Famous name shining with the Aussie Gems
Ruby Vlahovs’ sparkling performance at the recent Aussie Gems selection camp convinced coaches she is ready for the world stage. The WAIS basketballer won a spot in the Australian squad for the upcoming U19 World Cup in Spain in July, where the Gems are considered amongst the favourites for a medal. The daughter of Boomers and Wildcats big man Andrew, Ruby has made rapid progress at WAIS according to coach Shane McDonald
“Ruby was an inaugural scholarship athlete within our program starting in October 2022, and has demonstrated many qualities that will benefit her along her journey in basketball and life” he says. McDonald describes Vlahov as a two-way player that values offence and defence and believes her skill-set translates well to the international game at an underage level, particularly with her ability to space the floor and make shots at a high rate. “Ruby is an intelligent player that has very good feel for how to positively impact games, her key skill is her ability to shoot the 3-point shot at a high rate for her position and seamlessly fitting alongside a variety of athletes with diverse skillsets and general styles of play”.
The second-generation star was scouted for higher honours at age 15 when she became part of the Basketball Australia junior pathway due to her early performances at U16 National Championships and involvement in National Performance Camps. The versatile shooter has her sights set on college following her sojourn with the Gems
“Ruby has committed to Saint Mary’s College, an NCAA Division I institution located in California that has a long history of recruiting Australian basketball athletes in both the Women’s and Men’s programs”. McDonald will follow his star pupil closely, saying “Ruby has been an excellent member of the WAIS Women’s Basketball Program providing great energy, enthusiasm and fun within the DTE.” “We are excited to follow Ruby’s progress at the junior national level and her college experience and hope to reconnect along her basketball journey to support her in chasing her dreams and aspirations.”
Vlahov says the elite training facilities at WAIS have fast-tracked her development “The constant access to coaching and facilities has helped me reach my goals in that through my training phases leading up to games or camp I have been able to use my WAIS program daily to help me prepare, both in the gym and on the court” she says. “I think the next step would be taking college year by year and making sure I use the opportunities I have to prep me to come out of college a player that can be identified as an opal, that’s the next really big goal”.
