"Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise."

 

- Kobe Bryant

Early Years (2000-2009)
Luke's sporting journey began at a young age when he joined the South Melbourne Districts Junior Football Club. Despite facing initial challenges and struggles on the field, Luke's perseverance and love for the game propelled him forward, and he enjoyed the community of the sport. Simultaneously, he explored the world of martial arts, finding discipline in Karate at Ceberano Martial Arts. Under the guidance of experienced instructors and passionate coaches, Luke honed his skills, developing discipline, focus, and a strong competitive spirit. However, not all sports came naturally to Luke. As he ventured into tennis at a young age, he was labelled an uncoachable player due to his resistance to traditional coaching methods.

 

Undeterred by his irregularity, Luke embraced Basketball on his terms, beginning at local domestic competitions at MSAC, and built expanding upon his natural athleticism through determination to forge his path. Although his unconventional approach raised eyebrows (particularly his jump shot), it caught the attention of fellow players and spectators who admired his unique style and unwavering spirit on the court, as he prided himself on effort above all else.

 

Luke's diverse sporting experiences shaped him into a well-rounded athlete, teaching him the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of finding one's path to success. These early lessons would prove invaluable as Luke continued to explore and excel in various athletic endeavours throughout his life.

 

2009 Onwards with AUBD, Felix von Hofe, Durham McInnis, and Nick Abdicevic

Initially deemed one of the least skilled players in his junior basketball league (VJBL) and being relegated to the bottom teams in his representative clubs, Luke defied all expectations through relentless perseverance and dedication. Luke transformed himself into a formidable athlete with his unwavering commitment and the support of his training partner, Eastern Washington star Felix von Hofe.

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With a strong background in athletics, Luke has achieved numerous athletic accomplishments. He was a member of the AUBD Program at MSAC, coached by Sedale Threatt Junior (South Dragons Squad), Sedale Threatt (Los Angeles Lakers), Lanard Copeland (Philadelphia 76ers), Mark Bradtke (Australian Olympian), Daryl McDonald (NBL Legend), and Adonis Jordan (Denver Nuggets & Milwaukee Bucks). In 2010, Luke toured the United States with the AUBD Program, further expanding his sports skills and experiences and getting a feel for the American style of play, visiting prestigious High School Basketball Programs like Bishop Gorman (Nevada).

 

Luke achieved remarkable success as a player, including being a Victorian State Champion and an Australian National Champion under the guidance of Andrew Gaze with the Melbourne Tigers, alongside notable teammates Felix Von Hofe (Melbourne United), Jack Purchase (Perth Wildcats), and Dane Pineau (South East Melbourne Phoenix).

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Similarly, Luke trained under respected skills coach Nick Abdicevic for some years at Oakleigh Recreation Centre, refining his skills alongside other Melbourne Tigers club members.

State & National Champion (2011-2012) & High Jump Record Holder at St. Michael's Grammar

His tireless efforts paid off when he secured a coveted spot in the top side of the Under 18s under the guidance of renowned player and coach coach Andrew Gaze after being coached by Lindsay Gaze in a "third team" some years prior. Together, under the tutelage of Gaze, Luke became a state and national champion being a member of the best team in Victoria and Australia taking both the state Victorian Championship title and the National Classic title. 

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Luke also broke the High Jump Record at St Michael's Grammar, leaving spectators in awe as he reached unprecedented heights. Inspired by his accomplishment, he toyed with chasing his High Jump dreams in the Youth Olympics, seeking guidance from an outsourced coach at Lakeside Stadium.

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Victorian Schoolboys & Path To College Basketball (2011-2013)

Luke's exceptional performance led him to represent Victoria in Basketball alongside his cousin Marley Biyendolo (Pepperdine University), eventually catching the attention of talent scouts overseas, who awarded him a scholarship to continue his basketball journey abroad. Luke took an essential step towards his collegiate athletic journey by sitting the SATs (Scholastic Assessment Test) for NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) eligibility, despite this formality not being needed as he ventured to Canada instead.

Recognising the significance of academic and athletic balance, Luke diligently prepared for the exam, demonstrating his commitment to his education and passion for Basketball. By completing the SATs, Luke fulfilled one of the requirements for eligibility to participate in collegiate sports in the United States, opening doors to exciting opportunities at renowned institutions.

Andrew Bogut Basketball Academy & Luke Sunderland (2013)
Luke had the incredible opportunity to be part of the prestigious Andrew Bogut Basketball Post-Graduate Academy under the expert guidance of Head Coach Luke Sunderland. This program, spearheaded by Australian basketball legend Andrew Bogut at his state-of-the-art personal training facility in Carrum Downs, aimed to develop the skills and talents of aspiring basketball players at an advanced level. Under the tutelage of Coach Luke Sunderland, a highly respected figure in the basketball community, Luke honed his skills, refined his techniques, and elevated his game to new heights five days per week, waking at 4.20 am each morning for a rigorous three-hour intensive. The intense training, strategic mentorship, and competitive environment provided by the academy were instrumental in Luke's growth as a basketball player. The invaluable lessons learned and the experience gained from the Andrew Bogut Basketball Post-Graduate Academy have left an indelible mark on Luke's athletic journey, refining him into a more tenacious athlete.

Time In Canada
During his college years, Luke had the opportunity to showcase his basketball skills as a scholarship student-athlete at the University of Regina. Competing at a high level and playing against NCAA Division I Basketball teams (like inter-school tournaments in St. Catharines), he demonstrated both athletic prowess and academic excellence, acquiring an impressive 3.66 NCAA GPA, which he then utilised to acquire a scholarship in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). During this time, Luke trained under the esteemed guidance of Dan Farthing, the head coach at Level 10 in Regina and strength coach for the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders. 

Big V/NBL One/SEABL (Pro-Am Basketball)
Luke played his last competitive Basketball season in a semi-professional format for the Waverley Falcons alongside Sedale Threatt Jr (South Dragons Squad) and Brad Kelleher (Brisbane Bullets) after catching the eye of head coach Andy Sherwell.

Similarly, Luke won an impromptu and informal "Dunk Contest" at The Camberwell Dragons before departing for Canada, despite only being 6'1" at the time.

Informal Martial Arts: MMA & Muay Thai
A tenacious individual driven by a passion for martial arts, Luke devoted two years to rigorous training in Muay Thai under the tutelage of Lumpinee Champion Somchai Chimlum at Dominance MMA Richmond. Through countless hours of sweat, discipline, and unwavering determination, Luke honed his skills, forging himself into a formidable yet unconventional fighter ready to take on any challenge that came his way.

Going All In On Gym
Luke's journey towards enhanced strength, muscular development, and discipline reached new heights during his intensive training regimen under the guidance of Ben Shellim, the owner and head coach of Iron Viking Gym, Cheltenham. For nearly a year, Luke dedicated himself to rigorous training, investing three hours each day, six days a week, to push his physical and mental limits alongside Ben as his training partner. Luke was utterly exhausted by this experience and spent most of the days recuperating when he was not training. Under Ben's expert tutelage, Luke harnessed strength and conditioning principles, drawing inspiration from Ben's experience as an MMA fighter. Together, they crafted a comprehensive training program tailored to Luke's goals and aspirations. From powerlifting to functional exercises, each session was meticulously designed to challenge Luke and unlock his full potential.  Luke witnessed remarkable transformations in his physique and abilities through this gruelling regimen. His strength soared to new levels, his muscles sculpted and defined, and his discipline honed to a razor-sharp edge. Beyond the physical gains, the training instilled in Luke a deep sense of commitment, resilience, and perseverance, and Luke became more equipped with practical programming, The Vertical Diet, and the scientific rigour of Dr Mike Israetel, also training alongside notable Melbourne "aesthetic" legend, Johnny Starr.  Ben's expertise and Luke's unwavering determination fostered a synergistic relationship that fuelled his progress. The training sessions became more than just workouts; they became a transformative experience that forged Luke's character and fortified his resolve. The discipline and mental fortitude cultivated through this arduous training regimen extended far beyond the gym, influencing every aspect of Luke's life.

Immersing himself in the vibrant bodybuilding culture at Muscle City gym in Mount Waverley, Luke found a community that shared his passion for physical transformation and pushing the limits of human potential. Alongside his dedicated training partners, Milos Komnenovic, an accomplished basketball player in Europe, and Bosko Kostur, a standout athlete from Bryant University, Luke embarked on a transformative journey of muscle building and sculpting.