Foxwell: Habits built at United ‘saved me’ across spectacular NCAA season

After two seasons within the Melbourne United system, Joel Foxwell wasn’t sure what to expect when he packed his bags and jumped on a plane to Portland, Oregon.

The 185cm guard was projected to be a backup guard for his Freshman campaign in the NCAA, however injuries thrust him into a larger role; one he embraced quickly.

The Melbournian played 30 minutes, scored 18 points, dished out five assists and came away with four steals in his first ever college game, a 37-point victory.

This was only the start of a terrific season, one which saw Foxwell lead the entire West Coast Conference in points produced (580) and assists (221).

Looking back on the year that was, Foxwell credits his time with United for preparing him for the challenge of NCAA basketball.

“I wouldn't I've had the season that I had if I didn't have those two years at United,” he explained.

“I wouldn't be as smart on the court or have the pro habits that I felt like I really were really ingrained into me through my time at United. It really benefited me when I got to Portland. 

“I played against pros and some of the best defenders in the world for two years every day, so this (college) wasn’t really anything new to me.

“It kind of saved me in a way. It felt like I really had a jump on my peers in terms of experience on the court and how to take care of my body off the court.”

Across his two seasons with United, Foxwell learnt from the quartet of Shea Ili, Chris Goulding, Ian Clark and Matthew Dellavedova, watching how the collection of stars worked tirelessly to better themselves every day.

Part of the success he enjoyed with Portland this season, Foxwell said, came from his teammates' wide-ranging skills, which he tried to emulate in his own way.

“I worked with IC (Clark) a lot on how to get into the paint, how to get my floater off, whether to use one or two legs, and really find what was most comfortable.

“With Delly, it was all about pro habits. Doing the little things off the court that make sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way on it. Eating right, stretching, lifting, getting enough rest; things that I might not have always been perfect at before college, but when I was over there, I knew I needed to get it right.

“On the defensive side of the ball, I know I’m still learning and developing. I’m always thinking about the way Shea guards, how he avoids screens and then can stay in front of ball handlers.

“And then looking at Chris, it was just the reps. He really lives ‘practice makes perfect’ and that’s something I took with me to the States.

“Looking back on it, I couldn’t have been more lucky to have those two years as my sort of apprenticeship. There’s so many players that would do anything for that experience.”

Now set to join Arizona State for his Sophomore year, Foxwell said one thing that won’t change as part of the move will be how he keeps up with whatever United is doing in the NBL.

While the 20-year-old still has a number of years worth of college eligibility remaining, he didn’t rule out a return to United down the track.

“I would always carve out some time to check in with how the team and the NBL was going. We had a lot of Aussies as part of the program so we’d talk about the league.

“I would definitely come back in a heartbeat after all this is done. They gave me the opportunity at such a young age, kind of bringing in this little skinny kid, who hadn't proved a whole lot in his juniors. 

"They believed in me when I felt like all the other teams didn't, so it's definitely top of the list if there is one when I decide to come back.”