Former Arizona Wildcat commit to play professionally in Australia
Jul 6, 2019, 6:00 AM
Terry Armstrong, headed to the Arizona Wildcats, goes up for a dunk during the 2019 Ballislife All-American game (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Terry Armstrong, a four-star recruit from Bella Vista College Prep in Scottsdale, has decided to forego his college career and join the professional ranks.
The University of Arizona signee will play for the South East Melbourne Phoenix of the Australian National Basketball League. Armstrong will become the third player in the ESPN class of 2019 top 100 who has decided to join the NBL — Lamelo Ball and RJ Hampton are the other two.
The NBL has nine teams and the Phoenix will be playing their inaugral season this year. Teams compete from October to March.
We're excited to announce that 2020 NBA Draft Prospect, @TerryTerry25, will be joining the Phoenix as an #NBLNextStar
This is going to be good đź’Ş#RiseUpPhoenix #Heartland
— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) July 5, 2019
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“The NBL is one of the most competitive leagues in the world,” Armstrong told ESPN. “Australia has a rabid fan base and a proven track record of putting players in the NBA.
“In addition, there is a strong focus on development and a season which consists of 32 games which lends itself to more developmental rigor. I’ll have a chance to train with some of the best professional coaches and trainers in the world, so that is a very attractive situation for me.”
The 6’7″ guard put on a clinic last summer in the Nike EYBL AASU circuit averaging 20.4 points per game. His performance helped propel his recruitment rankings and caught the eyes of top programs like Michigan State, LSU and Arizona State.
Armstrong has one goal: make it to the NBA. Like Ball and Barrett, Armstrong believed the NBL to be the best rout for him to take.
ESPN’s No. 40 prospect plans to join the Phoenix at the end of July.
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