Star Auckland Tuatara guard Dontae Russo-Nance has confirmed a move to the United States to join the prestigious Oak Hill Academy.
The 17-year-old will finish the US high school year at the place that helped refine legendary NBA stars Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.
The St Kentigern College student is eligible to play two years in the US high school system although he could head to college or even turn pro after his first year.
Russo-Nance enjoyed a breakout season with the Auckland Huskies in last year’s Sal’s NBL before taking his game to another level with the Tuatara this year, as he helped them to a grand final appearance in their inaugural season.
He won the Sal’s NBL youth player award in 2022.
“No moment is too big for him,” St Kentigern College and Tuatara coach Aaron Young told Stuff. “He approaches the game the right way and jut has an unbelievable instinct for the game – like I’ve never seen from someone that age.
“He’s special in the way he consistently makes the right reads. To do that at 16-17 in a men’s pro league is pretty special.
“I’m just so proud of the body of work he’s put in, and the amount of sacrifice he’s given to both St Kent’s and the Tuatara. I know this is just another step in the right direction for him.”