Other Sports - BASKETBALL

Former Vauxhall High School student, Paul Brown, became one of the latest basketballer to make his way into the US college system, via the Jamaica Basketball Development (JBD), Inc/Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) Star Search Basketball and Life Skills Development Camp, when he was awarded a full basketball scholarship to Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) in Harrisburg, Illinois.

The 6' 7", 215-lb centre now joins a long list of students who have received full scholarships through the star search camp.

Brown, a member of defending NPG Insurance Division One Southern Basketball champions, Port Royal Bulls and the reigning MVP of the finals, said his teammate and close friend Demeatrio Wade encouraged him to attend the camp after he recieved a scholarship to Decatur Christian Schoo the previous year.

"I went to the basketball star search camp last year, and while I was in the camp, I was spotted by some scouts," the 22-year-old Brown told Sporting World.

After the star search camp was completed, Brown said there was a process that ultimately led to the decision on the successful scholarship winners.

"You have to send things like your transcript and graduation certificate, and if the school approves of you, then you get the scholarship...but about two months ago I knew that it would come through for me," he said.

"But this is a fresh start and an opportunity to further myself and my career," he added.

Brown now joins an impressive list of Jamaican students to attend Southeastern Illinois, the 2007/08 Region XXIV champions.

That list includes Damion Staple, Richard Andrews, Jason Francis, Tyrone Davidson, Owain Hall and Andre Wilson.
And now Brown's new coaches are excited about their new recruit and expect a lot.

"I am excited as well, because a lot of great (Jamaican) players have passed through (the institution), so they expect me to do well.

"But all I can do is go there and do my best and work hard and see what happens," said Brown.
The Port Royal Bulls' centre says he will not be trying to change his game, but will try to improve on the things that he has already done.

"I will do the same things that I normally do when I am out there, block shots, rebound and score, anything to help the team. But I will try to improve on what I have," he said.

Though he is yet to make a final decision on the area of study, the big centre has his sights set on completing his auto-mechanic studies.

But as far as basketball is concerned, he intends on taking his career as far as possible.

"I will try to push as far as I can, but getting to the NBA is my dream. But if that doesn't work out, then I will tend to cars," he stated.

Courtesy – Jamaica Observer