DRIVE Basketball :: Super Sophomores

Part I - Oak Bay's sharpshooter, Eliot Rushton...

Ask Oak Bay's 6'2 super sophomore Eliot Rushton who is his favorite player in the NBA is and you might not get your typical answer, "My favourite player has to be Kobe Bryant. I know he's a popular choice, but I love the way he plays the game. Every single possession is a whole new game for Kobe. I've never seen anyone play the game with more heart, or more passion." Yes, Eliot is talented, but he is also a part of a new breed of players who value hard work and are true students of the game. "I model my game after Ray Allen. First off, he's a knock down shooter, shooters are so much fun to watch, and its a skill that really takes time to perfect" continues Rushton, who is not too far off with his comparison to Ray Allen, the Seattle Supersonics star shooting guard. In fact, Rushton, who is only in Grade 10, already possesses one of the purest strokes in all of British Columbia, regardless of age. His shooting prowess is something that definitely doesn't come easy, "I like to spend 5 to 6 hours a day working on my game. One thing that is really important to think about is the quality you put into the hours you work. Also, when I lift weights or run, that is all for my game, so sometimes i put as much as 7 to 8 hours a day working on my game."

All this hard work paid off for Rushton who spent this past summer representing British Columbia as a member of the U-15 Provincial team that finished 2nd in the National Championships. "Playing on the provincial team this summer was amazing. To be coached by such a great coach all summer, Del Komarniski (U-15 Head Coach), makes you a better player for sure. I was lucky enough to start on the team, so I got a really good idea of what competition is like across the country. I also got to meet many new friends, it was just a great experience." Rushton hopes to use the summers experience to propel him into a stellar sophomore season at Oak Bay in Victoria. "This season is going to be great. The season is where all the work you put in during the off season pays off, so it is nothing but fun when you work hard. Our team, Oak Bay (seniors) should be very competitive. I hope and think we will get off the island and make it to the AAA provincials. Once we're there, anything can happen." Results aside, Rushton has a clear focus and is determined to reaching his long term goals, "I have huge goals set out for myself - alot of people tell me they are almost impossible, and that is my inspiration. I have a lot of little goals that i make every few months until i accomplish them. Some of my big goals are to earn a Div.1 scholarship in the states, and not only get the scholarship, but complete 4 full years and contribute to the team as much as I can. After i finish that, I want to play professionally. I also want to give back to the basketball community after i have finished my career."

Long term goals aside, Rushton is enjoying the moment, he is a true hoops junkie who eats, drinks, and sleeps the game. Besides playing for the Provincial and School team, he is an active member of DRIVE Basketball where he participates in DRIVE University and represents DRIVE in various tournaments. He even led DRIVE White Rock to the Jr. Title in Augusts All-City Roundball Invitational in Pitt Meadows. "Playing for DRIVE White Rock was a great experience. We had such a good
bunch of players, and two coaches who are completely dedicated to making you the best basketball players and people you can be. No matter the outcome, I would have walked away glad that i decided to play, so winning the junior tournament was a great bonus. DRIVE Basketball is such a wonderful opportunity for players like me, it has given me an avenue to really see where the game of basketball can take me."

All of the praise and honors Rushton has received are a credit to the hard work that he has put into his game. He uses all the awards and recognition has motivational tools to work even harder to reach his long term goals. "My advice is simple; develop a love for the game. Once you do that the hard work you must put in will be a joy, and people will be so willing to help you, just as Chad and Pasha have helped me."

Wherever Rushtons basketball career takes him, he is sure to have success because of his unbelievable work ethic and passion for the game. He will be suiting up for Oak Bay's Senior Varsity team this fall where he will spend time at both wing positions. Look for Elliot Rushton in INSIDE DRIVE's top 10 Sophomores in B.C. rankings coming soon, and check him at this year's AAA Provincial Championships at the PNE Agrodome.