HAVING started his freshman campaign with the Portland Pilots with some solid performances, Austin Rapp produced his best showing at college level in the win over Long Beach State Beach on Sunday.

Having worked on his game as a development player for the SEM Phoenix in the National Basketball League (NBL), the stretch forward made the leap to the collegiate system, and took his talents to the Aussie-friendly Portland program.

Across his first three games, Rapp had posted scores of 15, eight and nine points respectively, thriving as a member of the starting unit and showcasing his offensive arsenal with some impressive performances to start the season.

In the thrilling 63-61 win over State Beach on Sunday, Rapp was at his damaging best, stretching the floor and finding his eye from behind the arc. He was the leading scorer for the match with 18 points in a season-best showing, combining well with fellow Aussie Max Mackinnon, who had 12 points of his own after making the move to Portland from Elon.

He was particularly good in the first half, knocking down five triples to pour in 15 of his 18 points prior to the half time buzzer. The Pilots were looking to get the ball in his hands as much as possible, running pick and pops to create space for the Aussie.

Rapp has a smooth jumpshot that keeps him balanced and allows him a good look at the basket more often than not, and if given space, he can punish the opposition in both catch and shoot situations and off the dribble.

At six-foot-10, he can punish the opposing team inside too, forcing the defence to remain diligent on guarding the paint, which in turn gives him space around the perimeter. Sunday’s win against Long Beach was as good as his shooting form has looked all season, and the final score reflected that.

Although the second half was quieter, he did still make his mark at the free throw line, having been fouled on a shot from behind the arc. Rapp made all three of his free throws, showing composure and a cool head at the charity stripe.

He finished the contest shooting 5/10 from the field and 5/8 from the three-point line, looking to stretch the floor wherever possible. Even when he was not the Portland player to finish the possession with the shot, his ability to drag his immediate opponent out of the paint and onto the perimeter opened up scoring opportunities for some of his smaller teammates.

Rapp has started his time as a college basketball player in strong fashion, and shapes as a key figure for the Pilots in the 2024/25 season.