He is coming fresh off a bronze medal at the U17 FIBA World Cup in Türkiye and is preparing for the next chapter of his career as he embarks on his NBL Next Star journey with the Cairns Taipans.
But for Luke Paul, the focus is on growing as a player through trial and error, with the 17-year-old fully aware that nothing will come easy.
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The Taipans Next Star, who was announced to the world during last season’s NBL HoopsFest, describing the Australian U17 experience as one of the best memories of his young career.
“It was amazing and unforgettable experience, you know, to be with those guys through under 15, 16s and 17s, from the coaching staff to the off-court staff, to the playing group. We had an amazing experience,” Paul said.
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“I tell people that if I was going to go on a basketball trip again and play with a team, it would be that team. Because everyone in that team was just so close together, the banter was good, the on-court and off-court was good, you know, everyone got along.
“Playing in Türkiye against their home team, 7,000 Turkish fans in their home stadium, you know, the country is amazing, and then we got to come away with a Bronze Medal. It was unreal.”
Paul averaged 15.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists throughout the tournament, while also averaging 4.7 turnovers per game, an area that will naturally be tested and refined as he progresses into his professional career.
Despite the hype surrounding him, Paul, who turns 18 in February next year, said he feels no added pressure entering his first NBL season.
Instead, the young guard believes the support network around him will help block out any potential criticism that comes his way, something almost every professional athlete has to deal with at some stage.
“Not really, to be honest. I’ve got a good support group around me that kind of keep that out of me. But not paying attention to what people have got to say or what they’re saying, when they’re saying it.
“Being grounded and being humble about everything is definitely what my family’s morals are about.”
“People are going to say stuff, whether it’s positive or negative, but it won’t affect me, to be honest.”
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For NBL fans who may not know much about the 17-year-old Next Star, Paul offered some insight into what they can expect from him this season as he makes the significant jump from junior basketball to competing against seasoned professionals.
“You know, get my teammates better, get them involved, make their lives easy, get them good shots.
“And then for me, get downhill, get on the rim and shoot. I think my three point shots being coming along, so I’ve been able to shoot it off screens, off catch and shoots. But yeah, definitely get my teammates involved to make it easy for them,” he said.
Ever since Paul was introduced at HoopsFest last season, comparisons have been drawn between the young guard and Chicago Bulls star Josh Giddey.
On paper, it is easy to understand why.
Giddey is still just 23 years old and, to the eye, there are similarities between the way the two play the game, particularly with their size and ability to create for others.
But while Paul appreciates the comparison, his ultimate goal is to become the first Luke Paul.
“People will say that we play the same, but at the same time, there’s things that we do the same and then there’s things that we are completely different about,” Paul said.
“But I think it’s a pretty cool comparison to have. But at the same time, I want to be my own person, be my own player, create a name for myself and bring my name up in the basketball world,” he said.
For someone so young, Paul is also honest about the reality of what awaits him in the NBL.
Playing in front of rowdy crowds, dealing with heckling and lining up against experienced professionals will be a significant change from competing against players his own age.
There will naturally be some nerves, but Paul is embracing the prospect of making mistakes and learning from them.
“A little bit, but you know, I think my teammates trust me in who I am and what I am. But it’s always going to be about learning at such a young age to come into the league as 17-year-old.”
“There’s going to be some nervous moments and then there’s going to be some moments where I’m saying ‘I’ve got this, this is me.’
“But it’s all about learning and there’s going to be moments throughout the season where I get bumped off my line or I get dunked on, so there’s going to be so many different things, but it’s all about learning.”
Paul is set to make his NBL debut this season, although it remains unclear whether he will be ready for Round 1 against the Sydney Kings after suffering an ankle injury last month.
One thing is certain, there is plenty to like about the potential of the 17-year-old, and as he prepares to take his first steps into professional basketball, Paul is ready to learn from the mistakes, embrace the challenges and, most importantly, make a name for himself.