While many young people in Europe focus on football, Sebastian, a 17-year-old student at an international school in Marbella, Spain, chose a different path—basketball.
Driven by passion and dedication, Sebastian flew from Spain to Taipei to join the Asia Elite Basketball Camp, led by NBA player development expert Gary Boyson. Now, he is preparing to take the next step in his journey by heading to the United States to officially launch his international basketball career.
“If someone asks me what basketball has changed for me, I’d say it changed my entire life,” Sebastian said.
From Football to Basketball: From Spain to the World
Growing up in sunny Marbella, Spain, Sebastian was no different from most Spanish children—his first sport was football. It wasn’t until he was 15, when his height started to shoot up and his friends encouraged him, that he fully committed to basketball.
“It started just for fun, playing at the park. But then I began practicing on my own for hours every day after school, and on weekends, I’d organize games with family and friends,” Sebastian recalled. He not only represented his school team but also joined the local league team And1, gradually building up his game experience.
Basketball slowly became more than just a hobby—it became the most important part of Sebastian’s life.
“The 2019 NBA Playoffs were when I really started paying attention to basketball,” Sebastian shared. “From then on, I watched tons of NBA games and studied seriously. My favorite player is Anthony Edwards for his entertaining style and energy. Kevin Durant is another one I look up to because he’s tall but can handle the ball like a guard. I also really admire Kobe Bryant’s mentality—his story has inspired me so much.”
Basketball and Mandarin: Asia Elite Basketball Camp
What’s even more surprising is that Sebastian is fluent in Mandarin, speaking, reading, and writing. From a young age, his family arranged for him to learn Chinese, and he has continued studying it through high school. With a British background, he’s also fluent in English and has excelled academically, achieving strong results in his GCSE and AS Level exams.
However, because there aren’t many Mandarin-speaking environments in Spain, his family decided to send him to a Mandarin-speaking region for two weeks to practice both language and culture.
Sebastian and his Chinese teacher searched for basketball camps across Asia and eventually chose the Asia Elite Basketball Camp in Taipei, known for its NBA-level coaching.
“This camp was an amazing experience—not only did it help me improve my basketball skills, but I also made a lot of friends who love basketball just like I do, and I got to meet Gary Boyson.”
Opening the Door to the United States
During the camp, Sebastian not only improved his game but also actively connected with players from different countries. Most importantly, he had in-depth conversations with Gary Boyson.
“I told Gary my story and shared my dream of going to the U.S. to play basketball,” Sebastian said.
Gary immediately recommended DME Academy in Florida and helped arrange further information and guidance.
“Gary gave me a lot of advice and shared many player stories, which gave me the determination to challenge myself in the U.S.,” Sebastian said.
“Basketball players often develop a bit later than athletes in other sports. Many who start later can still achieve great things through hard work,” Gary Boyson commented from his perspective as a veteran international scout. “Sebastian is only 17, already stands at 6’5” with a good wingspan, and has a high basketball IQ and strong discipline. I think he has serious potential.”
“As long as he keeps working on all his skills—especially perimeter shooting and playmaking—I believe he’ll become a very good player. Smart players improve quickly under high-level competition. I’m confident he’ll grow even more once he gets to the U.S. and may even have a chance at earning a scholarship.”
Sebastian is set to officially join the DME Postgrad Program in August, competing in national tournaments and preparing for the next level: NCAA Division 1 and beyond.
More Than Basketball: Academics and Life Goals
Unlike many young athletes who focus solely on sports, Sebastian also values his education. He has consistently achieved top grades and is now waiting for his A Level results, with hopes of applying to Ivy League schools to study law.
His ultimate goal is to combine law and sports and become a professional agent for NBA or Premier League players, helping athletes secure the best contracts and career opportunities.
“I don’t just want to be a player. I want to be someone who helps other players.”
In addition, Sebastian loves drawing and cooking and is a loyal supporter of Arsenal F.C. in the English Premier League.
From Spain, to Taipei, to the United States: Basketball Opens Up Endless Possibilities
Looking back on his experience at the Asia Elite Basketball Camp in Taipei, Sebastian describes it as “one of the most important turning points” in his life.
“I didn’t just learn basketball skills—I learned how to become a better player and a better person.”
For international youth like Sebastian, the Asia Elite Basketball Camp isn’t just a training program—it’s a gateway to the global stage.
As long as you keep working hard, no matter where you start, the door to your dreams will eventually open.
Asia Elite Basketball Camp (AEBC)
Asia Elite Basketball Camp (AEBC) is the most professionally structured and high-level basketball training camp in Asia. Led by renowned NBA player development coaches, AEBC offers NBA-caliber training to basketball enthusiasts and players of all levels.
More than just a high-intensity training experience, AEBC serves as a global platform for player development and international exchange. Participants range in age from 7 to 50 and come from over 10 countries and 20 cities, including student-athletes, amateur players, sports professionals, and even current professional athletes.
AEBC runs three major sessions annually—in January, April, and July—corresponding with in-season, off-season, and pre-season periods. Each camp delivers targeted training content based on the basketball calendar, evolving beyond a traditional camp into a year-round player development system. This structure supports consistent short-, mid-, and long-term growth.
Over the past five years, AEBC has inspired and impacted more than 1,000 athletes, helping them grow on and off the court and take meaningful steps in their basketball journeys. Official Website
Advance Basketball Academy
Advance Basketball Academy was founded in 2020 in Taipei, Taiwan. By collaborating with world-class coaches, trainers, and sports professionals, the academy supports club and player development, striving to elevate the level of basketball in Asia.
