University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Determination, Maturity Define Boban Jacdonmi's Trip Across the Pond
11/1/2018 11:27:00 AM | Men's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- It is not uncommon for a collegiate student-athlete to struggle with their new life adjustments, regardless of their talent or life background. Southern Miss junior forward Boban Jacdonmi is incredibly new to the game, but wise beyond his years with living in many places.
It all began when he was 16.
History
"When I was a kid and being from London and all, my father played soccer at a young age," Jacdonmi said. "He wanted me to do the same, but I grew out of it height-wise, so I bounced from sport to sport. Eventually, my friend from high school introduced me to the basketball gym in break time. He taught me how to shoot free-throws, and I made five in a row and decided it was a good sport for me."
Jacdonmi's first organized basketball action came when he was 17, and while he said it started off as peer pressure, it became something he called his own. He had some, but not much, familiarity with the professional ranks, some of which grew stronger as his high school teammates and acquaintances began playing in the local pro leagues.
"I knew a little about the NBA, obviously including Michael Jordan and the comparisons of him to Kobe Bryant," he said. "When I first got introduced to basketball, I followed LeBron James and the Miami Heat. I didn't really have a way to watch, so it was hard to follow, but I did what I could online through news reports and Twitter feeds."
Naturally, Jacdonmi began identifying with various players he sought to emulate. It began with the aforementioned King James before he refined his outlook upon learning the true meanings of each basketball position.
"I would say I like DeMarcus Cousins, because he has a strong presence inside and every now and then can pop outside the paint," Jacdonmi said. "I feel like I can do that really well. I also liked Shaquille O'Neal because his dominance was something I had never seen before. I looked at his strength as something I can strive to match."
Geography
Now, the plot thickens to what has happened beyond the bench and baseline: Jacdonmi's unique path from London to Hattiesburg.Â
It all began with his move from The City to Stoke-on-Trent, approximately three hours driving from home, where he spent his final two years of high school at Newcastle-under-Lyme and played on a basketball team for the first time. His coach, Shawn Jamison, was an American former pro basketball player who connected him with Chattanooga State Community College head coach Jay Price.
"Jay said he was looking to add some speed to the offense and a big that could move the floor, rebound and score," Jacdonmi said. "They just went from there, watching my highlight and game tape. They were the only school that took me seriously and really wanted me. I played hard and rebounded as much as I could, and it didn't go unnoticed.
"It was a great two years."
And then came Southern Miss assistant coach Clarence Weatherspoon, who knew Price from their respective pro basketball careers. Head coach Doc Sadler sang Jacdonmi's praises for all that he has accomplished on and off the court in such a short time.
"I couldn't be any happier with Boban," he said. "You talk about a guy who every day brings his best effort. As long as he continues to do that, and rebounding has to be his top priority, he's gonna pick up on the speed of the game real quick. As soon as he does that, he will be a very good player for us the next two years."
Jacdonmi has also been quite receptive to Sadler's coaching style, especially as the program continues to improve each year. He also said that his biggest emphasis this offseason was improving his strength and conditioning as well as speeding up his moves in the post.
"Doc Sadler is one of the best coaches I've ever played with or against," Jacdonmi said. "He knows the game and how to get guys open. I can't argue with that. If he tells me I need to run the floor, I'll do that. His game, offense and tempo requires us to go at a fast speed, even as a big."
Jacdomni's level of respect for others is just one small part of what makes him arguably the most mature young man in college basketball, especially with moving to a new city, and even country, every two years.
"My parents were so on-board with me coming to America," he said. "I spent two years in high school away from home and looked after myself. In the long run, it really helped me. I can go home now and cook for myself, as well as allocate my time to lift and work out. My time management from living alone before America made me very efficient. I have space for work, working out and doing whatever I want to do, and to not get stressed out."
Now the real fun part: constant inquiries from people around school and town about his 6-foot-9 frame and thick English accent.
"It doesn't bother me at all," Jacdonmi said. "It's my stepping stone to learning new people and preparing for the future. People are fascinated by it, so I'm friendly and let them listen. When I first came here, that was my way of bonding with the team. I was quiet when I got here, and every time I opened my mouth, people would laugh. It wasn't at me, but with me. I learned to unintentionally be the jokester. Dominic Magee talked to me a lot about my accent. Having a good chemistry with him, Tim [Rowe], Cortez [Edwards] and Kevin [Holland], bonding prior to playing makes it that much easier on the court."
Magee, who said Jacdonmi could be one of the toughest bigs in the league by December at his current pace, appeared shocked when informed Jacdonmi did not pick up a basketball until he was 16.Â
"I did not know that," he said. "I can't tell. He works hard, studies film, does everything. He's going to be in the weight room and getting shots up before and after practice, just a great teammate on and off the court."
Sadler says he does not know if he has ever coached a player so new to the game, but did offer lasting words of Jacdonmi's persona.
"I think the biggest thing is that Boban has the respect of his teammates," Sadler said. "He practices so hard and is a good person. Any time you have those qualities on the court in practices and plays, and off the court everyone likes him, they know he isn't selfish and that he's a genuine person."
Jacdonmi says professional basketball is an ultimate goal of his, but understands the necessity of a backup plan. He says he would like to pursue a career in sports marketing, college or pro, and that "regardless of what I do, I want to stay close to the game of basketball since it's been a big part of my life."
Find time to say hello to Boban Jacdonmi, and see if you are more impressed by his accent or his kindness. Southern Miss begins its season Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. against Southeastern Baptist. Single-game and season tickets can be purchased here.
