Two graduates from Derby Trailblazers’ Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) program have agreed to join American colleges this coming season at two ends of the United States.

 

Rema Lascelles has earned a full scholarship at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) while Josh Guddemi will be attending New Haven University in Connecticut, also on scholarship.

 

Both players starred in Noel Baker School's 2012 national title winning team and their former coach Matt Shaw is delighted to see the players progressing:

 

"This is what AASE, our academy and our club is all about - player development. Of course our club would be stronger if these guys had stayed but we are thrilled the lads have such great opportunities and we have encouraged them all the way."

 

Lascelles, who was MVP in the U19 Men’s Premier Schools final fours in March, is expected to play point guard for HPU and is very enthusiastic about the prospect of life in Hawaii.

 

"I'm very excited about studying and playing basketball in Hawaii,” said the 19 year old. “I have heard nothing but good things about the university from everyone I have spoken to, so it will be quite an experience."

 

Coach Shaw added: "We are delighted for Rema. He has made a huge contribution to the Trailblazers club over several years. I expect Rema to be a big success in the States and I know everyone at the club will be keeping a close eye on his progress."

 

Lascelles was a major part of the 2009 Derby team that won the Under 18 Men’s national championship, featuring in the starting five at the age of 16. More recently he started for Derby’s Division 1 Men as they made the final fours last season.

 

"It will be hard to replace a player of Rema's quality,” continued Shaw. “He has such a great understanding of the game and does so many things well on the court. But our club philosophy is about player development and we are delighted to see him have such a great opportunity. We always encourage players to play at a higher level and actively seek opportunities like this for them."

 

Guddemi had several scholarship opportunities after attending an exposure camp in Philadelphia. New Haven University is located in Connecticut and the Chargers play in the Northeast-10 Conference.

 

Derby assistant coach Paul Bowen commented: "Josh has been a huge success and a great ambassador for our program. On the court, in training and in games his attitude has always been outstanding. We are delighted he has earned this opportunity."

 

Matt Shaw confirmed Guddemi will also be sorely missed: "On the court you don't find too many players with Josh's skill set - that will be hard for our academy and our men's team to replace. But we will also be sad to lose the camaraderie he brings to the squad and I know his teammates will miss him as a friend too. As a club we always push players to further themselves and this is certainly a great opportunity that we have encouraged Josh to take."