Paul Smeaton | 6th September 2011| The Queensland Times

LIKE most sports-obsessed kids, Shane Coupland dreamed of being a professional athlete.

While the stardom associated with the professional game is still a while away, the 22-year-old has at least achieved half his dream.

Today, Coupland will jet back to Canada to begin his second basketball season with the St Francis Xavier University X-Men.

The former St Edmund's College student said after an injury-riddled first season, he was primed to make an impact this year.

"I had a bad ankle injury last year just before pre-season and I was out for 12 weeks," he said.

"Unfortunately, the coaches use the pre-season games to assess the freshman players and I didn't get to play in any of them.

"I'm fit now and feeling fantastic so I hope I can make an impact this year."

The six-foot-five athlete said despite his struggles on the court last season, the experience at college was amazing.

"Last year I was the only Australian in the whole school," he said.

"I was a celebrity, it was totally ridiculous.

"I did heaps of photo shoots and even shot a TV commercial while I was there."

Coupland is also completing a business degree while overseas and said his studies were as important as his basketball.

Few college players ever make the step to the NBA but the Springfield native said there are plenty of options available to good players these days.

"I'm really hoping to be able to play professionally one day, most likely in Europe," he said.

"There are quite a number of Aussies playing in Europe now so it can be achieved."

The Ipswich Force player won't have to look far next season for inspiration. Coupland could hardly hide his delight when asked about returning home to play for the Force next season under new coach and former NBA player Shane Heal.

"Mum and dad had season tickets to the Bullets when I was young and we went to almost every home game," he said.

"Hammer (Heal) would have to have been my favourite player.

"I grew up as a shooter and he was the best shooter in the league.

"I'm planning to speak to him this week before I leave but I'm definitely looking forward to having him as a coach."

Heal is expected to attract additional talent to Ipswich next season, adding to a roster already boasting Coupland and US college players Josh Black and Zac Compton.