Hopkinton High junior Ben Normand will become the first New Hampshire basketball player to represent PhD Hoops, one of the United States teams in the United World Games.

“I haven’t played overseas before, so I haven’t been able to experience it, but I know of the rules. I think there will be a different atmosphere, which gives me another perspective of looking at basketball,” he said. “I think a lot of people who play basketball dream of at least playing overseas, which to me is a crazy next step in my journey.”

Normand, who hopes to play NCAA college basketball, was first introduced to the opportunity while touring Southwestern College in Kansas. The coaches there said that many of their players participated in international competition over the summers to stay sharp and increase their on-court versatility.

Normand’s passion for basketball became serious around eighth grade, slightly late compared to the ages at which kids are specializing now, so he felt like he had some catching up to do. And that’s where PhD Hoops comes in.

The organization aims to connect players from around the country to exchange basketball knowledge and ideas. It puts together teams of American students and takes them on trips domestically and internationally to develop them and help them master the fundamentals of the game while also getting a cultural education.

Normand has played AAU with New Hampshire Reign and for Hopkinton High School, but this challenge will be his biggest yet. Not only will he have to adjust to FIBA rules, but he will also be exposed to completely different play styles and tactics from international teams.

To prepare, he said he’s in the gym three to four times a week and ramping up, and that he’s been in contact with his team virtually.

“I haven’t met with any of my teammates. A lot of them, we just connected through Instagram, so we’ve just kind of followed each other, most of them being from Florida, Texas and Wisconsin, so the competition I’m expecting is a lot. I feel like a lot different compared to here, the European teams,” Normand added.

He only has another month before he takes off to Austria and Italy on June 15. PhD Hoops selected him for his talent, ability, character and desire to partake in the experience. As his basketball journey moves forward, he will continue to carry the Granite State and proudly represent the state as the first to play for PhD Hoops.

Alexander Rapp can be reached at arapp@cmonitor.com.