The Rambler, Vol. 92, No. 3
Patrick Johnson, sports editor

     As the never-ending advances in technology shrink our world one discovery at a time, people from all across the globe are trading ideas, products and information. The sports world too, is enriched by this contraction.

     A hundred years ago few could have foreseen the possibility that a boy in Bendigo, Australia, could grow up admiring Michael Jordan and Larry Bird who played on the other side of the world. Almost no one would have guessed that same boy would actually be running and shooting in American gyms.

     Yet Ben Hunt, the 26-year-old native of Australia and new addition to the Wesleyan men's basketball team, has done just that.

     "I started playing basketball at age 6. I first learned to play in my hometown, Bendigo, way back in 1984," he said.

     "The player I most admire today is Allen Iverson. In history, I admired Larry Bird and Michael Jordan for the way they carried themselves on and off the court," the 6-foot-2-inch guard said.

     Despite never having attended a game, Hunt likely grew up developing his skills and patterning his style after Jordan and Bird just like American children thousands of miles away. Not surprisingly, he lists his strengths as perimeter shooting, understanding of defense and leadership - qualities also ascribed to both Jordan and Bird.

     When fans see him play, Hunt says he wants them to say that he plays every game as if it is his last. This also parallels the two pro legends known for their strong work ethic. Hunt said he feels his strongest contributions to the team will be leadership, experience, scoring and a winning attitude.

     With 20 years of development in Bendigo, Hunt has plenty of experience to contribute, despite difficulty in finding opportunities to play at school.

     "It is a little different. In Australia, most athletics take place out of school. The club/YMCA system is where you would play most of your sport," he said.

     "That is why a lot of athletes choose to attend school in the U.S. ... because there is more of a focus on sports at an elite level. Also, too, because your studies and athletics coincide with one another," he said, unlike his Australian schools.

     Hunt chose to come to America to be with his girlfriend, Erin, to earn his degree and to play college basketball.

     Hunt has been in the United States for two years now, first attending Stephen F. Austin University from 2001 to 2003, where he earned a spot on the men's varsity team. Early on, he had to adjust to playing against American competition.

     "Australians focus a lot more on perimeter shooting and the transition game, trying to out-score the opponent. In the U.S., athleticism and quickness is certainly a strength. But in most parts, it depends on the coach and the style they prefer," he said.

     When not on the court, Hunt absorbs the luxuries Americans sometimes take for granted. His impression of America?

     "Fantastic. Everyone has been really nice and friendly. I have been very welcomed and have met some wonderful people," Hunt said. "There are so many things to do. For example, attending a professional sporting event - baseball, basketball, football, etc. - is something that is taken for granted here. But the first question I get when I talk to the people at home is, 'Have you been to an NBA game?' It is certainly a thrill to be here. I have no dislikes that I can think of. The USA is a good country with lots of opportunities."

     The assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin told Hunt about Texas Wesleyan, and he decided to come to continue pursuing his degree in kinesiology and to play basketball. Wesleyan leaves his positive view of America unchanged.

     "Texas Wesleyan is a great school with a beautiful campus and many helpful and friendly people," he said.

     "The only downfall is that I'm so far away from my family. Not being able to see them on a regular basis is extremely tough. I miss them very much," Hunt said.

     Despite the distance from his family, his experience is largely positive.

     "If anything, my experiences have exceeded my expectations," he said. "I have had a great time."

     While ideas, products and information are zipping across the continents at light speed, Wesleyan can be assured that Hunt won't be among the commodities exchanged for the time being. He plans to graduate from Wesleyan. He also wants to continue playing basketball and eventually get into coaching the sport.

     So he'll have to do without the Australian meat pies with lamingtons - his favorite meal - for the time being. As for two of his other favorites, he can have all the Nikes he can afford and watch Remember the Titans as many times as he can stand during his time away from the books and the basketball court.