THON Maker has confirmed his desire to represent Australia in international competition, quashing rumours that he may jump ship to Canada.

The 19-year-old, who recently declared for the 2016 NBA Draft, was born in what is now South Sudan, before seeking refuge in Australia; spending time in Perth and Sydney.

In 2011, Maker moved to the United States for high school — attending three different schools over his time in the US — before moving Canada in 2014, to attend Orangeville Prep’s Athlete Institute.

The move to Orangeville sparked rumours that Maker may potentially want to represent Canada in international competition; rumours that he adamantly dismissed on Saturday.

“I’ve always wanted to play for Australia,” Maker told foxsports.com.au. “No matter what.

“It’s no joke. I don’t know what the theory is by everybody else — they always think that I might play for somebody else — but, my family is Australian, coach’s family is Australian, so I don’t see who else I’m supposed to be playing for.”

Thon Maker has confirmed that he’ll represent Australia in international competition. Source: Supplied

While Basketball Canada’s executive vice-president, Rowan Barnett, has mentioned that his organisation was ‘taking a long look’ at Thon Maker, and his younger brother, Matur, no conversations ever took place.

“(Canada) has never approached me in any serious matter, and even if they did, I wouldn’t play for them. I still want to play for Australia. No matter what,” Maker said.

“It’s just, I want to be able to come in and play. Like, ready to play. Right now, if I think about it, for the Olympics, they would be wanting to take their best guys to go out and play. For me, I haven’t really had that much experience, in terms of playing with the older guys.

“For me, let’s say, after I put in some time in the (NBA), then I’ll be ready to come in and play straight away. I won’t be having to come in and sit.

“If I were to go right now, then I’d have to sit behind a whole bunch of guys, because there are other guys who from Australia who’d be put ahead of me.”

Thon Maker wants to earn a spot in the Australian national team. Source: Supplied

Boomers head coach, Andrej Lemanis, recently revealed his scepticism about the potential of Maker representing Australia, stating that he hoped the 2.16m big-man would reach out to him.

Lemanis last saw Maker’s camp at the end of 2014, and the two haven’t been in contact since.

“The last time I spoke to (the coaching staff) was when Andrej, himself, came out to Canada. That was at the beginning of last year’s season; the beginning of our Orangeville Prep campaign,” Maker said.

“Not on the phone. Not via email, or anything like that. That visit was the only time I spoke with him in like two years. Before that, he saw me at Carlisle (School), which was a year before that. So, twice in three years.”

Maker and his guardian, Ed Smith, are currently in South Carolina, training with renowned skills coach, Drew Hanlen.

Maker is still awaiting a response from the NBA regarding his eligibility for the 2016 NBA Draft, where some have projected him as a late first-rounder, while others have him falling to the second round.

Matur Maker, Thon’s younger brother, is still expected to be available for the Australian U19 Emus team in 2017; initially revealed by heinnews.com in February.

It’s unlikely that we’ll see Maker wearing the green and gold anytime soon, but he’s put forward the idea of the Boomers’ Tokyo 2020 campaign as a potential debut.

“I’ll definitely put in the time, and I’ll be ready to play as soon as I get in,” Maker said. “I feel like I could do well on that 2020 team.”