Bud Johnston admits most of his college mates have no idea of the sporting endeavour he puts in every day before heading to lectures.

Nor do they realise that, as they prepare to hit the student union or local pub on a Saturday evening, their fellow sociology student is running out under the Brighton Centre spotlights to the cheers of 3,000 people.

Johnston, 18, does not talk too much about his involvement with Brighton Bears when is at BHASVIC.

Those who do get to watch him however will see one of the brightest young talents in the British game looking remarkably confident on the biggest stage in this country.

Johnston, who was spotted by coach Nick Nurse while playing on Brighton seafront, has already chalked up the first six appearances and 11 points of his BBL career.

He fits in daily training with college lectures and a part-time job in a Brighton sports shop as he works towards the ultimate goal of a chance to continue his education in the United States next season.

Not bad for someone who only took up the game in the last five years.

He admitted: "It has been exciting. As the months have gone and I've learned from what Nick has told me it has got a lot easier but I'm still a long way from being at the same level.

"As for size, it's going to take me two years to catch up with the others. All I can do is keep lifting weights."

Johnston tends to come on late in games and be up against bench players from opposing teams.

In practice, however, he is taking on top BBL guards in Mike Brown, Randy Duck and Ralph Blalock on a daily basis before heading to class.

Johnston plays for the Bears on an amateur basis so as not to make him ineligible for college basketball across the Atlantic in future years.

He said: "It's quite a long day. We train until about 12, then I go to college until four, then if I'm not working usually lift weights.

"I have two days off college during the week so I take the opportunity to do more weights. I'm lifting three times a week.

"Only a few people know about my basketball and even they don't really know I play for the Bears."

Brown is advising his understudy on securing a visa to go to the States next year and is also his coach on the BHASVIC team.

Even there, court minutes can be limited as Brown looks to give the bench a run once the starters have established a big lead.

That is why the forthcoming Hosana Hoopfest at Crystal Palace is such a key date on Johnston's agenda.

Top junior teams from around the country will gather on Monday, December 30, for a day of intense competition with the Bears team expected to include Johnston and Andy Smith, the highly talented swingman currently at school in the States and aiming for an NBA contract.

Johnston, who started playing indoor basketball with Brighton Cougars, said: "I can't wait for that. Since the start of the season I've only had two college games and the minutes I get for Bears.

"I'm still improving because I'm with the top players but I'm not getting an opportunity to use my skills in a game situation.

"We will be playing 12 games in one day so it's going to be fun."

Don't miss our player Q&A in The Argus every Thursday. This week: Wilbur Johnson goes under the spotlight.