JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two basketball players at University Christian have been working hard on the court to fulfill their dream of giving back.
Augustine Ayelyine and Adalbert Allotey, both from Ghana, arrived in Florida in 2023. Since then, they have faced challenges as they adjust to life in the United States while pursuing their passion for basketball.
"I came here to go to school and play basketball. That was my goal," said Ayelyine, a senior forward for University Christian.
The pair moved to the U.S. seeking better opportunities, but the transition has not been without struggles.
"When I got my visa to come to the United States, I was really happy, but at the same time, I was very sad because I was going to leave all my family and friends back home," Ayelyine said.
Allotey echoed similar feelings.
"Sometimes I call my mom at midnight. When I just get back from games or going to bed, she's just waking up. That's the only time I can talk to her," he said.
Beyond missing their loved ones, the players noted other adjustments, including food and language barriers.
"The food. I'd say the food and then how they talk. It was really hard for me. To me, okay, I'd say English is my second language. When somebody is talking to me, it's really hard for me to understand them," Ayelyine explained.
For Allotey, motivation has come from following the journey of his favorite NBA player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"Watching him come from humble beginnings and using basketball to better help his family and change his life. I feel like, if he can do that, I can do that. It's not a big difference," Allotey said.
Both Ayelyine and Allotey aspire to play professional basketball and are determined to use their success to give back, carrying with them the lessons learned on their journey from Ghana to Florida.