Sweat and tears as athletes look to make Bay academy

Basketball legend Paora Winitana, pictured, says trials will be held tomorrow for the IMS Paul Henare and Paora Winitana Basketball Academy.

A booming Hawke's Bay basketball academy will this week select athletes for its 2015 programme.

New Zealand basketball star Paora Winitana, of the IMS Paul Henare and Paora Winitana Basketball Academy, said closed trials would be held tomorrow at Hastings Sport Centre, after open trials earlier in the month.

When the academy started in 2012, just 30 athletes were trialled, but this year there are 120 athletes from up and down New Zealand. With its own honour code and haka, the academy has a strong focus on leadership and discipline.

It acts as a boon for budding basketball athletes, many of whomcan participate thanks to sponsors and fundraising efforts.

"The motto of the academy is preparing future athletes on and off the court.

"It's pretty inspiring when you hear about young teenagers getting up at 4.30am so they can get to the gym at 5am. It's a lot more than your average basketball programme.

"I wish I had something like this when I was growing up - I know it would have helped me," Mr Winitana said.

The academy's International Eye Open Experience (EOE) team arrived back in the country in December last year, after touring the United States.

Visiting Los Angeles, Utah and Las Vegas, the 31 team members met NBA players, attended NBA games and played local colleges.

"Some of the team hadn't even been to Auckland, so it was a big eye-opener for them. It was pretty amazing."

The trip was one of three local and national experiences organised throughout the year.