A BRIDPORT teenager with dreams of one day playing in the NBA has secured a scholarship to a top basketball academy.

Jordan Daniels impressed in trials earlier this year and will take up his place at the Oaklands College academy next month.

While attempting to further his chances of playing at the top level, the 17-year-old is also going to complete his A-levels there.

The 6ft 4in guard only began playing basketball seriously a couple of years ago but now he is focussed on making the most of his talent.

Daniels, the Exeter & District League young player of the year, says he owes much to his coach at Weymouth Raiders, Alex Fuhrmann, who has seen the youngster come on leaps and bounds since he joined the Dorset club.

A Chicago Bulls fan, Daniels is determined to do his best at the Hertfordshire college in the hope of eventually playing at a professional or semi-pro level.

“I used to play football but about two or three years ago I realised I was better at basketball than any other sport and felt I could go somewhere with it,” he said.

“A friend told me about the college and I looked into it and liked the way they handled players and how they make players better.

“I went for trials and they decided they would like to have me and I start in mid-August.

“It’s like any other college but this one has a basketball academy which means that as well as doing my A-levels I will almost be doing basketball as a separate subject.

“I will be spending every day playing and trying to progress and I’m really looking forward to it.”

On his ambitions for the future, he went on to add: “I play basketball every day, whether it’s on my own or with friends, and I’m very motivated which is what you have to be if you want to get to the top.

“I would love to play professionally or semi-professionally and my dream is to play in the NBA.”

And, while turning out for the college, which is set to have a side competing in the national league, Daniels will also be vying for selection at regional and national levels.

The Sir John Colfox School sixth form pupil is due to spend a year at the college but there is a possibility he could extend his stay beyond that if things work out.