University of Georgia Athletics
International Bulldogs Far From Home For The Holidays
December 24, 2014 | Men's Basketball
By Ann Drinkard
Traveling over 5,000 miles from home, they somehow landed at the University of Georgia with the opportunity to play basketball.
Senior Nemanja Djurisic, redshirt freshman Dusan Langura and freshman Osahen Iduwe have to lean on each during the Holiday season, as they all know things may be a little different in the States than it is back home.
"For Holidays, you know we have each other." Djurisic said. "We have to rely on each other and do some things that are probably different."
Both Djurisic (Podgorica, Montenegro) and Langura (Romont, Switzerland) celebrate the Christmas Holiday a little later than the December 25th date that is custom here in the States. Djurisic says during their time of celebration he and Langura will get together, say Merry Christmas and possibly have a meal together.
Iduwe, from Benin City, Nigeria, celebrates Christmas in the same way that is done in the States.
"It is kind of sad right now because I'm not with my family, but I am still with people who represent my family in the U.S.," Iduwe said. "I'm happy that I'm here and playing ball. My mom is happy about my decision of school and so, I call them on Christmas day and wish them a Happy Christmas."
Djurisic, Iduwe and Langura all have host families in the States. Whether located in Georgia or Alabama, they are able visit with their host families in the two- or three-day break they are given during the basketball season.
"We (Iduwe and I) went to high school here in the U.S. so I have a host family in Atlanta," Langura said. "I go there for the two days that we get off. Otherwise, I stay with my teammates, which is like my family here at UGA so it's fun."
Pointing out that even though Christmas in the States could be consider a little more 'commercial', there are certain things they like about the American Christmas tradition.
"There are certain things I like about it...the family and atmosphere," Djurisic said. "Everyone tries to stay with family, stay inside, celebrate it in a nice peaceful way."
Djurisic knows that the Georgia coaching staff and their families always do their best to make sure the international players feel at home, but especially during the Holiday season.
While it is sad knowing they are missing their families and celebrations back home, all three consider themselves a part of the family that is Georgia Basketball.
Following their brief time away from the court, the trio will be back in action this weekend when Bulldogs (6-3) take on the Mercer Bears (6-6) on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on the SEC Network.
Ann Drinkard is a junior from Commerce, Ga., who is majoring broadcast journalism and also pursuing a sport media certificate from UGA's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is in her second year as a student assistant with the UGA Sports Communications office.
"Coming Attractions" is a weekly feature published on georgiadogs.com spotlighting a UGA student-athlete who will be competing in a key home event during the upcoming weekend. Previous stories include:
August 28 - David Andrews (football vs. Clemson) September 4 - Carly Hamilton (cross country in Bulldog Invitational)
September 11 - Tirah Leau (volleyball in Benson Hospitality Invitational)
September 18 - Mariel Gutierrez (soccer vs. Vanderbilt)
September 25 - Toby Johnson (football vs. Tennessee)
October 2 - Emma Sonnett (soccer vs. Tennessee)
October 9 - Jared Markham (swimming & diving vs. Alabama)
October 16 - Gaby Smiley (volleyball vs. Kentucky and Tennessee)
October 23 - Bella Hartley (soccer vs. Kentucky)
October 30 - Olivia Ball & Ian Forlini (swimming & diving vs. Florida)
November 6 - Megan Spencer (volleyball vs. Arkansas)
November 13 - Kolton Houston (football vs. Auburn)
November 20 - Yante Maten (men's basketball vs. Troy & FAU)
November 27 - Damian Swann (football vs. Georgia Tech)
December 4 - Marjorie Butler (women's basketball vs. Michigan State)
December 18 - Tiaria Griffin (women's basketball vs. Furman)