Ralph Scott On NCAA D1 Debut Season
Ralph Scott said he is relishing the challenge of competing in NCAA Division I men’s basketball after joining the University of Tennessee ahead of the new season.
The 18-year-old freshman, a 6ft 8in small forward, signed with Tennessee from IMG Academy in Florida.
He was ranked the No 77 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking for the class of 2026.
“I’m extremely excited; it is a great opportunity to play for such a prestigious and high-level programme and compete at the highest level of my sport,” Scott told Bernews.
“I’m grateful for my time at IMG and all the opportunities that it provided for me.
“I would say the main highlight for me was being moved up to the national team.
“This allowed me to be able to play against better and more competitive competition, as well as the travel that I was able to do, all over the US and internationally.
“The IMG experience has helped to prepare me for the rigors of college basketball that lie ahead.
“Another highlight would be the elite coaching, development and resources that IMG provided me and have helped me to reach where I am today.”
Scott said he had already settled into life at Tennessee after reporting for training in May and was enjoying the demands of preparing for his first collegiate season.
“I am actually at Tennessee now!” he said. “I had to report to school and training on May 25. The work began almost immediately, and I am in the gym, watching film, on the court, rehab/recovery, both day and night, preparing for the upcoming season and getting used to Tennessee.
“It is gruelling, but I am loving it! I am also taking summer classes, which will allow me to reduce my academic workload during the season.
“I am finding it enjoyable and love the coaching staff and being able to develop and compete everyday with my new team-mates.”
Scott said his immediate aim was to establish himself within the Volunteers squad while helping the programme challenge for college basketball’s biggest prize.
“To remain healthy, to learn as much as I can as I establish myself as an impactful member of the team,” he said.
“The ultimate goal is to win a National Championship!
“When I went to Abu Dhabi [the inaugural NBA Academy International Showcase] last year, I didn’t perform as well as I wanted or expected to, but it served as a learning experience for me.
“It also gave me a better insight into what will be required of me when it comes to playing the game at a higher level, for all aspects of my game – mentally, physically, emotionally.
“My ultimate goal is to become the first Bermudian NBA basketball player. But overall, my goal is to be successful, have a positive impact, remain healthy, in all aspects of life, and to have longevity at any level I find myself at with regard to the game of basketball.”
The former Warwick Academy student also thanked those who had supported him throughout his journey.
“Again, thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on this journey,” he added. “I am very grateful for your prayers, well wishes.”
