Now he’s heading to a World Cup and has joined Australasia’s top basketball franchise.
Britt had his world flipped upside down in a matter of hours after a call from the Perth Wildcats.
The 23-year-old Canterbury Rams point guard had no commitments over the coming months until a highlights reel had the Wildcats chasing his services.
They are the top franchise of the Australian NBL and have dominated in a similar fashion to the Crusaders in Super Rugby. The Wildcats have won four of the past six ANBL championships and haven’t missed the playoffs since 1986 – well before Britt was born.
“It happened really quickly. I didn’t really have anything lined up and within hours they had contacted me and booked my flights,” he said.
Britt was signed after visiting Perth earlier this month for a week-long trial which resulted in him becoming a development player for the upcoming ANBL season.
Britt couldn’t have landed in a better spot if he wants to develop as a point guard. He will undoubtedly pick up a thing or two from Damian Martin – the league’s defensive player of the year on six occasions – and
Bryce Cotton – the 2018 MVP and 2019 scoring champion.
“Even if I don’t get to step on the court, I know just being in that environment and learning from guys like that. I know that every day I’ll be getting better and if I do end up getting a chance to play that’s a great bonus,” said Britt.
Before the ANBL season starts, Britt will first represent New Zealand at the under-23 3x3 World Cup in China next week.
He will be part of the four-strong national team coached by Rams assistant Piet Van Hasselt.
While Britt has played little 3x3 basketball, he fancies their chances of making a strong push to get out of the pool stage. New Zealand will play Russia, Slovenia, Turkey and Argentina in their pool.
Britt hopes to play for New Zealand at the highest level in the future. Recently he was part of the Tall Blacks’ initial wider World Cup squad before it was reduced for the tournament.
“I’d love to be back at the Rams next year, push my case for the Tall Blacks and prove I’ve gotten better from my time with the Wildcats,” said Britt.
