For Roller Hawk Nick Scott, basketball is really starting to take off, both figuratively and literally.

After moving up to the senior squad at the beginning of the year, Scott is already providing valuable minutes off the bench, giving coach Jim Williams no choice but to include him in his 9 man squad travelling to Western Australia to take on the Red Dust Heelers this weekend.

The trip west will not only be Scott’s first interstate trip with the squad, but also the first time he’s ever been on a plane.

“It’s a reward for how well he’s gone as a backup for Darren (Hayes)” said Williams. “He’s a willing learner, he makes mistakes but he quickly corrects them”

“I’m a quick learner and someone just needs to tell me something and I can apply it straight away and I think that’s made up for any experience I might be lacking” said Scott.

Senior teammates Andrew Tarrant and Brett Stibners have been quick to take Scott under their wing.

“Tarrant and Brett have helped me a lot and I’m learning all the time” says the quietly spoken 19 year old.

“In training there’s a lot more intensity. When I was playing in the development squad there was a lot more muck around and just get out there and play basketball. Whereas here it’s more serious.”

Scott began with the Roller Hawks development squad, the Eagles, in 2013 and developed his game through the club’s regular Wednesday training sessions and by playing in the Slam Down Under tournament each year.

“At the end of last year Pablo (Roller Hawks team manager Pablo Jimenez) asked if I wanted to try out for the senior squad and things just went from there.”

“My focus is to just keep improving and learn as much as I can” said Scott.

“We have high expectations for him to mature through the season and play a bigger role if not this season then next season” surmised Williams.