Rockets Academy prospect Nektarios Papadopoulos made his first team debut on Saturday evening – coming off the bench in Rockets’ NBL Division One game against Newcastle.
A landmark moment in his basketball journey, Nektarios has come through the youth ranks with us at Rockets – progressing through the Under 14s, Under 16s, Under 18s & our Elite Academy at BMet College before taking to the court as part of our men’s team.
Nektarios is proof of the Rockets Performance Pathway in action, with the youngster earning his next opportunity at every juncture and, having been afforded the opportunity to train with our men’s team in recent weeks, has taken each opportunity in his stride.
Rockets men’s assistant coach Ricardo D’Alva has worked with him at Under 16s, Under 18s and at our Elite Academy at BMet; and spoke of his pride at seeing Nektarios taking the next step in fulfilling his potential.
He said, “For me to see him having the opportunity to play for the men’s team is special moment.
“When he joined the club, I could see that he was very talented and keen to keep improving and progressing through the pathway so for him to achieve that is fantastic.
“I started coaching Nektarios four years ago and from that moment I could see his future would be bright and he had all of the attributes to progress.
“It is amazing to watch it all coming together and I believe he will continue to develop and achieve because he has an incredible work ethic and love for the game.
“Working with him on daily basis and see the commitment he has first-hand is amazing.
“I am very proud and very happy to see all the work he has been putting in paying off.”
Everyone at Rockets would like to congratulate Nektarios on this latest milestone and we look forward to seeing him continue to progress!