Latest news with #Chol
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Chol, Andrew helping blaze African trail in the AFL
AFL stars Mac Andrew and Mabior Chol are proud of the growing number of African players making their mark, insisting the competition can only be better for it. Gold Coast defender Andrew, who signed one of the richest contracts in league history last year, and Hawthorn forward Chol are among the most prominent players of African descent this season. A total of 21 are on AFL club lists, understood to be a league record, as well as 19 in the elite under-age Coates Talent League. The expanding group at the top level includes premiership defender Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood), Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide), Changkuoth Jiath (Hawthorn) and Michael Frederick (Fremantle). "To see the game growing in the African community is pretty sick," Andrew told AAP at a Mac's Mates junior clinic this week. "More and more playing every year and more and more drafted ... Luamon Lual, played against him on the weekend. "My little brother (Riak, taken by Sydney in last year's draft) coming in ... guys have become key players in good teams. "It's really cool to see and great for the game as well." Andrew credited former North Melbourne and Melbourne Majak Daw with playing a role in inspiring his rise to AFL ranks. Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen and fellow premiership player Heritier Lumumba are also among those who have blazed a trail over the past two decades. "It's just kind of happening," Andrew said. "Not to make it about myself, but growing up and seeing guys like Majak playing kept me playing footy. "The more we can be role models, the more you'll see come through." Chol's ascension to the AFL began when he played junior football in Brisbane, after he was born in South Sudan and his family fled to Egypt before moving to Australia. The 28-year-old appeared in his 100th AFL game last week, having played with Richmond and Gold Coast before joining the Hawks. "One thing I'm very proud of is where I came from and the person I am," Chol said. "I feel like the game now is growing so much with a lot of diversity of background. "The more we can get a lot of diverse players on the program, I think it will be better for the game as well. "If I could inspire the next young multicultural kids coming through the system, or if I could help them in any way, I'm very happy to do that." AFL stars Mac Andrew and Mabior Chol are proud of the growing number of African players making their mark, insisting the competition can only be better for it. Gold Coast defender Andrew, who signed one of the richest contracts in league history last year, and Hawthorn forward Chol are among the most prominent players of African descent this season. A total of 21 are on AFL club lists, understood to be a league record, as well as 19 in the elite under-age Coates Talent League. The expanding group at the top level includes premiership defender Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood), Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide), Changkuoth Jiath (Hawthorn) and Michael Frederick (Fremantle). "To see the game growing in the African community is pretty sick," Andrew told AAP at a Mac's Mates junior clinic this week. "More and more playing every year and more and more drafted ... Luamon Lual, played against him on the weekend. "My little brother (Riak, taken by Sydney in last year's draft) coming in ... guys have become key players in good teams. "It's really cool to see and great for the game as well." Andrew credited former North Melbourne and Melbourne Majak Daw with playing a role in inspiring his rise to AFL ranks. Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen and fellow premiership player Heritier Lumumba are also among those who have blazed a trail over the past two decades. "It's just kind of happening," Andrew said. "Not to make it about myself, but growing up and seeing guys like Majak playing kept me playing footy. "The more we can be role models, the more you'll see come through." Chol's ascension to the AFL began when he played junior football in Brisbane, after he was born in South Sudan and his family fled to Egypt before moving to Australia. The 28-year-old appeared in his 100th AFL game last week, having played with Richmond and Gold Coast before joining the Hawks. "One thing I'm very proud of is where I came from and the person I am," Chol said. "I feel like the game now is growing so much with a lot of diversity of background. "The more we can get a lot of diverse players on the program, I think it will be better for the game as well. "If I could inspire the next young multicultural kids coming through the system, or if I could help them in any way, I'm very happy to do that." AFL stars Mac Andrew and Mabior Chol are proud of the growing number of African players making their mark, insisting the competition can only be better for it. Gold Coast defender Andrew, who signed one of the richest contracts in league history last year, and Hawthorn forward Chol are among the most prominent players of African descent this season. A total of 21 are on AFL club lists, understood to be a league record, as well as 19 in the elite under-age Coates Talent League. The expanding group at the top level includes premiership defender Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood), Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide), Changkuoth Jiath (Hawthorn) and Michael Frederick (Fremantle). "To see the game growing in the African community is pretty sick," Andrew told AAP at a Mac's Mates junior clinic this week. "More and more playing every year and more and more drafted ... Luamon Lual, played against him on the weekend. "My little brother (Riak, taken by Sydney in last year's draft) coming in ... guys have become key players in good teams. "It's really cool to see and great for the game as well." Andrew credited former North Melbourne and Melbourne Majak Daw with playing a role in inspiring his rise to AFL ranks. Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen and fellow premiership player Heritier Lumumba are also among those who have blazed a trail over the past two decades. "It's just kind of happening," Andrew said. "Not to make it about myself, but growing up and seeing guys like Majak playing kept me playing footy. "The more we can be role models, the more you'll see come through." Chol's ascension to the AFL began when he played junior football in Brisbane, after he was born in South Sudan and his family fled to Egypt before moving to Australia. The 28-year-old appeared in his 100th AFL game last week, having played with Richmond and Gold Coast before joining the Hawks. "One thing I'm very proud of is where I came from and the person I am," Chol said. "I feel like the game now is growing so much with a lot of diversity of background. "The more we can get a lot of diverse players on the program, I think it will be better for the game as well. "If I could inspire the next young multicultural kids coming through the system, or if I could help them in any way, I'm very happy to do that."
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Chol, Andrew helping blaze African trail in the AFL
AFL stars Mac Andrew and Mabior Chol are proud of the growing number of African players making their mark, insisting the competition can only be better for it. Gold Coast defender Andrew, who signed one of the richest contracts in league history last year, and Hawthorn forward Chol are among the most prominent players of African descent this season. A total of 21 are on AFL club lists, understood to be a league record, as well as 19 in the elite under-age Coates Talent League. The expanding group at the top level includes premiership defender Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood), Aliir Aliir (Port Adelaide), Changkuoth Jiath (Hawthorn) and Michael Frederick (Fremantle). "To see the game growing in the African community is pretty sick," Andrew told AAP at a Mac's Mates junior clinic this week. "More and more playing every year and more and more drafted ... Luamon Lual, played against him on the weekend. "My little brother (Riak, taken by Sydney in last year's draft) coming in ... guys have become key players in good teams. "It's really cool to see and great for the game as well." Andrew credited former North Melbourne and Melbourne Majak Daw with playing a role in inspiring his rise to AFL ranks. Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen and fellow premiership player Heritier Lumumba are also among those who have blazed a trail over the past two decades. "It's just kind of happening," Andrew said. "Not to make it about myself, but growing up and seeing guys like Majak playing kept me playing footy. "The more we can be role models, the more you'll see come through." Chol's ascension to the AFL began when he played junior football in Brisbane, after he was born in South Sudan and his family fled to Egypt before moving to Australia. The 28-year-old appeared in his 100th AFL game last week, having played with Richmond and Gold Coast before joining the Hawks. "One thing I'm very proud of is where I came from and the person I am," Chol said. "I feel like the game now is growing so much with a lot of diversity of background. "The more we can get a lot of diverse players on the program, I think it will be better for the game as well. "If I could inspire the next young multicultural kids coming through the system, or if I could help them in any way, I'm very happy to do that."
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NRL legend's words of wisdom for Hawks in flag hunt
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up. A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday. The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences. The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night. "(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said. "How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals. "The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment. "They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season." Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm. The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider. But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward. "It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said. "For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games. "I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great." Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations. "We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said. "We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running. "We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards." Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott. "I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said. "I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like. "I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me. "I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.": Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up. A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday. The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences. The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night. "(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said. "How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals. "The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment. "They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season." Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm. The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider. But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward. "It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said. "For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games. "I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great." Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations. "We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said. "We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running. "We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards." Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott. "I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said. "I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like. "I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me. "I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.": Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up. A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday. The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences. The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night. "(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said. "How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals. "The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment. "They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season." Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm. The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider. But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward. "It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said. "For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games. "I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great." Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations. "We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said. "We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running. "We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards." Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott. "I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said. "I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like. "I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me. "I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.":
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
NRL legend's words of wisdom for Hawks in flag hunt
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up. A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday. The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences. The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night. "(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said. "How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals. "The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment. "They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season." Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm. The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider. But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward. "It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said. "For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games. "I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great." Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations. "We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said. "We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running. "We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards." Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott. "I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said. "I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like. "I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me. "I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.":
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Five questions with new Lobo Antonio Chol
Apr. 11—Antonio Chol, a 6-foot-9 forward at Garden City Community College in Kansas, committed on Thursday to play for the UNM Lobos next season. Selected earlier this week as a NJCAA Second Team All-American, Chol averaged 19.5 points per game and shot 39.7% from 3-point range on 3.0 makes per game this season. rated him the No. 5 junior college player in the country and Chol earned a five-star ranking from JucoScoop. Advertisement The Journal reached out to Chol on social media about his commitment to play for the Lobos, a team that was recruiting him both under former coach Richard Pitino and then again under new coach Eric Olen. Here are the answers Chol sent back to the Journal's questions: JOURNAL: What made UNM the right fit for you? CHOL: "Coach Olen's system really fits my play style — not many plays and most important of all he can make me a much better basketball player." ----JOURNAL: What is it you like about Coach Olen's system? CHOL: "Not many plays and lots of 3s, just a free-flowing read and react offense with a great defense to capitalize off turnovers." Advertisement ----JOURNAL: Do you know yet when you will be moving to Albuquerque to start offseason workouts? CHOL: "I don't know for certain, guessing mid to early June." ----JOURNAL: What type of player will Lobo fans see on the court when you get here? CHOL: "Lobo fans will see a great shooter who can create for himself and others who plays with a high motor on both sides of the floor." ----JOURNAL: What did you think about the Pit when you came on a visit for the Dec. 18 game against VCU? CHOL: "I thought the Pit was one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. So many fans. They were active and into the game and even interacted with me." Advertisement READ MORE Five-star junior college All-American, 6-9 forward Antonio Chol, commits to Lobo basketballFive questions with new UNM Lobo Chris HowellHowell, yes: UC San Diego defensive stopper Chris Howell follows Olen to UNM to play for LobosProlific southern California scorer Jake Hall is first new Lobo of the Eric Olen era
