Budding basketball star Ralph Scott was given a hero's welcome on his return to Bermuda after he was voted MVP at the Basketball Without Borders Americas Camp in El Salvador.

When the 6ft 7in small forward emerged from arrivals at LF Wade International Airport on Tuesday afternoon accompanied by his aunt Shari Scott, his grandparents Ralph and Carla Scott, aunt Phylicia Furbert and uncle Carlton Watson were waiting for him. They were carrying banners and a balloon to celebrate his achievements.

Damiso Husband, one of Scott's coaches on the island, was also at the airport as part of the welcome party.

Scott, who was also selected in the All-Star team at the end of the camp on Sunday, was thrilled to be named MVP at a camp attended by players from Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands and the host nation.

“I felt like it was a great opportunity for myself and for my country,” Scott told The Royal Gazette.

“I just thank God for the opportunity to go there and I believe I worked hard to deserve being named MVP and I really enjoyed the opportunity. It was really exciting to represent Bermuda and show what my country has to offer.

“I was a leader on and off the court. I felt like I incorporated all my team-mates, performed at a high level and I worked hard with those around me to bring each other up.

“I hope this opportunity inspires other young basketball players in Bermuda. I expect this to push them to work as hard as they can as I feel like I was able to get to this position through hard work.”

For five days, the 17-year-old was engaged in a number of activities, all aimed at sharpening the skills of the participants.

“We played a lot of basketball,” he said. “There was a lot of competing against high-level guys, playing against each other.

“We went around El Salvador for a couple of tours and heard from a couple of professionals about their craft and how they approach the game.

“The biggest takeaway for me was on the mental side of the game. Being able to visualise what I do before the game, preparing my body specifically like drinking enough water and getting enough sleep, keeping my body stretched and energised so that I can compete at optimal levels.”

Formerly a student at Warwick Academy, Scott has been at IMG since last August. As he heads into his final year of high school, the future star has not yet decided on where he is heading to college.

“I’ve talked to a couple of schools but I haven’t made a decision yet,” Scott said.

“I’m just looking forward to my senior year. When the time comes, I’ll make a decision on where I’m going.

“IMG has helped me a lot to develop as a basketball player and as an individual. They gave me an opportunity to work as hard as possible, the gym’s always available for me and I've enjoyed that experience.”

The youngster credits his grandfather, also named Ralph, for being his first basketball coach.

“He’s my inspiration for playing basketball,” he added. “He’s been advocating for us to get gym time and to play.

“He taught me how to play basketball. He’s still helping me become a better basketball player and to become a better man.”

While reluctant to take the spotlight from the grandson, the grandfather is pleased with the youngster’s achievement.

“I’m proud of what he’s done so far, and he still has a lot to learn,” he said.

“I wouldn’t take all the credit for what he’s achieved so far. A lot of people have had an influence, at the school he’s at now and all the previous coaches have shaped his career.

“He gets a lot of encouragement from his immediate family and a lot of prayers from the community at large. I want him to be a benefit to society and to himself. I want him to fulfil his basketball aspirations.”