FOR many young Australian basketballers, the ultimate dream is to play in the United States, and for Broadford local Eden Hobbs, that dream is quickly becoming reality.
Now in his 2nd season of US college basketball, Hobbs is making a significant impact as a sophomore and team captain for the Williston State Tetons in North Dakota, becoming one of the program’s main contributors.
“In the last few months, since going back over to Williston State College for my sophomore year (2nd year) in August, things have gone really well for me,” Hobbs said.
“Last year, I was a freshman and more of a role player, playing about 15 minutes a game, where I learnt a lot and got a lot better.
“So when I was given the captain role this year on top of a huge scoring role, playing about 35 minutes a game so far through the first half of the season, it allowed me to have a new level of confidence and have a lot of opportunity to do well.”
Midway through the season, Hobbs has started all 15 games for the Tetons, displaying leadership well beyond his years, a relentless work ethic and natural scoring ability.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, especially during a standout run in November, when he delivered back-to-back dominant displays, scoring 35 points in a close 97–94 win against Lake Region State College and backing it up with 34 points in a commanding 103–61 win against Minnesota North College.
Those efforts stand out within an impressive season, which also includes a 31-point performance and six other games in which he scored 20 or more points, a testament to his consistency at the collegiate level.
With still half a season to go, Hobbs has shone from his freshman year, where he scored 342 points in 30 games.
“My points per game (PPG) have jumped up from 8.1PPG last year to 22.8PPG 15 games into my sophomore year. On November 12, I was awarded the Mon-Dak conference player of the week, scoring 63 points in two games during that specific weekend,” Hobbs said.
“As of November 19, I am second in the conference and ninth in the country of America in the National Junior College Athletic Association points per game with 342 points. My other stats are 5.4 rebounds per game and a 54 per cent field goal percentage.
Standing at 196cm, Hobbs’ rise has been built on persistence and preparation. Locally, he was known as one of the Seymour Blasters’ most promising talents, finishing his final season with the club in 2023/24 before taking the next step overseas.
His move to the United States was made possible through AUSA Hoops. The organisation has helped more than 270 Australian athletes secure basketball scholarships and gain exposure in the highly competitive US college system.
Hobbs relocated to Williston State College ahead of the 2024/25 season, embracing the challenge of a new environment and an elevated level of competition.
“Being able to play in America has been an opportunity I’m so grateful for, as not everyone is lucky enough to be able to play in America,” he said.
“I’m so grateful to my coach, Alex Herman, for giving me the opportunity to do so. Playing in America unlocks a huge range of possibilities in basketball for the future, not only in America, but also back home in Australia and even in other professional leagues throughout the world.”
Now firmly established in the college ranks, Hobbs continues to play with a focus on the future. With NBA draft eligibility currently predicted for 2028, each performance moves him closer to the next level of recruitment and to the ultimate aim of competing at the highest level of the sport. Speaking humbly about what the future might hold, Hobbs said each day is about becoming a better athlete and person.
“My goals in basketball are to be the best player and version of myself I can be, which I just want to keep getting better and better and keep playing at higher levels throughout the future. The real goal is just competing against myself and every day doing what I can to be better than yesterday,” he said.
“2026 has a lot in store, with the first focus being the back half of our season in January and February, playing roughly 15 more games, which are against all the teams in our conference. I need to stay consistent and get as many wins on the board as possible to set us up to go into the playoffs.
‘After the season, I will see what four-year schools offer me and either make the decision to keep playing in America at college, or come back home and play here, or seek other overseas opportunities.”
