Watch out for this Fil-Aussie Hoops Star!

Fifteen-year-old Mark Franco is blazing his way through the Australian junior leagues. Playing point guard for Westfield High in Sydney, Mark averaged 19 points and 10 assists per game in leading his team to two successive State Championships.

The Australian-born Mark’s roots, however, are 100% Pinoy. He learned the game from his father, Nestor, a native of Taguig City and a former varsity player at San Beda College. Being an only child, Mark was tutored by his father in the backyard of their house in Sydney.

The 5’10” Mark spends his free time watching professional basketball games. His favorite players are Jimmy Alapag of Talk and Text in the PBA and Manu Ginobili of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. Mark believes that to be successful in basketball, you have to work hard and be disciplined. He is also thankful for the emotional support his parents give him.

Mark is featured in the Australian Basketball Juniors Website. Take a look at http://nationals.basketball.net.au/juniorchampionships/.