Albany's Australian pipeline continues to flow
The Albany-Australian connection continues to grow, with Cameron Healy, Adam Lulka and Brent Hank all committing to the Great Danes as part of the class of 2017.
Healy, a 6’3 guard out of Sydney, had interest from a number of schools, including Canisius, St Francis, Pepperdine, Stanford, Cal Poly, Denver, Columbia and Princeton.
https://twitter.com/EvanDaniels/status/770066428464664576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Coming from a basketball factory, Healy has been playing his prep ball at Montverde Academy – the same school recent NBA lottery picks Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and D’Angelo Russell attended.
Healy’s offensive versatility is his greatest strength. The New South Wales native is silky enough to create his own shot and finish, but is also a knock-down outside shooter when given the opportunity.
There is basketball in Healy’s bloodline, as his older brother, Kai, started 22 games at Santa Clara last season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Tu4lc8MTg
Lulka, a 6’8 forward out of Sydney, chose the Great Danes over San Diego. Bradley and UC Riverside did also enquire, but Albany ultimately won out for Lulka’s signature.
https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/769276571500867585
While Lulka possesses a nice blend of size, strength, quickness and athleticism, he has only played against local competition. At his latest junior competition, the 2015 U18 National Championships, Lulka averaged 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and one block, playing with the NSW Metro squad.
Lulka has the tools to be a solid contributor – he can run the floor, play in the post and is active defensively. However, the lack of competition means questions still linger over his ceiling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ip7iNGGT5I
Hank was the first to commit to Albany, after receiving interest from Montana State, Robert Morris, Idaho Valpo, UC Davis, Portland State and Boston College.
https://twitter.com/coreyevans_10/status/757957810806067202
The 6’10 South Australian is a defensive stalwart, and should be able to contribute to the Great Danes immediately. While Hank makes his money on the defensive end, as he is a force around the basket, his soft touch allows him to be more than a spectator offensively.
With no center on Albany’s roster, Hank could be given numerous opportunities to prove himself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCXFpbN70xM
Albany’s Australia affiliation has gained strength with time, with Peter Hooley, Luke Devlin, and brothers Sam and Mike Rowley (who is still on the roster) all impressing during their time with the Great Danes.
All four Aussies have played in the NCAA Tournament with the America East Conference school, but have achieved a large amount of individual success as well.
Hooley ranks third for assists and fourth for points in Albany history, during the division-one era. The Adelaide native was also a three-time All Conference member with the Danes. Who could forget his miracle shot that secured the America East title, sending the Great Danes dancing for the third straight year?
Devlin captained Albany three times, and was named to the America East Conference Rookie Team in 2011.
Sam Rowley is the all-time leading rebounder in Albany division-one history, while also ranking fifth for points during that span. He was named to the All-Conference Team twice, while Mike, started all 33 games as a junior.