BELLFLOWER, Calif. – There are a decent amount of athletes from other countries on college teams, but at lower levels it’s much rarer. At St. John Bosco in Bellflower three talented basketball players are getting the opportunity to play as Braves.

Sports are a universal language. No matter where you are from or how you talk, the ball and the hoop are the same everywhere.

Marco Kenz, Jremaih Nyarko, and Randi Ovalle are all very tall at 6’7”, 6’8” and 6’7”. While their height helps them fit in on the court, they are thousands of miles away from the places they call home.

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“When I go out people are like, ‘Hey, you’re tall and where do you come from?’ They like my accent and all that stuff. So it easily makes me make friends with people,” says Jeremiah.

Marco and Jeremiah are both from Ghana, while Randi is from the Dominican Republic. All three are sophomores. Growing up, they played in basketball academies in their home countries in hopes of one day coming to America.

Friends and family helped them apply to Bosco, and while most international students have to wait until college to go to school in the U.S., their journeys began as Braves.

“Obviously we learn together as a basketball team on but I almost feel like the benefit of having these three young men in our program is more off the court. And just kind of getting an understanding of what things that make it so special to be here. And sometimes I think we take it for granted living in Southern California and obviously living in the United States. And to be around people that truly cherish that is special,” says basketball Head Coach Matt Dunn.

There is an appreciation in their opportunity. Things you might take for granted, their classmates help them learn.

“I’m good with the $1, like $20... but the change, no,” says Marco.

Coincidentally, in Southern California, there is one basketball term that does take on another meaning.

“Double Double and Animal fries,” says Marco, speaking of In-N-Out Burger.

There are now over 100 international players in the NBA.

“When I was little I started to watch a lot of videos of basketball, and I always thought about playing,” says Randi.

Marco, Jremaih, and Randi are perfect examples of the game’s reach. Coming from countries where soccer and baseball are the most popular sports, they chose to play basketball. While they’re all taller than almost anyone you will meet, at heart they are still teenagers.

“Everybody’s just loving, and they take us like they’re our own,” says Marco.

Marco has relied on his faith to find his footing and he is always reminded of why he is here.

“She’s always happy when I call her. There’s just joy in my heart every time. So I’m trying to make the best of it here for her - make her proud,” says Marco of his mother.

It’s really our differences that bring us together.