A Richmond-born and raised basketball player is returning home this summer to play with the Vancouver Bandits.
Six-foot-one Jerric Palma was one of three players selected by the Vancouver Bandits at the annual entry draft event earlier this month for the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
The CEBL saw 10 teams select a player each round from either a U Sports or Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association school.
Palma, a Western University student, was chosen 17th overall during the second round of the annual draft event.
Alongside Palma, local players Adam Olsen from the University of British Columbia and Connor Platz from Trinity Western University were also selected.
All three athletes will train, practice and play with the Vancouver Bandits' professional roster this summer.
Palma told the Richmond News he had set up a few jobs for the summer, but his plans have now changed.
"I was very shocked, to say the least, when I found out I was selected, but at the same time I was very excited because I get to continue playing basketball throughout the summer," said Palma.
"It's definitely a dream come true to be able to play professionally at home in front of my family and friends."
The East Richmond resident currently plays as a guard for the Western Mustangs and majors in management organizational studies.
"I've always loved sports growing up. I got to high school and my dad made me choose between hockey and basketball, but I ultimately chose basketball."
When asked what his plans were after this summer and graduation, Palma said professional basketball is the goal.
"I do have aspirations to play professionally, but I'm kind of taking it one step at a time so I don't know where I'm going to be after this summer per see," he said.
"I might work, I might end up going professional somewhere else. It's just uncertain for me at this moment."
Palma said his basketball career was thanks not only to his family, friends and coaches but also St. George's School, which set him up with basketball opportunities outside of school such as RBL Basketball.
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