Following a breakout NBL1 West season with the Geraldton Buccaneers, Johny 'Sparkle' Narkle has taken the next step in his basketball career, trialling with NBL club Melbourne United.
Narkle travelled the width of the country on Thursday to trial with United, where he spent two days training with the team whilst being assessed by United's coaches including United head coach and former Melbourne Tiger, Dean Vickerman.
Koorie Academy Basketball founder and Knox Raiders hall of famer Ricky Baldwin was on hand for Narkle's trial, saying he was impressed with the 22-year-olds workout.
"For a young Aboriginal man to come across from WA to train with one of the most talented NBL teams, Johny fitted in well," Baldwin said.
"It was nice to sit back watch him showcase his skill set.
"During the five-on-five scrimmage he competed extremely well, some nice assists, rebounds, his windspan is impressive.
"(He has a) very exciting future ahead of himself."
Narkle travelled with Binar Futures Founder Adam Desmond, who told the West Australian Narkle has a strong upside as a potential NBL recruit.
"He's always had the ability but he's got the confidence now to do it in that environment," Desmond said.
"We've seen how he's played at National Indigenous Championships and now we're seeing him do that sort of stuff regularly in NBL1 West."
The 6' 6" guard earned the tryout after leading the Buccs to their third state title after putting together a 21 point, 11 rebound, four assist and three steal performance to see the Buccaneers defeat the Joondalup Warriors in the NBL1 West final.
Narkle's performance earned him the NBL1 West Finals MVP, the proud Noongar/Yamatji man becoming the first men's Indigenous player in the history of WA's state competition to win the award.
"When you look at the awards he's won in the last month, it created a lot of interest. Melbourne will give him a trial for the next couple of days and evaluate him," Desmond said
After also being named NBL1 West Sixth Man of the Year and NBL1 National Finals All-Star Five, the 22-year-old also earned selection in the NBL1 West select team, playing against the Perth Wildcats last weekend.
Coming off the bench, Narkle averaged nine points and two steals in 18 minutes against the Wildcats, prompting United to invite him for the trial.
If Narkle was to earn a NBL contract with United he would join the likes of Keanu Pinder (Perth Wildcats) and Will McDowell-White (New Zealand Breakers) as Indigenous basketballers currently playing in Australia's top professional league.
