Duop Reath has rapidly climbed the ranks of elite Australian basketball players in the last few years, moving from college to Europe, before a brief stint in the NBL, which turned into a spot in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The big man has just completed his second season in the City of Roses, in what was an exciting season featuring some elite young talent, coached by Hall-of-Famer Chauncey Billups.
As his third year in the league approaches, Reath reflected on his role in the team's success and what it meant for his future in the league.
"It was fun for me," Reath told Sporting News Australia.
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"Obviously, I didn't play that much, but I was still happy with just being there and still getting better. Helping the guys, helping the team in whatever way that I can participate in.
"I had a great season, I was happy with everything.
"[Chauncey Billups] makes everything very relatable. He's a guy that's been there, done it. It's just he cares about the guys. He has a real good relationship with all the players. I think that plays a big part."
But Billups is not the only significant coach in Reath's life, with the Boomers recently announcing the appointment of their new leader, Adam Caporn.
For the Portland big man, who has been a part of Australia's last two Olympic campaigns and World Cup effort - including the historic bronze medal win in Tokyo - he is eager to see how Caporn can lead him and the next generation of Boomers into the future.
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"It should be a good era, I think he's going to do well," Reath said.
This next generation could include up to four NBA draftees in 2025, with an impressive collection of talent in the upcoming class that could join Reath in the world's most elite league.
"I'm definitely excited for all of them," Reath said.
"I think that they're all talented going to this draft, but the work really starts once you get in the NBA.
"It's a lot of work and it's a lot of mental toughness that's required of you.
"[They need to] just be prepared for everything. Be open-minded and be a good learner. Just be the best team that you can be.
"Definitely, those two play a big part other than just keep working hard and just keep trying to be the best player that you can be."
While Reath himself went undrafted in 2018, he has been able to carve out a solid stint in the NBA, and with Portland moving to become even more competitive next season - recently trading for two-time champion Jrue Holiday - he could find himself playing meaningful basketball in the very near future.