JAKARTA (Indonesia) - Derrick Michael Xzavierro has only played in two minutes of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. However, the youngster has been generating buzz in the Indonesia basketball circle  and has recently stirred the pot of interest once again.

The potential of the young forward has recently garnered interest at a higher level after being offered to become a member of the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia. The NBAGA has been a part of developing some rising young talents including Korea's Lee Hyunjung and India's Princepal Singh. Derrick is looking forward to see that opportunity pan out in a similar way as those two rising Asian basketball stars.

"I feel very happy about the opportunity given by NBA Academy to me," he said in an interview with @official_timnasbasket on Instagram. "I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to improve my basketball career. The call from NBA Academy helps me set a new perspective and target for my career. I am eyeing an opportunity to play basketball overseas in the future, with God's willing, who knows where will I end up in the future."

This past year has been a head-turning period of time for Derrick, even prior to this hopeful opportunity from the NBA Global Academy. It was only earlier this year when the 16-year-old was called up to be on the senior national team roster at the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

Not only was he listed on the squad, he was able to make his senior national team debut and it was a moment he'll never forget.

"My reaction was excitement," he said of that personal milestone.

"Knowing that 'Timnas' put my name on their list for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers made me very excited. However, I was not thinking about playing any minutes at all. I was only focused on training and preparing myself to have a good performance during practices day in and day out."

"To be honest, sitting on the bench was already a surreal experience for me. When Coach Toro came and called my name, I'm feeling surreal and surprised for a few seconds. But after that, I just go to the substitution bench and regained my focus while preparing myself to step on to the court."

"Gaining my first call up and making debut in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers is a very memorable moment for me personally."

Though he played only 2 minutes, just enough to record 2 rebounds, the mere fact that he was trusted to be on the court as a 16-year-old was a huge positive sign. Aside from Derrick, there are also some other young Indonesian stars that fans should keep an eye on in the future. With him as the centerpiece of this promising generation of players, Derrick is hopeful for a bright future in Indonesia basketball.

"I see youth players in Indonesia have a lot of potential that is waiting to be unleash," he said. "We need to meet somebody who is willing to unlock all of our potential."

"With the existence of a youth national team program, I feel that this coa support our goal and development. I am also sure of the capabilities of my fellow youth players. One day if the seniors eventually retire, we are ready to fill their shoes and take on the role of bringing Indonesia basketball to the next level."

"If I am trusted to do so, I am ready to assume any role that they need me to do for developing Indonesian Basketball. I believe in my capacity and I am ready to conquer the challenge."

The immediate task at hand for Derrick and Indonesia basketball is to put all their efforts in and qualify for Asia Cup 2021. It will be an uphill battle after losing the first two games in the first window, but there's still plenty of basketball left to be played.

"I am sure that Indonesia has a great opportunity to qualify. Every country wants to achieve their best, no one ever wants to be a loser. But I am one hundred percent sure about the potential that we have in our team. With all the hard work and support from Indonesia basketball fans, I think we have a great opportunity."

Those loyal Indonesia basketball fans will be showering their support for their beloved team in the upcoming window of the Qualifiers. Indonesia will play against Thailand in the opening match of the window and close out with a game against undefeated Korea.

Indonesia are in Group A of the Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers along with Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. The top two teams of the six groups will earn a direct spot to Asia Cup 2021, while the last-placed teams in each group are eliminated.

From there, the six third-placed teams from each group will play against in each in a separate tournament where the top four teams will secure the four remaining spots to play in Asia Cup 2021.

FIBA