Basketball's not all sunshine and 'Rosies'

Whether it’s the drive down the Hume Highway, or a 4am training session, Luke Rosendale has done it for basketball.

Although only 24, the Echuca local already has a lifetime of stories to tell.

Spending most of his youth in his driveway shooting hoops, Phoenix’s latest signing was dominating the country basketball circuit by the U14 level.

“Echuca is quite a small town, where everyone knows each other. But I think I fell in love with basketball because I could go out by myself in the driveway at home and have my little imaginary games,” Rosendale said.

“Even now, it’s good to take yourself out of the professionalism of it, and just go out and have fun with it, because that’s how we all fell in love with it really.”

Rosendale knew it was a love he couldn’t ignore – so after discussing with family, metropolitan basketball became a must as he chased a basketball future.

“I began at Eltham when I was living in Echuca, so I was travelling about 2-3 hours each Friday night to play VJBL. Eltham were really accommodating, and they surrounded me with great coaches and great players at the time.”

In pursuit of his dreams, enrolment at the highly esteemed sporting school, Rowville Secondary, was undoubtedly the next step.

“Rowville (Secondary) was massive on daily habits, and surrounded me with people who pushed me through every part of life. They didn’t let me settle for less during my studies, and instead, gave us elite day-to-day habits to push ourselves.

“I have a lot to thank Rowville for.”

Although challenged physically and mentally by metropolitan competition, the kid from Echuca didn’t back down.

“My love of basketball made it a lot easier. I loved competing against players that were probably a lot better than me, eventually settling into that transition to Melbourne.”

Opting against college talk amidst COVID-19 uncertainty, the decision was made to join NBL1 program Bendigo, working his way up, and eventually signing as a development player with Phoenix for two seasons.

“I don’t know what may have come from college. There’s good stories, and there’s bad stories, but this is my story. I want to make sure whatever I’ve chosen to do is going to be successful for me, and my vision of what success is.”

The 24-year-old guard has since enjoyed a breakout couple of years, starting in 2023 with the Ballarat Miners, under Phoenix assistant coach‘Trig’ (Luke Brennan). Rosendale was awarded the NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year award, as well as being named a finalist in the 2024 season’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

“Trig has been instrumental in my development, instilling confidence in me, holding me to high standards. He’s constantly held me accountable and is trying to get me where I want to go.”

In January, “Rosie” signed a full-time deal with South East Melbourne after returning as a training player, making him the first player from Echuca in the NBL.

“Being a full-time guy now, it’s a big accomplishment.”

“But basketball is that funny thing, that as soon as you reach one goal, you don’t have too much time to appreciate it, because you’re already chasing the next one. So, although I’m very appreciative, I’m very much focused on how I get another roster spot, and how I can impact winning.”

That “what’s next” way of thinking has seen the guard continue to take tips from veteran stars on Phoenix’s star-studded roster, such as Nathan Sobey, as he sees a premium 3-and-D role in his future.

“If I continue to shoot the ball at an efficient rate, and continue to play high-level defence, absolutely, I think that role is my continued progression. Being able to take those lessons on from the elite veteran players on the team, who hold that level of professionalism, it really brings guys along.”

Representing Echuca’s young hoopers, Rosendale will be inaction on Saturday night when Phoenix face the Tasmania JackJumpers at JohnCain Arena in the inaugural Heartland Round.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE GAME AGAINST THE JACKJUMPERS THIS SATURDAY.