PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Transitioning between countries can be a challenge for any athlete, but Portland Pilots freshman guard Joel Foxwell has made the move look seamless. Head coach Shantay Legans says Foxwell earned his role quickly, regardless of age or experience. “You play the best player,” Legans said. “Age doesn’t matter. Whether you’re a walk-on or not doesn’t […]
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Transitioning between countries can be a challenge for any athlete, but Portland Pilots freshman guard Joel Foxwell has made the move look seamless.
Head coach Shantay Legans says Foxwell earned his role quickly, regardless of age or experience.
“You play the best player,” Legans said. “Age doesn’t matter. Whether you’re a walk-on or not doesn’t matter. Right now, he’s one of our better players. He’s shown that since the summer. We see it in practice almost every day.”
Foxwell arrived in Portland from Australia in the summer of 2025 with a clear goal: to play Division I basketball.
“I’ve been playing since I was five years old, and it’s been my dream to play Division I basketball,” Foxwell said. “Watching it on TV, picking up a ball — that’s always been the goal. I’m just blessed to be here, playing big minutes and helping the team.”
The freshman has quickly become one of the Pilots’ most productive players. Foxwell has earned West Coast Conference Player of the Week honors five times this season, leads Portland in scoring at 14.6 points per game, and ranks third nationally in total assists.
Foxwell said Portland’s playing style felt familiar, “A lot of Australians have come through here, and the way Portland plays fits an Australian style of basketball. I felt like it was a good fit for me. Things didn’t work out elsewhere, but I feel like I made the right decision coming here.”
The Pilots have not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 1996, but Legans believes Foxwell could help end that drought.
“We want him to lead us to the NCAA Tournament,” Legans said. “There are really good teams out there, but when you have a dynamic guard, you can win games. Guards win games in tournament situations, and he’s got it.”
Despite the early success, Foxwell remains focused on the long-term picture.
“Every kid dreams of playing in the NBA,” Foxwell said. “But wherever basketball takes me, I just want it to take me around the world, let me see different places, and make a living doing what I love.”
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Category: General Sports
