From Willetton to the World Stage – Luke Paul's Rise to the AIS

Currently wrapping up his second season with the Willetton Tigers’ NBL1 squad, Luke recently received the call every young basketballer dreams of: a scholarship offer from the AIS to join the elite Centre of Excellence.

“It was definitely a shock. I didn't expect it at all at the stage that I was in. I was so happy, there were so many emotions.”

“Happy. Sad to leave my friends. But yeah, definitely the big thing was happy and excited.”

“It's definitely a privilege. It's not every day that someone gets a scholarship to the AIS… So excited just to move over and get started.”

Luke’s rise has been rapid. At just 15, he made the leap from junior domestic basketball straight into the senior ranks, signing with the Tigers’ NBL1 team.

“It was a big step, going from juniors into seniors. The physicality was definitely something that I worked on a lot. But also just like the speed of the game and just everything in total was just a big step up.”

“It was definitely a big shock for me at the start but as I trained throughout the year, I definitely realised that I got a lot better from it.”

“It definitely helped me going into the seniors and training with the older guys and getting bullied every session to now, where I can handle my own which is good.”

Luke has also been a regular member of the Perth Wildcats Academy squad over the past few seasons, taking part in the weekly strength and conditioning, skill sessions, and games.

“Joining the Wildcats Academy was definitely a privilege. To go into an academy where you get everything you need.”

“High level coaches, you got everyone around you that wants to get better every day.”

“You go into training and everyone's competitive. You talk a bit of smack.”

“It was definitely good for me, to see what I was competing against at my age level. And also above me and below me.”

He’s credited the coaching staff, and in particular Academy Director Keegan Crawford, for playing a major role in his growth and development.

“I definitely learned a lot from Keegan and all the other coaches.”

“It's definitely a privilege. Keegan has taught me so much over the course.”

Later this month, Luke will once again pull on the green and gold, representing Australia in the U17 FIBA Asia Cup. 

It’s not his first time playing for his country, after competing at the U16 Oceania Championships late last year.

“Nothing compares to playing for your country.”

“The first time I did it, I got goosebumps everywhere. It's a privilege, no matter what.”

“It doesn't matter how many minutes you play, how you play. It's just a privilege to wear the green and gold. And you never take anything for granted.”

“That's what I learned. As soon as I put the singlet on.”

“It's definitely a very privileged opportunity that not many people get, I definitely don't take it for granted and just enjoy every moment that I get to wear it.”

Reflecting on everything he’s achieved so far, Luke said it was the people around him who have made the biggest impact.

“I definitely think of the support from behind everyone.”

“You get all the highlights and stuff, but it's all the people behind the scenes that support you and give you all the hours that are unseen”

“The workouts and just the off court stuff as well has definitely been a big thing for me.”

“People at Willetton and people at the Wildcats and everyone else has just supported me along the way and I really appreciate it.”

The Perth Wildcats wish Luke Paul all the best as he makes his way to Canberra for the next stage of his basketball journey.