Chier Maker (ON 2014) – signed to the University of Portland

Last year Chier Maker (ON 2014), originally from South Sudan, was awarded a CIS Blue as well as the MJ Punch Award for the Most Outstanding Individual sportsman. Chier, renowned at Newington for his astonishing commitment and breathtaking skills has been snapped up by the University of Portland and is set for a promising US Basketball career.

University of Portland Basketball Head Coach Reveno said “Chier is another under-the-radar recruit that we are very excited about, his size, athleticism and skill set are intriguing for a player of his age at the wing position. He has had the benefit of working with a great coach in Rex Nottage at Newington College and focused his college recruitment on a place he knew would be a good fit, while also providing him the best opportunity to develop.

“As with all the recruits in this class, it is exciting when a player of Chier’s calibre – who has had other offers – recognizes the real value we are presenting with our program.  He wants to be the best he can be, compete for a championship and do both while getting a fantastic degree.”

Chier helped Newington claim Gold Medal Honours for three straight seasons at the Australian National Schools Championships. Individually, he was named the Most Valuable Player at the National Schoolboy Championships in 2012 and 2013. He is a three-time All-Australian National Schoolboy champion, three-time NSW All-Schools State Team recipient, and was named to both the GPS Conference All-Star Team and the NSW Independent Schools Team each of the last three years. Chier was recognised as the MVP of the NSW Waratah League in 2014 after earning all-league Honours in 2013.

Chier Maker and Newington Basketball Coach reflect on Chier’s time at Newington in the footage below.