Promising basketball player Raushon Tankard is hopeful of fulfilling his potential when he embarks on an unexpected journey today to Montreal.

The 16-year-old caught the eye of the coaching staff of Stanstead College at the Thanksgiving Classic that was held in Bermuda.

Having impressed those in attendance, Tankard was invited to enroll at the school in the new year to play basketball. Already a member of the Hurricanes’ basketball programme that helps to produce Bermuda Under-19, the point guard is ready to take the chance with open arms.

“I feel blessed with this opportunity because I really wasn’t expecting to get this chance,” Tankard said. “I was more worried about getting the wins for the team. To be able to go overseas to both get an education and play the sport you love is incredible.

“My overall objectives are to keep my composure because I have a tendency to lose control on the court. I need to work on my jump shot as well, so by doing these things I believe I can help the team.”

As part of the exchange programme, Tankard’s accommodation is taken care of, with travel expenses to tournaments being his only financial obligations.

Doug Reed, his coach at the Hurricanes, believes chances such as the one given to the 5ft 7in guard are important to local athletes of all sports.

“We played against the school [Stanstead College] and, based on his play and attitude on the court and approach to the game, they inquired about him,” Reed said.

“These chances are important for the young players in the sense that they can be scouted and move on to bigger and better things.

“If you can get these events, the players can showcase their talents.”

The Quebec boarding school fields boys’ basketball teams at the bantam, junior and senior levels. The senior boys travelled to Bermuda two months ago, captured the ETIAC regular season and championship banners, won their home invitational and reached the finals at the Anderson and Visser tournaments.