Basketball: Young Fotu set for Hawaii life

Isaac Fotu. Photo / Getty Images

Isaac Fotu's incredible rise through the basketball ranks has picked up a little more momentum with his decision to attend the University of Hawaii next year.

With some big-name American colleges falling over themselves to win his favour, the young Tongan-born giant has opted for an environment that suits his upbringing.

"A big reason I chose Hawaii is that I have family over there," he says. "It has a big Polynesian population, so I'll be very comfortable. It feels like a home away from home."

Fotu (17) became one of the youngest ever to play for the Tall Blacks when he toured China and Europe with the national team in August, sharing their success at the Boris Stankovic Cup event in Guangzhou. The following month, he helped New Zealand win the inaugural FIBA 3x3 World Youth Championship in Italy. A couple of weeks ago, he made his debut for the NZ Breakers, taking the court in the final seconds of a home loss to the Wollongong Hawks.

His commitment to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors marks another step in his transformation from chump to champ.

"About 18 months ago, we saw a huge change in Isaac as a basketballer," reflects Breakers Academy coach Judd Flavell. "Suddenly, he was in the gym every day, getting his shots up and working on his game. His body went from being overweight, chubby and a bit slow - he would be dragging his feet up the court - to being athletic and long.

"Now he's probably the nearest thing we've got to another Mika Vukona. We always tell our kids about how many hours you need to put in to make it and there he was, doing it off his own bat."

Fotu remembers the day the light bulb went on: "I just started to believe in myself and realised what I could do. I think that's the problem with New Zealand kids - they don't really have the self confidence like kids in the States, when, really, we are on their level."

Hawaii play in the Western Athletic Conference, not one of the strongest in the United States college system, so Fotu can expect to see significant court time straight away.

"The coaches there are great and I think they will help me improve my game." Fotu attends Rangitoto College and hopes to fit in a National Basketball League season with the Harbour Heat before taking up his scholarship.

"It's been a crazy year. I'm happy with what I've achieved and excited about the future."