Lucas Wood (Year 10, 2026)
1. How long have you been playing basketball, and what inspired you to start?
I’ve been playing basketball since year 6 when I played for Coach Steve’s Manly Academy training team. I got into it after I was shooting around at school and one of my teachers put me forward for the North Sydney PSSA team trials. I got into the team and we competed in the State comp, that’s when I really got into it.
2. What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I play the small forward. I enjoy it because it’s so versatile – you can do multiple things in that position, you can score, you can defend, you can rebound, it’s a very reliable position – that’s why I like it so much.
3. Can you share a memorable moment from your time with the Bally Basketball school?
Probably when we played in CHS, we played a home game and we had all the support from all the Bally kids from yr 7 and above. We came running out on the court to a song and that support was just great, they were there cheering, great atmosphere and yeah….that got us the win.
4. What’s your proudest basketball moment?
Probably making it from Div 3 Reps to Div 1 Reps and after starting on the bench doubting myself then putting hard work in and making it to the starting five.
5. How do you balance basketball with your academic responsibilities?
Just give it all I’ve got, there’s not much free time with training but I try and I normally sacrifice my recess and lunch just to get the homework in because I’m always busy in the morning and afternoon with training and gym.
6. Who is your favourite professional basketball player and why?
My favourite player is Keven Durant because he can do anything on the court and is unguardable.
7. Who is your favourite NBA team?
The Pheonix Suns
8. What personal goals have you set for yourself this year?
I would say becoming more confident in Reps, being able to step up, do more for the team, just overall get more confident. Win the Div 1 comp with Bally, be able to lead the team to the finals and get the win.
9. How do you prepare mentally and physically for games?
I just listen to music…just calm music to be honest, stretch, look out the window on the drive there and think about how I’m going to beat this team, what are the strategies.
10. What do you think sets the Bally Basketball program apart from others?
I’d say the coaching, the coaching’s amazing. It might be tough sometimes but it does improve the team by so much, really gets you there.
11. How has being part of the Bally team impacted your overall experience at Bally Boys High School?
Well I’ve made a lot more friends, I know more people through the Bally Basketball Program and I’ve just gotten closer with my teammates.
12. Do you have any advice for younger students who aspire to join the basketball program?
I would say……you might find it hard at first, the coaching can be tough and direct but it does push you to be a better player, it gets you good. You’ll make sacrifices for the trainings and put a lot of work in to be a part of the program and you’ll enjoy getting better and better.