The talented Springwood resident has flung himself into success in a very short time.

In just three years he has progressed from Division Three junior representative basketball in Sydney to Division One American College but he's not over-awed by his success.

``I feel very lucky to be given this chance. I am really overwhelmed,'' he said.

After spending a year in the US playing for Lake Forrest Academy where he was spotted by Oregon State College selectors Angus is confident he will be able to cope with the time away from his family and friends.

``At first I got really homesick but now it has become like a second home,'' he said.

``I have started to enjoy myself and I have now made a lot of good friends.'' Angus was a Division Three under-18 player at Springwood three years ago and led the Scorchers to the Division Three title in the Sydney Junior Championships in 2006.

The Penrith Basketball Association grabbed him and he moved down the mountain and played Youth League in 2007.

Following a great debut year in the under-22 ranks, Angus moved up to State League in 2008 and again impressed at the senior level.

He then won a scholarship with Lake Forrest Academy, leading to his selection to play in college basketball in the US.

The 19-year-old realises he will need to work hard to be competitive in the US, so he has been training every day.

He leaves home this week and will be studying exercise and sports science while living on campus.

Angus Brandt's Lake Forrest website is http://yourseason

.suntimes.com /schools/lakeforestacademy/boys-b asketball/index.html.