick achieved remarkable milestones, representing both England and Great Britain in the under-18s teams at the tender age of 16. Most recently, he attended a GB U18 training camp as part of this year’s selection process, further solidifying his place among the brightest young talents in British basketball.
Standing at nearly 7 feet tall and armed with an unstoppable determination, Nick has now spread his wings and secured a two-year contract with Huntington Expression Prep Basketball in the United States. But that’s not all, his future is already shining brightly, with full scholarship offers from prestigious NCAA Division 1 colleges, Hampton and Fairfield Universities.
Nick Ramsden, Assistant Principal at Derby College Group, commented on Nick’s success: “At Derby College Group, we couldn’t be prouder of Nick’s achievements, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way as he continues to rise in the world of basketball.
“it’s a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the strong foundation he built at Derby College Group. Nick is a player to watch and his story is an inspiration to everyone chasing their dreams.”
Nick showed his appreciation and said: “Many thanks to all the coaches who have got me to this point - Matt Shaw, Jeff Hobday, Akin Keskin, Jake Brown & CJ Marriott”
To support Nick and see his progress, you can follow him on Instagram: @GingerBballer
The Derby Trailblazers Basketball Academy offers aspiring young basketball players the opportunity to develop their skills while pursuing academic qualifications. Training and curriculum delivery take place at Derby College Group’s Broomfield Hall campus.
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