During the off-season, the 21-year-old made the switch to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, in the hope to benefit both his basketball and academic performances.

"Southeastern is a bigger school to my last, so it was a bit difficult when I first arrived," Leslie said.

"The campus is a lot bigger, which means I have a lot more resources at my disposal, in facets like sports performance and education, which is exciting and one of the reasons I transferred.

"We also play in a big arena, which is unreal and something I can't wait to experience - especially now we'll have fans come to the games this season."

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To prepare the forward for his third United States season, he was slated to play for the Illawarra Hawks youth men's side before their Waratah League campaign was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Therefore, he did as much training as he could despite the lockdowns.

"After getting out of hotel quarantine in April, I trained nearly every day for a big season with the Hawks," Leslie said.

"But that all changed at the end of June, so all through July I just tried to do what I could with the available resources I had at the time.

"I also took the time I had to reconnect with family before I left again in August."

The Nowra Anglican College alumnus' first semester at his new school started on August 13, where he admits it was "tough settling in at first but now is settled into a homely environment".

A large part of that is having already experienced two years abroad.

"Having already done two years of college, I'm used to the whole balancing school and basketball lifestyle, as well as eating habits, he said.

"These were definitely beneficial in helping me adjust to an unfamiliar place."

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In terms of on the court, Leslie has been training and lifting weights since mid-August, ahead of pre-season starting this month.

"My role this season is to come in and provide a spark to my team and to do whatever's necessary to win games," said Leslie, whose season starts on November 17 against the Arlington Baptist University.

"Ultimately the conference championship and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament are the team goals this season."

The Shoalhaven Tigers product also has numerous individual goals for his junior season with the Storm.

"We've got some really talented guys on our roster, so I want learn from them and earn every minute of playing time I can - while doing whatever is needed to record wins," he said.

"Whether that's offensively, defensively, energy or leadership - I'm willing to fill any role.

"The best thing about this team is we all play for each other and the colours we wear - we all have the same goal which is why I'm most excited to be a part of it and can't wait for the season to start."

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