Hoop star heading for the States

Adam wants to one day emulate his hero Magic Johnson

A Kent teenager is hoping to take America's basketball scene by storm after winning a scholarship to a prestigious academy in the USA.

In September, 15-year-old Adam Marshall from Gillingham will swap the St John Fisher School in Chatham for the Governor Dummer Academy in Boston.

The 6ft 7in teenager impressed talent scouts with his abilities during a tour of the States last summer.

Adam said he hopes to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Magic Johnson

"I'm not really nervous, I'm more worried about leaving my friends behind and my family.

"But it's going to be so much fun when I get there."

Adam wants to progress to college and then go onto the NBA where stars like Michael Jordon and Magic Johnson have made millions from the game.

"Magic Johnson is phenomenal for someone that tall and I just want to be as good as him."

Dave Marshall, Adam's father, said his son had been forced to go to America if he wanted to be a professional player.

Farewell match

"He's going to be training every day of the week and playing games twice a week.

"Here in this country that facility is just not there."

Adam's brother Mat has tipped him for the top.

"He'll do just fine - everyone thinks Americans are the best in the world which they arguably are, but he'll be as good as them."

Classmates at the St John Fisher School held a farewell match for Adam on Tuesday.