Batt-Doyle refines focus after Tokyo blitz
An Australian record on the Toyko streets flanking Japan National Stadium has inspired Izzi Batt-Doyle to chase 10,000m qualification and run inside it at the world championships later this year.
The 29-year-old from Adelaide has raced the 5000m at the last two Olympics, but boasts the third-fastest marathon by an Australian woman and wants to run a 10,000m at a global championship.
That prospect firmed after she clocked 30 minutes and 44 seconds at last week's World Athletics-sanctioned Asics event to launch the brand's new race shoe.
Buoyed by her Tokyo time despite battling sickness, Batt-Doyle will head to Europe this week for a series of track and road races over the distance.
The women's qualification time to race the one-off 10,000m final in Tokyo this September has been quickened from 30:40 to 30:20.
"It's fast, but that race showed me I'm around the mark and if I get another good 10km on the track I could get myself in the rankings for a spot anyway," Batt-Doyle told AAP.
"It takes a year or two to figure out what being a pro means ... now I'm four years into what I'd call my career and think I'm seeing the rewards of consistency and hard work.
"The mindset's shifted to not just being happy to be there, but wanting to compete."
Batt-Doyle was among six Australian women to run the qualification time for last year's Olympics marathon in Paris but was not selected in the three-strong team.
Running the Los Angeles Olympics marathon in 2028 and Brisbane's 2032 Games remain her long-term goals but Batt-Doyle wants to make the most of her track talents first.
"I'm in a period of time where normally decisions are made for you by the way things are going," the Nic Bideau-coached talent said.
"I probably didn't expect to be running such fast times (marathon) so early.
"But the competitiveness globally and in Australia ... the needle's shifted as to what is, 'a good time', or what you need to run to put yourself in the equation.
"I'm working hard, doing well in a number of events and it's difficult (to choose), but I've got a short-term plan.
"Part of me would like to focus on marathon now, forget about the track and shorter stuff because I'm not as comparatively competitive.
"I don't want to spend the next 10, 12 years doing two or three marathons a year, the same training and get stagnant.
"I want to challenge myself, work on my speed and take these opportunities while I can."
An Australian record on the Toyko streets flanking Japan National Stadium has inspired Izzi Batt-Doyle to chase 10,000m qualification and run inside it at the world championships later this year.
The 29-year-old from Adelaide has raced the 5000m at the last two Olympics, but boasts the third-fastest marathon by an Australian woman and wants to run a 10,000m at a global championship.
That prospect firmed after she clocked 30 minutes and 44 seconds at last week's World Athletics-sanctioned Asics event to launch the brand's new race shoe.
Buoyed by her Tokyo time despite battling sickness, Batt-Doyle will head to Europe this week for a series of track and road races over the distance.
The women's qualification time to race the one-off 10,000m final in Tokyo this September has been quickened from 30:40 to 30:20.
"It's fast, but that race showed me I'm around the mark and if I get another good 10km on the track I could get myself in the rankings for a spot anyway," Batt-Doyle told AAP.
"It takes a year or two to figure out what being a pro means ... now I'm four years into what I'd call my career and think I'm seeing the rewards of consistency and hard work.
"The mindset's shifted to not just being happy to be there, but wanting to compete."
Batt-Doyle was among six Australian women to run the qualification time for last year's Olympics marathon in Paris but was not selected in the three-strong team.
Running the Los Angeles Olympics marathon in 2028 and Brisbane's 2032 Games remain her long-term goals but Batt-Doyle wants to make the most of her track talents first.
"I'm in a period of time where normally decisions are made for you by the way things are going," the Nic Bideau-coached talent said.
"I probably didn't expect to be running such fast times (marathon) so early.
"But the competitiveness globally and in Australia ... the needle's shifted as to what is, 'a good time', or what you need to run to put yourself in the equation.
"I'm working hard, doing well in a number of events and it's difficult (to choose), but I've got a short-term plan.
"Part of me would like to focus on marathon now, forget about the track and shorter stuff because I'm not as comparatively competitive.
"I don't want to spend the next 10, 12 years doing two or three marathons a year, the same training and get stagnant.
"I want to challenge myself, work on my speed and take these opportunities while I can."
An Australian record on the Toyko streets flanking Japan National Stadium has inspired Izzi Batt-Doyle to chase 10,000m qualification and run inside it at the world championships later this year.
The 29-year-old from Adelaide has raced the 5000m at the last two Olympics, but boasts the third-fastest marathon by an Australian woman and wants to run a 10,000m at a global championship.
That prospect firmed after she clocked 30 minutes and 44 seconds at last week's World Athletics-sanctioned Asics event to launch the brand's new race shoe.
Buoyed by her Tokyo time despite battling sickness, Batt-Doyle will head to Europe this week for a series of track and road races over the distance.
The women's qualification time to race the one-off 10,000m final in Tokyo this September has been quickened from 30:40 to 30:20.
"It's fast, but that race showed me I'm around the mark and if I get another good 10km on the track I could get myself in the rankings for a spot anyway," Batt-Doyle told AAP.
"It takes a year or two to figure out what being a pro means ... now I'm four years into what I'd call my career and think I'm seeing the rewards of consistency and hard work.
"The mindset's shifted to not just being happy to be there, but wanting to compete."
Batt-Doyle was among six Australian women to run the qualification time for last year's Olympics marathon in Paris but was not selected in the three-strong team.
Running the Los Angeles Olympics marathon in 2028 and Brisbane's 2032 Games remain her long-term goals but Batt-Doyle wants to make the most of her track talents first.
"I'm in a period of time where normally decisions are made for you by the way things are going," the Nic Bideau-coached talent said.
"I probably didn't expect to be running such fast times (marathon) so early.
"But the competitiveness globally and in Australia ... the needle's shifted as to what is, 'a good time', or what you need to run to put yourself in the equation.
"I'm working hard, doing well in a number of events and it's difficult (to choose), but I've got a short-term plan.
"Part of me would like to focus on marathon now, forget about the track and shorter stuff because I'm not as comparatively competitive.
"I don't want to spend the next 10, 12 years doing two or three marathons a year, the same training and get stagnant.
"I want to challenge myself, work on my speed and take these opportunities while I can."
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Daily Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Australia's Olympic sweetheart Arisa Trew makes more history and makes bold pet call, X Games Salt Lake City, Osaka, Goldie the duck
Don't miss out on the headlines from Olympics. Followed categories will be added to My News. At just 15 years of age, Arisa Trew continues to break records and build a formidable skating legacy. Last year, aged 14, Trew became the youngest-ever Australian to win an Olympic gold medal and since then has only gone from strength to strength as she breaks record after record. Last weekend Trew took home gold in Women's Skateboard Park and Vert at X Games Osaka, which means the teenager now holds more X Games Skateboard gold medals than any other woman. While the two more golds also means she is now tied with Fabiola da Silva for the most X Games summer discipline golds by a woman as well. Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Such is Trew's dominance, she has now taken home gold in the last three X Games in both Vert and Park and has a chance to claim another pair of first place finishes at the featured X Games this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can watch her incredible Women's Skateboard Park run in the player above. Speaking to ahead of the event, Trew was beaming with pride as she spoke about her recent success. 'It is all just so much fun and I was really excited to compete (in Osaka) and it all went so good,' a humble Trew said in an interview with Arisa Trew has continued to dominate the skateboarding world. Image: Getty 'I came first on the first day which was really good and I got a victory lap because I had already won with my first run and then yesterday I backed it up by getting another gold and also another victory run, which is pretty cool.' Skaters have two 45-second runs with the best of two counted, but the fact Trew had already won both events before taking to the course for a second time meant she was able to do whatever she pleased, an opportunity for the Aussie phenom to take some chances and try out extra manoeuvres. Arisa Trew became the youngest-ever Australian to win an Olympic gold medal last year. 'When I have a victory run, I still just try and improve my run because, like, now I kind of know well I don't have to improve on it as I'm already first,' Trew said. 'So I just try my best to add tricks and improve and just have fun really.' Arisa Trew eyes up complete skateboarding domination Trew - who recently signed a sponsorship deal with energy drink giant Monster - is not just inspiring new generations of skaters, but her competitive attitude and willingness to push the boundaries has seen her quickly become a dominant force in her sport. And she revealed to that she is looking at expanding her range of events to include competing in MegaPark, an event exclusive to the X Games, which involves bigger ramps and therefore provides competitors with a greater chance to pull off more difficult and larger combinations. 'For now I'm just, like, going to keep skating for as long as I can because I really love skating and it's really fun and I love it,' Trew continued. 'I think I'm, like going to love skating my whole life because my life now kind of revolves around skateboarding. But I have thought a bit about also competing in a different discipline like Mega Park. 'I've only done mini mega once but it was really, really fun, so that might be next for me to try.' Olympic Gold Medallist Arisa Trew at Elanora Skatepark on the Gold Coast. Picture: Richard Walker Arisa Trew celebrates winning the gold medal at the end of the women's park skateboarding final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) Arisa Trew draws comparisons to legendary skater Tony Hawk Along with a record amount of X Games golds, Trew also is the only woman to ever land a 900 – 2.5 revolutions at the top of the vertical ramp - albeit in practice. It is a trick that was made famous by legendary skater Tony Hawk and so far Trew is the only female to ever pull it off. Sharing the video of her completing the technically difficult manoeuvre on social media last year, Trew wrote: 'A dream come true! My first 900'. Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk (pictured) was the first person to ever pull off a 900. (Photo by) Vertical skating – where Trew landed the 900 – is not an Olympic event but her goal is to land it in competition, potentially at the upcoming X Games in Salt Lake. Last year Trew tried it in competition but didn't pull it off. But what better time than at the X Games' 30th anniversary this year, to nail it in competition. Trew, however, made no promises she would attempt it again this weekend, as she said she wants to potentially try it again in practice before attempting it on the big stage. 'I think I'd probably want to try to do it again in practice first because I have only tried it a couple of times,' Trew said. 'The ramps also need to be big enough. But if I feel good I could probably try it there (at Salt Lake City) if it feels good and if I try I think I could land it.' Arisa Trew continues to win gold medal after gold medal. Picture: Richard Walker Arisa Trew on dealing with fame With success, Olympic gold and X Games domination comes plenty of fans. And the teenager says following her Paris Games triumph she was stopped everywhere from the shops to the beach, but admits as time has gone on it happens less and less, unless she is at a skateboard meet. 'After the Olympics, like, I came home and I would, like, get stopped a lot for pictures and things, at the airport, shops at the beach, at the skate park, there's always people,' Trew said. 'But like I thought it was so cool because they supported me and are there for me and I know I am doing well and they like the sport. 'Now it's not like that unless I'm at a skate park. I can go out and it will be like 0 to 2 people that will stop and talk to me but like at the X Games on the weekend I couldn't go two steps before like a million people wanting my signature or photos. But that's just really cool. 'I also changed my signature so my coach made my signature the first year I competed but I have changed it to dot the I with a heart so it's more me.' Arisa Trew says it took some time to adjust to her new-found fame. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) Arisa Trew shares update on duck Goldy and future pet plans After claiming gold at last year's Paris Games, Trew warmed the hearts of the entire world when she seemed almost more excited about getting a duck - which was promised to her by her parents if she won - than the gold medal itself. Speaking after taking gold in Paris about wanting a duck Trew said: 'They're really cute, I can take it to the skate park.' Arisa Trew often takes Goldie (pictured) to the skate park with her. Picture Instagram 'Mum and Dad won't let me get a dog or a cat and I think a duck might be a little bit easier.' And when asked about Goldie the duck and if her parents had made any other pet wagers Trew chuckled stating there won't be any more new additions any time soon. 'Well, my parents have said they don't want any more pets because we already have four animals (a duck, two cockatiels and a blue-tongued lizard) and that is kind of a lot.' 'I would definitely want more pets if I had more time for them. But I feel like I need to not be travelling as much, so, yeah, no more pet promises,' she continued. 'But yeah, Goldie is great. He's at home right now and my friends are looking after him because my mum also came for this trip and usually he would be at home looking after Goldie and my other animals. 'But, yeah, he's doing really good. He loves coming to the skate park and hanging out with everyone, going to the beach. And he loves just being around us and following us around and we love taking him to the beach, on car rides and to the skate parks.' So what's next for Arisa Trew? In the short term, Trew has one more X Games to compete in this weekend, before her schedule opens up and she can finally have a bit of downtime. But in the long term, more X Games gold and a plan to compete at the next Olympics in Los Angeles as well as the 2032 Games in Brisbane, barely an hour away from where she grew up on the Gold Coast, is the goal for the teenage sensation. By Brisbane she'll be 22, a veteran in skateboarding terms, but still one of the youngsters on the Olympics squad. But before then there is no doubt Trew will continue cleaning up gold medals, inspiring younger generations to skate and taking all the fame in her stride as she has done since the last Olympic Games. Originally published as More gold but no more pets: Australia's Olympic sweetheart makes even more history
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Norris and Piastri lead way as McLaren get back to work
It was back to something akin to normality for McLaren world championship rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as the first blows for supremacy at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix were exchanged. Their last encounter had been a fortnight earlier, a much-debated and, for Norris at least, highly expensive coming together at the Canadian Grand Prix. The pair had been scrapping over fourth place but the result of the British driver's rash move was to put himself out of the race while his Australian teammate was left to salvage fourth place. Back in competition in second practice at the scenic Speilberg raceway, the pair sped to a McLaren one-two, with Norris just in front. Earlier, in first practice, Mercedes driver George Russell, the winner in Canada, was fastest with Piastri third. Norris handed his car to Irish rookie and Formula Two leader Alex Dunne, who promptly marked his Formula One practice debut by getting to with 0.069 seconds of Piastri. That prompted an outpouring of emotion from Dunne, the first Irish driver to take part in a grand prix weekend for 22 years and who benefitted from team obligations to give rookie drivers Formula One experience. .Thanking his team over the radio as the chequered flag fell, the 19-year-old Dunne said: "A little boy's dream came true, and this is definitely the best day of my life. "Thank you everyone for letting me do this, and thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car." Back among the contenders - Piastri has a 22-point lead over Norris at the top of the drivers' standings after 10 of the 24 races - it was down to business at the start of another critical weekend. Norris finished 0.157 sec clear of Piastri with four-time world champion Max Verstappen third. The Dutchman finished three tenths off the pace in second practice. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ended the day in fourth, one place clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Russell, quickest in the opening session, slipped to sixth. For Lewis Hamilton, it was another difficult day at the wheel of his Ferrari. A gearbox problem restricted Hamilton's programme in the first session and then he was only 10th quickest in the day's concluding running. "For some reason I have just got no pace," said Hamilton on the radio, with his best lap nearly a second off the leading time and three tenths adrift of Leclerc in the other Ferrari. With PA It was back to something akin to normality for McLaren world championship rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as the first blows for supremacy at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix were exchanged. Their last encounter had been a fortnight earlier, a much-debated and, for Norris at least, highly expensive coming together at the Canadian Grand Prix. The pair had been scrapping over fourth place but the result of the British driver's rash move was to put himself out of the race while his Australian teammate was left to salvage fourth place. Back in competition in second practice at the scenic Speilberg raceway, the pair sped to a McLaren one-two, with Norris just in front. Earlier, in first practice, Mercedes driver George Russell, the winner in Canada, was fastest with Piastri third. Norris handed his car to Irish rookie and Formula Two leader Alex Dunne, who promptly marked his Formula One practice debut by getting to with 0.069 seconds of Piastri. That prompted an outpouring of emotion from Dunne, the first Irish driver to take part in a grand prix weekend for 22 years and who benefitted from team obligations to give rookie drivers Formula One experience. .Thanking his team over the radio as the chequered flag fell, the 19-year-old Dunne said: "A little boy's dream came true, and this is definitely the best day of my life. "Thank you everyone for letting me do this, and thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car." Back among the contenders - Piastri has a 22-point lead over Norris at the top of the drivers' standings after 10 of the 24 races - it was down to business at the start of another critical weekend. Norris finished 0.157 sec clear of Piastri with four-time world champion Max Verstappen third. The Dutchman finished three tenths off the pace in second practice. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ended the day in fourth, one place clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Russell, quickest in the opening session, slipped to sixth. For Lewis Hamilton, it was another difficult day at the wheel of his Ferrari. A gearbox problem restricted Hamilton's programme in the first session and then he was only 10th quickest in the day's concluding running. "For some reason I have just got no pace," said Hamilton on the radio, with his best lap nearly a second off the leading time and three tenths adrift of Leclerc in the other Ferrari. With PA It was back to something akin to normality for McLaren world championship rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as the first blows for supremacy at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix were exchanged. Their last encounter had been a fortnight earlier, a much-debated and, for Norris at least, highly expensive coming together at the Canadian Grand Prix. The pair had been scrapping over fourth place but the result of the British driver's rash move was to put himself out of the race while his Australian teammate was left to salvage fourth place. Back in competition in second practice at the scenic Speilberg raceway, the pair sped to a McLaren one-two, with Norris just in front. Earlier, in first practice, Mercedes driver George Russell, the winner in Canada, was fastest with Piastri third. Norris handed his car to Irish rookie and Formula Two leader Alex Dunne, who promptly marked his Formula One practice debut by getting to with 0.069 seconds of Piastri. That prompted an outpouring of emotion from Dunne, the first Irish driver to take part in a grand prix weekend for 22 years and who benefitted from team obligations to give rookie drivers Formula One experience. .Thanking his team over the radio as the chequered flag fell, the 19-year-old Dunne said: "A little boy's dream came true, and this is definitely the best day of my life. "Thank you everyone for letting me do this, and thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car." Back among the contenders - Piastri has a 22-point lead over Norris at the top of the drivers' standings after 10 of the 24 races - it was down to business at the start of another critical weekend. Norris finished 0.157 sec clear of Piastri with four-time world champion Max Verstappen third. The Dutchman finished three tenths off the pace in second practice. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ended the day in fourth, one place clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Russell, quickest in the opening session, slipped to sixth. For Lewis Hamilton, it was another difficult day at the wheel of his Ferrari. A gearbox problem restricted Hamilton's programme in the first session and then he was only 10th quickest in the day's concluding running. "For some reason I have just got no pace," said Hamilton on the radio, with his best lap nearly a second off the leading time and three tenths adrift of Leclerc in the other Ferrari. With PA It was back to something akin to normality for McLaren world championship rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as the first blows for supremacy at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix were exchanged. Their last encounter had been a fortnight earlier, a much-debated and, for Norris at least, highly expensive coming together at the Canadian Grand Prix. The pair had been scrapping over fourth place but the result of the British driver's rash move was to put himself out of the race while his Australian teammate was left to salvage fourth place. Back in competition in second practice at the scenic Speilberg raceway, the pair sped to a McLaren one-two, with Norris just in front. Earlier, in first practice, Mercedes driver George Russell, the winner in Canada, was fastest with Piastri third. Norris handed his car to Irish rookie and Formula Two leader Alex Dunne, who promptly marked his Formula One practice debut by getting to with 0.069 seconds of Piastri. That prompted an outpouring of emotion from Dunne, the first Irish driver to take part in a grand prix weekend for 22 years and who benefitted from team obligations to give rookie drivers Formula One experience. .Thanking his team over the radio as the chequered flag fell, the 19-year-old Dunne said: "A little boy's dream came true, and this is definitely the best day of my life. "Thank you everyone for letting me do this, and thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car." Back among the contenders - Piastri has a 22-point lead over Norris at the top of the drivers' standings after 10 of the 24 races - it was down to business at the start of another critical weekend. Norris finished 0.157 sec clear of Piastri with four-time world champion Max Verstappen third. The Dutchman finished three tenths off the pace in second practice. Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ended the day in fourth, one place clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Russell, quickest in the opening session, slipped to sixth. For Lewis Hamilton, it was another difficult day at the wheel of his Ferrari. A gearbox problem restricted Hamilton's programme in the first session and then he was only 10th quickest in the day's concluding running. "For some reason I have just got no pace," said Hamilton on the radio, with his best lap nearly a second off the leading time and three tenths adrift of Leclerc in the other Ferrari. With PA
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
This basketballer lived in a shipping container. Now he's part of Australia's equal record NBA draft haul
'But it's definitely warmed up a little bit, and it's a great place to be.' ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony reported that Zikarsky was expected to spend the next two seasons on a two-way contract with the Wolves, allowing him to be able to develop his game between the NBA and its development league. Olbrich joins Giddey at the Bulls Olbrich could team up with fellow Aussie Josh Giddey, who is a restricted free agent and tipped to receive a lucrative new contract from the Bulls after starring for them this past season. Teams don't have to sign second-round picks to contracts and can choose to send them overseas to develop, but there seems a good chance all four will end up in the US league next season. Timberwolves president Tim Connolly said he was 'fired up' about snaring the 18-year-old Zikarsky, who has trained in Minnesota since late March. 'He was a very good competitive swimmer, near Olympic level [at underage level] prior to getting into basketball, so we are fired up,' Connolly told a press conference. 'He is a long-term play but a guy who trained locally, so he appreciates Minnesota. We had a great workout with him, and had him much higher on our board.' Loading Australia's equal-best NBA draft haul With four Australians chosen, this year's draft ranks equal with the 1997 intake for the most Australians ever selected, with Zikarsky (pick 45) the first of the quartet picked up. In 1997, South East Melbourne Magic's Chris Anstey ended up with the Dallas Mavericks after the Portland Trail Blazers drafted him in the first round. C.J. Bruton, Paul Rogers and Ben Pepper were all taken in the second round. The Timberwolves could opt to have the 221-centimetre Zikarsky play elsewhere next year to continue his development, or they could bring him in to learn from veteran centre and four-time NBA defensive player of the year Ruby Gobert. Olbrich was taken by the LA Lakers at pick 55 but had his draft rights traded to the Bulls, who could offer him a two-way contract in which he would move between the G-League and the NBA. Toohey could face a similar situation with the Warriors. ESPN reported during the draft coverage that Proctor was tipped to earn a roster spot with the Cavs, who wanted a young guard to add depth to their line-up. Two-way contracts see players earn about $US600,000 and move between an NBA team and its G-League affiliate. They can suit-up for up to 50 NBA games, and teams can choose to upgrade their contract to a full-season one. The Bulls have a rich history with Australian players. Luc Longley won three-straight titles playing alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s, while Anstey, Cam Bairstow and Luke Schenscher all spent time at Chicago in the years after. Cavs pick up Proctor, Toohey goes to Golden State The Cavaliers made Proctor the latest Aussie to join their ranks when they took him with pick 49. He joins the team where Matthew Dellavedova (who went undrafted) won a title with LeBron James, while former second-round pick Luke Travers was a two-way player in Cleveland this past season. Cavs general manager Mike Gansey told media that Proctor was expected to sign a multi-year contract with the team. Toohey, a wing for the Sydney Kings, had to wait for the 52nd pick to hear his name called out by Golden State. Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy told media the team traded into the second round to draft Toohey and Florida shooter Will Richard, and he didn't think either player was 'years away' from making an impact for the team. Toohey impressed scouts with his feel for the game and defensive nous, but fell into the second round where the Warriors took him with a selection that was originally held by the Phoenix Suns. Proctor played with Duke University in US college basketball and his teammates Flagg, Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel were selected in the top 10. Flagg flies in Dallas; Maluach steals the show The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the first pick of the draft on Thursday, while 10th pick Maluach stole the show after he capped a stunning rise from South Sudan to the NBA. Cooper Flagg is on his way to the Dallas Mavericks as the No.1 pick in the NBA draft, but the tears of South Sudanese centre Maluach stole the show during the first round. The 216-centimetre Maluach was overcome upon hearing his name called on Thursday (AEST), completing a rise from the streets of South Sudan to the NBA academy, the South Sudan Olympic team and Duke, where he played this past season. His draft rights will be part of the Kevin Durant trade, so while he was drafted by Houston Rockets, he will be headed to the Phoenix Suns. Maluach said he wanted to change perceptions about Africa and promote the best of the continent, rather than its struggles. 'The moment met my expectations,' Maluach said. 'I didn't think I was going to cry, but sometimes I let the emotions out. I was so happy. Everything was just going through my head, my whole journey and my people and the continent I represent, the continent of Africa. 'It just makes me proud because I had beliefs. I believed in myself. I was delusional about my dreams. No matter what the odds are against you, it shows that you can win.' Heckler disrupts the draft's first round Flagg, a Maine native and Duke forward, was a certainty to be the first pick after his stellar season in the US college basketball system, but some conspiracy theorists in the crowd had their say at the start of the event. A fan could be heard screaming 'Dallas was fixed' on the TV broadcast microphones just before NBA commissioner Adam Silver walked to the stage to open the draft. There is an unfounded conspiracy theory among some fans that the Mavericks were awarded the top pick in the NBA draft lottery in return for the shock mid-season trade that resulted in Dallas sending superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in return for Anthony Davis. Mavs fans protested for weeks after the Doncic trade, while the Lakers gained a young superstar to take over from LeBron James when he eventually retires. The Mavericks received the first draft pick, despite having just a 1.8 per cent chance of doing so. The NBA hosts an annual lottery draw for its top selections as a way of avoiding teams deliberately finishing last to gain the first pick. Loading 'No, I don't know what to say about that,' Flagg said when asked about the conspiracy theory. 'I have no insider information, if that's what you're looking for. But I just feel blessed for the way it all worked out.' Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper was taken at No.2 by the San Antonio Spurs, followed by Bahamas and Baylor University guard V.J. Edgecombe at No.3, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers. In the name of the brothers Duke guard Knueppel went to the Charlotte Hornets with pick four, followed by Rutgers guard Ace Bailey to the Utah Jazz and Texas guard Tre Johnson, who joined the Washington Wizards with pick six. Knueppel is the oldest of five brothers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, all of whom have names starting with 'K': Kager, Kingston, Kash and Kidman. All five appeared on the ESPN broadcast of the draft and all are aspiring basketballers. New Pelicans could be headed to Melbourne The New Orleans Pelicans, who will play two pre-season games in Melbourne against NBL clubs later this year, picked Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears at No.7 and traded for big man Derick Queen at No.13. The pair will likely debut in Pelicans colours at Rod Laver Arena. Fears hopes the pair can become stars together as the Pelicans re-tool their roster under new boss Joe Dumars. Fears found out about the trade while talking to the media. 'That's super dope. Derik is a great guy, super talented. You can expect a lot from him this season,' Fears said. 'I feel like our connection and our duo is going to go a long way, as well. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing to build that connection, two rookies coming in. You guys should expect big things.' San Antonio were again big winners as they drafted the highly touted Harper at No.2 and then grabbed Arizona defensive ace Carter Bryant at No.14 to pair with French superstar Victor Wembanyama. Harper is the son of five-time NBA championship winner Ron Harper who won three titles with Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and two with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Byrant's LA Lakers. Chinese centre Yang Hansen was a surprise early selection by Memphis Grizzlies at No.16, and his draft rights were traded to Portland. The LA Clippers used the 30th pick on Swiss seven-footer Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
