Nathan Jawai Drafted To NBA

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27 July 2008

The Federal Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today congratulated rising indigenous basketball star Nathan Jawai for his selection in the NBA draft.

Selected by Indiana but likely to play for the Toronto Raptors, Nathan became the first indigenous and 10th Australian basketballer drafted to the NBA.

Ms Ellis said Nathan’s journey to the biggest and most competitive basketball league in the world was inspiring to indigenous and non-indigenous Australians alike.

“From Cape York via the Cairns Taipans to the richest and most powerful basketball league in the world is a remarkable story,” Ms Ellis said.

“Nathan only started playing basketball 6 years ago and now he’s competing against the very best."

The Rudd Government is determined to improve the delivery of indigenous sport in Australia to strengthen local communities and create pathways to the top for the next Nathan Jawai.

"I wish him all the best and hope he has every success," Ms Ellis said.

Media contact: Brent Hooley - 0434 561 033