Thon Maker to be featured in ESPN's '30 for 30' documentary series
Thon Maker, the 7’1 centre out of Sudan, by way of Sydney, Australia, will reportedly be making an ESPN '30 for 30' documentary, set to debut in 2015.
The news was first reported by Hoops Hype Canada.
Thon Maker - Courtesy adidas
'30 for 30' is the umbrella title for a series of documentaries and short films by ESPN Films. Thon Maker's rise to fame has been remarkable and, at just the tender age of 17, he is already one of the most recognisable figures in basketball - already being featured in the likes of Slam Magazine, Sports Illustrated and Sportsnet Magazine.
Aussie 2016 C Thon Maker (@ThonMaker14) in the latest edition of @Sportsnet magazine pic.twitter.com/cZCTVSK9Ot
— AUS BBALL PROSPECTS (@australianbball) November 15, 2014
The Class of 2016 prospect currently attends Orangeville Prep in Ontario, Canada and suits up for Athlete Institute. Thon and his younger brother, Matur, transferred to Orangeville Prep in early September and have led them to a 5-0 start to the season.
Matur (left) and Thon (right) Maker at Athlete Institute
Maker holds offers from Duke, Kentucky, Louisville and Kansas, among others, and is currently considering a reclassification to the class of 2015.
Thon Maker is one of the headliners of what has been dubbed the 'golden generation' of Australian basketball. With Dante Exum already making waves in the NBA, the emergence of Aussie talent expected to follow in his footsteps is something that has never been seen before. Ben Simmons, Thon Maker, Isaac Humphries and Deng Adel have all been described as 'NBA level' talents so it's safe to say that the future Aussie Boomers is looking as bright as ever.
Although the Maker brothers have yet to don the green and gold, they're both expected to be available for the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships to be held in Greece - should Australia qualify.
Both of the Maker brothers have re-iterated their intent to play for Australia. Targeting U19 World Champs, should Australia qualify — AUS BBALL PROSPECTS (@australianbball) October 28, 2014
We've learned, however, that there has been a lack of communication between Basketball Australia and some of the top Aussie prospects currently playing high school basketball in the US. Although this is likely to change as we approach the preparation phase of U19 tournament play, it's somewhat worrying that there's a lack of proactivity in that regard.
One bright note is that there's reportedly early conversations about potentially holding an U19's training camp in the US. Should Australia qualify for the FIBA U19 World Championships, the core group of players available will be playing high school basketball in the US. Along with head coach Adam Caporn's connection with St Mary's College of California, it makes perfect sense to hold a camp in the US, should the resources be available.
An Australian U19 squad that could potentially feature Thon Maker, Ben Simmons and Isaac Humphries as the starting front-court is scary, and would be in a position to knock Team USA off their throne.
Considering the potential future of basketball in Australia, it is still recklessly under-resourced. Having one of our top prospects featured in a documentary of this calibre will undoubtedly raise the profile of the sport in this country.
Australian basketball is on the rise, ladies and gentleman. Now is the time to get around it.