By: Lauren Fagler
Published: January 8, 2009
Pensacola Junior College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have a diverse international influence this year, introducing five players from foreign nations.
The men’s team has three international players on its roster, while the women’s team has two foreign athletes.
Not only have these players faced the challenge of being so far away from their homes, but have been forced to adapt to a different playing style here in the United States.
Izzy Chilcott, a native of Queensland, Australia, and the PJC’s women’s backup point guard and youngest team member, has found herself adjusting to the speed of American basketball.
“The faster play and more physical girls are the biggest things I have had to adjust to this season so far,” said Chilcott.
Chilcott grew up being taught to play as a member of a team.
“Over here there is a lot more individual play and street ball. Whereas back in Australia, we focus a lot more about running offenses as a team,” said Chilcott.
Chilcott came to PJC to further her basketball career. The beach was an influence on her choice to come to the Pensacola area since she has lived by the water her entire life. The competitive play and exposure that comes from playing in the Panhandle Conference are the ultimate factors in her decision to come to PJC.
“I am here for a different culture experience, but mainly to become a better player and see what type of offers I can get for my basketball skills while in America and have this opportunity,” Chilcott said.
Sierra Highgate, known as “CC” on the court, is a passionate playing guard and second-year starter from Windsor-Ontario, Canada. She is the solo international player who has not felt like she had to change her style of play to mesh well with her American teammates.
“I chose to come to PJC to play at the next level of Division I basketball. So far, my plan seems to be falling into place,” Highgate said.
Shaun Clarke, a freshman and another Aussie from Melbourne, plays forward for the men’s team. He has come to the United States to live his dream of playing college basketball.
“Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to do this. Even though I am at a two-year school, and have been told I am not really experiencing the college life socially, I am excited to see what is in store for me after my time here is up,” Clarke said.
Like Chilcott, Clarke, too, has noticed the different type of playing style here in America.
“Basketball over here is just overall different. Even the types of players are incredibly different than what I am used to back home,” Clarke said.
The men’s team captain, Jalin Thomas, is very excited to have Clarke on the floor playing for PJC this season.
“Ever since he got here, I’ve noticed he has a unique post presence. He’s not the quickest or most athletic post player but he is the hardest-working post on the team. Having a harder worker is better than having an athletic player,” Thomas said.
The men’s team recruited George Jgerenaia, a tall and lanky center from the country of Georgia. He is playing his second year in the United States after attending prep school in Maine.
Another Georgian is part of the men’s squad, a transfer from the University of Arkansas, Levan Patsatsia.
Patsatsia has not only played basketball in his home country of Georgia, but also spent a couple of seasons playing in Spain.
“Basketball is more appreciated over here in America than any other country I’ve played in,” said Patsatsia.
Patsatsia decided to come to PJC in hopes of finding a better fit than what Arkansas was for him to finish out his last two years of eligibility.