Sixth Man Athlete - Solomon Deer

Over the past twelve months, we have closely followed Solo's basketball journey and we are excited to have him on board as our third 6th Man Athlete. Recently he has cleaned up the trophies at Slam Dunk Contests, including Summer Jam 2023. He also led his childhood club Longhorns to victory in the Elevate League Showcase Championship in 2022. Solo embodies what grassroots basketball means in this country. He has earnt himself a name at so many community competitions across the state and we are sure you've seen his face around the courts.

We spoke with Solo to learn more about him and why he loves this game so much.

Introduce yourself; Where did you grow up, how old are you, who are you playing ball for at the moment.

My Name is Solomon Majak Deer. Am 24 years old. I grew up in the city of Wyndham when I first arrived here in Australia from South Sudan with my family. This year I’ll be playing for Wyndham in the Big V Men's Championship Division.

Growing up my favourite sport has always been soccer. During my early childhood I’ve always played both soccer and basketball but at the age of 15 I stopped playing soccer and decided to take basketball seriously. My most memorable moments playing basketball were during the time when I was competing in the South Sudanese tournament here in Melbourne playing for the Longhorns basketball club. During this time not only did I fall in love with game of basketball, I’ve made very long lasting Friendships with people I would never have met if it wasn’t for the game of basketball.

If you could compare your game to one player past or present who would you choose?

My game on the basketball court evolves around my ability to play both ends of the floor. I would compare my game to Victor Oladipo because of his ability to attack the rim and defend at a very high level

You’ve not only been holding it down on the hardwood the past couple of years but also down the Dunk Competitions for years, what's been your most memorable win or moment over the years?

My most memorable win over the years would be winning the Elevate Showcase Championship. This Championship was really special for me because I got to represent the Longhorns, the club I grew up playing for. I also got to play with some of my close friends who I grew up playing with which made the trophy even more memorable. 

You’ve just added another notch into your belt of slam dunk championships this year at Summer Jam, what is on the horizon for you next? Which Contest are you looking at taking next?

It’s always great competing in the slam dunk competition every year at summer jam. Having won a few over the last couple of years the next goal for me is to not only win the dunk contest but also the Prahran Championship with my team City Kings. 

What's your go-to reliable hoop shoe at the moment?

My go to hooping shoe at the moment would be the new Lebron XX. It’s very comfortable, light and has great ankle support and would strongly recommend every hopper to grab a pair.

Where would you like to be in the next 10 years?

In the next 10 years I would love to fulfil my dream of becoming a pro player at whatever the game takes me.

Do you have a pregame ritual that you do before every game/competition?

Before every game during the warmups I like to attempt trick shots and floaters with my off hand which helps build up my confidence and encourages me to use my left hand during the game.

If you could have dinner with any basketball player past or present, who would you choose? 

Easy one for me... my favourite player and the “GREATEST OF ALL TIME” Michael Jeffery Jordan.