The Ballarat youngster is part of the Australian Emus contesting the FIBA Oceania Under-19 Championships.

The winner books a berth in next year’s world championships in Egypt on July 1-9.

Short was named in the 12-man squad after a series of training camps in Queensland and Canberra.

“It’s an absolute honour to have the opportunity to represent my country at an international competition,” Short said. “To know that my hard work is paying off is very rewarding and something that I won't take for granted.”

Short, who plays with Exies Acmy in the Basketball Ballarat domestic competition and the Miners in the SEABL, represented Australia in the internationally renowned Albert Schweitzer under-18 tournament in Germany earlier this year.

Basketball Ballarat athlete and coach development manager Nathan Cooper-Brown said this was a sensational result for Short. 

“He embodies what it means to be a determined, positive young man, not just a talented basketballer.”

The Emus will play three group games in Fiji from Monday to Wednesday, semi-finals on Thursday and Friday, and gold and bronze medal games on Saturday.

Fixture: v Tahiti on Monday, Guam on Tuesday, Fiji on Wednesday.