Oregon State is a division one college and offers Brandt a wonderful opportunity to continue his amazing progress in the sport.

The young giant first shot to stardom in 2006, when he led the Springwood Scorchers to the Under 18 Division Three title in the Sydney Junior Championships.

Brandt was subsequently lured down the mountain to play Youth League with the Penrith Panthers in 2007 and immediately impressed everyone in the Nepean Valley with his rapid progress at the higher level.

Last year saw Brandt move up another level into State League, again with the Panthers, and once again his rapid improvement at a higher level drew praise throughout basketball circles and subsequently a scholarship at Lake Forrest Academy in the US, where he also pursued a post-graduate education.

Stellar year on-court with Lake Forrest Academy has once again enabled Brandt to take yet another rapid step forward, with the Oregon State Beavers recognising the young man’s undoubted talents and signing him for the 2009-2010 season.

The unassuming Brandt appears to be taking it all in his stride.

“It’s been a great life experience so far,” said Brandt.

“I’ll be studying Exercise & Sports Science at Oregon State, with a Major in Pre-Therapy and Allied Health.”

Former Sydney Spirit NBL assistant coach and NSW Institute of Sport head coach Brett Coxsedge said it was a great achievement by Brandt to be selected to Oregon State.

“I also went there (Oregon State),” said Coxsedge “and Angus will gain invaluable experience playing against other Division One colleges.

“Angus has made tremendous progress in the past three years and it’s really exciting to see him gain this opportunity,” said Coxsedge.

Brandt will play a select number of Youth League games with the Panthers, before he flies out for the US on July 5.