USA Basketball Tour
During the December holidays, nineteen boys travelled to the United States, accompanied by Mr Farrugia, Mr Lawrenson and Firsts basketball coach Mr Mahesh Padmanabhan.
The group visited Washington DC, Philadelphia, North Carolina, New York and Los Angeles, following a schedule that combined competitive fixtures, educational experiences and valuable insights into how basketball is played in the United States.
We played a total of fourteen games against seven schools with both the Junior Varsity and Varsity squads facing strong opposition. The Junior Varsity team recorded three wins against McClean High School, High Point Christian Academy and Cathedral Preparatory. Meanwhile, the Varsity squad produced one of the highlights of the tour, coming back from twenty points down in the third quarter to defeat Cristo Rey Jesuit School by one point in Philadelphia. Playing matches on consecutive days and adapting to new conditions challenged the group and contributed to their development.
Off the court, the group attended three NBA games, including the Lakers vs 76ers match featuring LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Joel Embiid. They also met Australian NBA player Dyson Daniels during an Atlanta Hawks game in Washington DC.
At the University of Richmond, the boys toured the facilities and took part in a shoot-around with several players. At the University of Charlotte, Australian coach Aaron Fearne led us on a tour and explained the level of commitment required to play in the NCAA. The group also visited two of the most iconic basketball programmes in the United States; Duke and the University of North Carolina. We were fortunate enough to be able to walk on to the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, home to many iconic moments in NCAA basketball history.
Another highlight of the tour was a visit to the Capitol Building, organised by Grammar old boy Jonathan Swan (OS 2003), now a journalist with The New York Times. The boys had the opportunity to sit in the House Chamber and view the National Mall from the House Speaker’s balcony. They also spent time at the Air and Space Museum and the African American Museum, both of which offered valuable insights into different aspects of American history and culture.
In New York, the group visited the Statue of Liberty after braving a cold ferry ride across the harbour. The boys then spent time at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, which offered a reflective and powerful insight into one of the defining events of modern history. They also explored parts of Manhattan, taking the opportunity to walk through areas such as Times Square and Midtown, giving them a sense of the pace and atmosphere of the city.
Los Angeles offered a welcome change in weather and a different perspective on American culture. The group spent time at Venice Beach before travelling through Hollywood and Beverly Hills, passing several well-known landmarks that highlighted the city’s strong connection to the entertainment industry. The tour wrapped up with a full day at Disneyland, giving the boys an opportunity to unwind, enjoy the attractions and spend time together following a demanding schedule of games and travel.
The 2025 USA Tour was highly valuable for the squad. It strengthened team connections, broadened the boys’ understanding of the game and offered experiences that will remain significant well beyond their school years.
The players have returned more cohesive and more experienced and this has shown in their performances so far in Term I.
Sydney Grammar School
College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: (02) 9332 5800
Edgecliff Preparatory School
Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia
Phone: (02) 9366 0100
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia
Phone: (02) 8302 5200
