The Ambassador Trophy for Male Junior Player of the Year for 2023 is Julius Halaifonua.
In 2023 Julius became just the second Kiwi, after Ben Gold, to be offered a scholarship at the prestigious NBA Global Academy in Canberra. Julius is currently in his second year at the Global Academy. Moving to Canberra as a Year 12 student meant he had to uproot his ties with Harbour Basketball and Rosmini College in order to live, study and train alongside some of the most talented teenage players from around the world.
The opportunities that arose for Julius in 2023 alone added plenty of points to his air miles account:
- January – France for the U16 NBA Academy Tour.
- February – Australian U20 State Championships
- April – Auckland – Junior Tall Blacks Selection Camp
- June – Abu Dhabi – NBA Basketball Without Boarders Asia Camp
- Early July – USA – NBA Academy Games in Atlanta
- Late July – Auckland – Tall Blacks World Cup Pre-Tour Camp
- October – Papua New Guinea – FIBA U19 Oceania Championships
- December – USA – NBA Academy participated in the G League Showcase Tournament.
At the afore mentioned FIBA U17 Oceania Championship Julius averaged 9.3 points and 5 rebounds for the New Zealand team that earned a silver medal at the tournament. Julius was selected into the All-Star 5 at this tournament.
In February of this year Julius became the 8th youngest ever Tall Blacks debutant, at 17 years/292 days, when making his mark against Hong Kong with 4 points, 4 rebounds and a couple of trade mark blocks.
Julius is a deserved recipient of The Ambassador Trophy for 2023 Male Junior Player of the Year. As Julius is also pursuing a very successful basketball career in Canberra his uncle, Munendra Naidu, will be accepting this award on his behalf.
