Angelo Chol Focusing On Family, Basketball

-My Dad was getting in trouble with the law because he was for peace," said Chol. -He came and told us we were going to leave. I wasn't living with him at the time. I was living with my grandma. He came and took us and we went to Egypt and lived there for a year and a half, and then came here."

Living half way across the world seems like a long time ago for Chol.

-I don't remember much about living in Sudan. I remember a little about Egypt," said Chol. -I remember going to school, and in Sudan I just remember hanging out with friends, but I probably wouldn't recognize them now."

Although Chol doesn't remember much, it has provided him with a unique perspective about life. Living in the United States provides an opportunity that many people around the world don't have, and it is inspiring that Chol has made it all the way here to represent his country. He is trying to use his opportunity to excel not only in basketball, but take advantage of opportunities that those close to him never had.

-It makes me appreciate this; it makes me really happy," said Chol. -No one in my family has been to college before, so I'm trying to be the first to go and make a difference in my family."

Perhaps the most incredible thing about Chol's presence in Colorado Springs this week is the fact that he just started playing basketball a few years ago. It often takes players years to fully develop the fundamentals necessary to play at such an elite level, and you can tell Chol has great potential to continue to improve his game as he gets more playing experience.

-In seventh grade, one of the coaches at the middle school just got me because I was tallest, and I didn't know anything about basketball. I liked it even though I wasn't any good at it. From there he introduced me to the high school coach, and I played for the freshman team as a 7th and 8th grader, and I just got better. I still have a lot to learn."

Chol was incredibly effective in his sophomore year of high school in 2008-09, nearly averaging a triple-double with 12.8 ppg., 13.2 rbg. and 9.6 rpg. He posted single-game bests of 23 points, 25 rebounds and 19 blocks, and set the all-time national prep record for blocked shots in a season with 337 in 35 games. He was named the CalHiSports.com 2009 California Sophomore of the Year after earning the San Diego Union-Tribune 2008 Newcomer of the Year as a freshman.

Like all of the athletes here, Chol said it was a great accomplishment to be selected to the USA Developmental National Team.

 

-I was really happy to know that I was considered among the best, so I was really excited to compete and see where I'm at," said Chol. -I am really honored to be here. It meant a lot to my family too, but they're more into (my schooling)."

Chol hopes that later in life he can give back to the community so people who are less fortunate can have some of the opportunities that he sees in front of him now.

-One day I just want to give to the community and help the poor. If I can make money, that's what I want to do. It would make me happy to help others."