PRAHRAN coach Peter Di Venuto is touting Dennington teenager Nick King as a future Victorian Premier Cricket first XI player.
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But Di Venuto is urging patience, saying the talented opening bat needs time to refine his craft.
King, 17, made an unbeaten century on debut for the True Blues’ second XI against Geelong on Friday.
Di Venuto said the Victorian under 17 representative had the capabilities to play in the state’s top grade.
“He is no doubt a future first XI player,” he said.
“He has to get to know his game better and it’s an important time with his VCE.
“A really important thing is allowing him to establish himself and get used to playing second grade level.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on him; we want him to develop his cricket.”
King carried his bat on debut, making 101 from 140 balls in a patient innings.
“It was a fantastic debut for Nick,” Di Venuto said.
“From his innings there are a number of things for him to work on and improve on but for us it was fantastic to see a 17-year-old get out there and get the job done.”
Di Venuto said the left-handed bat, who travels to Melbourne for training once a week, had a steady temperament which belied his age.
“What he has is the mental fortitude to occupy the crease,” he said.
Di Venuto praised Dennington for giving the Warrnambool College student a strong grounding.
“He batted his full 50 overs (on Friday) which was a great effort,” he said.
King was thrilled to make an immediate impact.
“Early on I was a bit nervous and a bit shaky but once I was in I felt more comfortable,” he said.
King, who debuted alongside Dennington teammate Ben Rantall, is relishing the chance to play at a high level.
“It is difficult with school but I am learning to cope and it’s worth it to get the quality of training and improve every session, it’s beneficial for my cricket,” he said.