Shooting for the States

Samuel Koch signing his scholarship contract.

By Mitchell Clarke

An 18-year-old basketball prodigy is reaching new heights after being offered a college scholarship in the United States.

Pakenham man Samuel Koch has suffered setbacks growing up, dealing with the effects of Asperger’s syndrome, but his love and determination for the sport has him reaping the rewards.

“Asperger’s has given him an unwavering passion for basketball, but has made life a bit tricky to navigate at times,” Samuel’s mother Eve said.

“Samuel wanted to share this openly to encourage others to know that they are made uniquely, that it’s a gift rather than just a label and that so many people with autism can realise their dreams.

“Sometimes autism is portrayed in a negative light and Samuel wants to encourage others to see it as a gift.”

But an underlying heart condition could’ve thrown his dreams court side, forced to have open-heart surgery at 11-years-old to avoid the risk of a heart attack in his 30’s.

“His heart was under severe stress and it seriously impacted his ability to play sport,” Eve said.

But the passion never wavered, returning to the court bigger and better, joining the Dandenong Rangers rep basketball team at 16 years old.

“He improved dramatically and was chosen to represent an Australian team in the United States when he was only in his second season of rep basketball,” Eve said.

During this trip, Samuel played a tournament at the University of California in San Diego, an opportunity which saw multiple colleges contacting him with expressions of interest, eventually being offered a spot at Point Park University.

“Playing college ball is a dream of so many kids shooting in their backyards and when I got word that I would be able to do it, I was in shock,” Samuel said.

“I look forward to learning all I can and becoming a better version of myself – off the court too, as well as learning from others and bringing some Aussie swag to it.”

Graduating from St Francis Xavier College in 2018, Samuel has been described as “a valued member of the community”, spending his time refereeing basketball at Cardinia Life and helping out with many community initiatives including supporting homeless communities.

“Samuel lives and breathes his faith and passion for basketball,” Eve said.

“He is well known in the community for his kind and welcoming nature to all and loves how sport brings people together.”

Samuel hopes his college experience could lead to success, hoping to win a championship.

“It could lead to so many things, potentially to a professional career overseas or back home in Australia,” he said.

“My goal is to be the best player I can be… to work on my weaknesses in my game and turn them into strengths.”

Anyone wanting to help fund Samuel’s journey overseas can do so by donating to https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8ghTr98n2i.