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Our own Angus Nelson flies to the United States this week to begin an exciting new chapter of his basketball life at Skagit Valley College, in Mount Vernon, Washington. Before hitting the road, Angus reflected on his journey with Camberwell – the club he loves – for Dragons Media.

By Angus Nelson
It’s always easy to reach a certain milestone in your life and forgot where you started, the origins of your story, the hurdles along the way that only now look small once you leap past them. In fact, I always struggled to see past all the hurdles in front of me.

I started playing rep basketball in Under 12 for Hawthorn Magic, then for Blackburn, until in top age 16s I moved across to play for Camberwell. A big and impactful step forward in my basketball development. The pivotal decision to move to Camberwell has played a key role in achieving the pathway I have landed on today.

The first time I stepped into Camberwell, I was 15 years old, at the pre-tryout. The tryout was led by Andrew Power, my current Under 20 rep coach at Camberwell. I didn’t really understand the impact Andrew would have on my basketball journey. I now realise he really was a key reason for why I moved to Camberwell.

As a young player, throughout Under 12 to Under 16s, I always struggled to fully invest myself into any sport. For a long time, I juggled between footy and basketball, winning Friday night rep games and then getting up the next morning at 6am to play country footy for Lorne.

I was never an aggressive player, and so I remember my parents created what they called the “sticker chart”. The “sticker chart” was a board on the fridge with approximately 20 stars on it. Once every star was covered by a sticker, I would yield a fantastic reward of my choice. I usually picked a brand-new Lego. To earn a sticker, my parents required me to demonstrate what they called "fire in the belly", being motivated and assertive on the court, loud, fast.

This was a big turning point throughout my journey as I found myself wanting to play better, wanting to play harder, doing everything to make sure I got that sticker. It led to what I like to think of my game today – as being super determined, strong and hard working. Anything for the win. The mindset Andrew Power and my Camberwell coaches really embraced and believed in, and a reason why I love this club so much.

If it wasn’t for these challenges I faced and conquered when I was younger – the lack of aggressiveness, moving clubs multiple times and finally finding Camberwell as my home – I simply wouldn’t be the player I am today.

In April this year I committed to play for Skagit Valley College, located in Mount Vernon in Washington. It has long been my dream to play college basketball, one that started back in 2016 when my family travelled to the US. It was quite the trip. We went to one NBA game and happened to watch Steph Curry shoot an NBA record number of threes. I am super proud of the progress I’ve made since starting at Camberwell in Under 16s, and the pathway the club has set me on through the junior program to becoming a vice-captain for the youth league team and being Youth League MVP this season.

Since finishing high school last year I’ve worked a lot, been able to coach even more, and I’ve even started my own clothing brand – BACK2BACK CLOTHING (@__back2back__ on Instagram) – cheeky plug (Ed note: Cheeky plug noted, and forgiven!).

I’ve been able to coach many young Dragons players, many aspiring future Dragons players keen to try out for the upcoming 2025 season, and many young players who, like me, just can’t get enough of the game. Many of you have probably seen me on the Youth League court on a Saturday night, or even earlier on a Saturday refereeing games. I’m going to miss it all.

To all young aspiring Dragons players, never give up on your dream, and always know you may not have even discovered what your dream is yet. I had no clue of the American college pathway until I was about 16 years old, and only at 17 did I really start to take it seriously. Keep leaping those hurdles one by one, and I promise you you’ll reach your own milestones, on or off the court.

Basketball can take you places, and where I’m going, it’s just the beginning …

• Angus Nelson played for Camberwell Dragons 20.1 Boys and our Youth League Men's team this season.

Photo: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography