From JUCO to Georgia

Terry Roberts and Kario Oquendo reunited in Athens

Samuel Higgs

The dynamic displayed in Georgia’s backcourt between senior transfer Terry Roberts and junior Kario Oquendo has been evident this basketball season — a chemistry that could be due to the unique history that these players share.

“There’s some chemistry there, those guys,” head coach Mike White said. “Terry will bark at you and Kario’s a little bit more of a reserved guy. I think that Terry’s been good for him, but I’m sure in ways that I’m not even aware of, Kario’s been good for Terry’s transition as well.”

Roberts and Oquendo are the scoring leaders for the Bulldogs so far this season. Roberts is currently ranked as one of the top scorers in the SEC.

However, the two guards’ relationship goes much deeper than what we have seen from them in red and black.

Their paths crossed during their time at the junior college, Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, Florida, during the 2020-2021 basketball season. The guard duo showed out in their first season together, which culminated in both players being named to the First Team All-Conference

Kylie Sharpe

team in 2021.

The Buccaneers finished that season with an 18-5 record. They would lose against Indian River College in the semifinals of the Florida College System Activities Association Tournament. The two also propelled the team to the No. 1 ranking in JUCO basketball at one point.

Oquendo and Roberts both left the program during the offseason. Oquendo received an offer from the University of Georgia, which was coached by Tom Crean at the time. Roberts was offered a chance at Bradley University.

The two played the following 2021 season at their respective universities while continuing their production on the court. Oquendo became Georgia’s best offensive threat as he went on to average the most points per game for the team.

Roberts led Bradley in points and was named the 2021-2022 Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year. He also made the All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team, becoming the fourth player in Bradley’s history to come away with the honor in their first year.

After a successful season away from each other, both Oquendo and Roberts announced that they would enter their names teammates.

Georgia gymnast JaFree Scott has already made her name known in the world of gymnastics and is looking to make an impact in her collegiate career with the Bulldogs. Scott, a native of Independence, Missouri, grew up a competitive gymnast. Early on in her youth, she trained with Great American Gymnastics Express alongside other NCAA stars, Leanne Wong and Aleah Finnegan. Through these experiences, she grew a love and confidence for the sport. While many may feel daunted by starting as a freshman, Scott rose to the challenge.

“It doesn’t necessarily make me nervous or anything, if anything, it makes me feel less nervous,” Scott said. “Because I know my teammates have my back and I’m just doing it for them, doing it for the team. It just feels good to be a freshman and be able to give [and] provide for the team.”

Scott’s talent has consistently opened up opportunities, like competing for the University of Georgia. So far, the biggest accomplishment in Scott’s career has been her stint with Team USA.

Scott competed on bars and beam with Team USA in the 2018 Pan American Championships in Argentina. The team came away with a gold medal, a career-defining achievement for Scott.

“It was such a great experience,” Scott said. “Just a feeling that I’ll never forget. It’s just crazy to believe that I went through that, and I was a part of Team USA.”

Scott has demonstrated her proficiency as a gymnast, but in practice she looks to demonstrate her proficiency as a teammate. In a sport full of injuries and mental blocks that affect even the biggest of stars, Scott understands how important keeping a positive attitude can be for your into the transfer portal.

“I just wanted to be out there, more visible on a bigger stage. I want more people to see me play,” Roberts said. “I love and appreciate my coaches and my teammates. I enjoyed playing here. If I could do it all over again, coming out, I’d still choose Bradley as my first NCAA experience.”

However, shortly after the hire of White, Oquendo withdrew his name from the portal. After lengthy conversations with the coaching staff, he returned to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Roberts garnered attention from multiple Division I universities fighting for the opportunity to land the sensational guard.

However, when Roberts discussed the possibility of playing for Georgia, he thought back to his time with his Florida SouthWestern teammate.

“The talks have been the same as Florida, Kansas State and Wichita State,” Roberts said. “With Georgia, they’re saying they want to build the program back up, get it rolling and get Athens rocking again. Also, my teammate from JUCO [Kario Oquendo] is over there as well, so it would be cool if I got to play with him again.”

While in the portal, Oquendo and Roberts communicated throughout the process

“I’m really positive in the gym,” Scott said. “Even if I’m having a bad day, I try not to let it show because it affects your teammates too. But if your teammates are happy, then it’s really encouraging to you. So that’s kind of how I get through. I just stay positive, trust my work [and] know that I can do it.”

Scott’s teammates are some of her biggest motivators. The Georgia gymnastics team has quickly become her motivation to be better but has also provided reliable friends to lean on. This environment is why the former five-star recruit chose Georgia over other schools.

“I chose UGA because the second that I arrived, it felt like home,” Scott said. “Everyone was so sweet and kind, I could imagine and see myself here for the next four years.”

As Scott pursued her goal of making it to Nationals and continued to help the team, her potential was quickly noticed by head coach Courtney Kupets Carter.

“She will have an immediate impact on bars and beam with her exquisite technique and form,” Carter said. “We are excited to see how she grows as a GymDog.”

Throughout all the five-stars, commitments, practices and international competitions, Scott’s biggest role model and inspiration was none other than her mom. For her warm-up song, Scott has listened to “Cruisin” by Smokey Robinson before every meet — a song her mom and grandmother would play all the time.

“She’s just such a hard worker,” Scott said. “I just like her drive and just like anything that she does, it’s just really inspiring.”

As a freshman, Scott has plenty of time left at Georgia, but over the course of her four years, she’ll keep the things that motivate her at the front of her mind.

“Just making my teammates proud [and] making my with talks of teaming up again at the forefront of their conversations.

“When I went into the portal, that was around the time when he [Terry Roberts] was saying like he’s thinking of coming to Georgia,” Oquendo said at the SEC Tipoff.

“So, when I heard he was coming to Georgia, that persuaded my mindset about ‘Hey, we could play together.’ We were already pretty good together in junior college so, I always feel comfortable with my brother.”

The two quickly gelled, and the backcourt’s success helped the team double its win total the season prior by the time they reached conference play.

As Georgia works its way through its SEC schedule and looks to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015, the team will lean heavily on the backs of Roberts and Oquendo as focal points of its offensive production.

“I think when you go out and you see anybody, they’re proud to be a Georgia Bulldog and they’re proud of their team,” Oquendo said. “I think we just come in with that mindset, put the team first — don’t think about personal accolades — and if we come in and we just put defense first, I think we can do it. We’ve got a pretty good team.” younger self proud,” Scott said. “I always say it’s good to have a goal. It’s something to chase, something to look forward to.”

1. The University of Georgia women’s club hockey team “calls the Dawgs” after a friendly scrimmage on the morning of Jan. 29 at the Classic Center’s Foundry Pavilion. The UGA women’s club hockey team played in a 3-1 loss to the Lady Thunderbirds 19U from North Carolina.

CASSIDY HETTESHEIMER/CONTRIBUTOR

2. Claire DeVito (10) battles for the puck during the University of Georgia women’s club hockey team’s game on Jan. 28 at the Classic Center’s Foundry Pavilion. The UGA women’s club hockey team played in a 3-1 loss to the Lady Thunderbirds 19U from North Carolina.

CASSIDY HETTESHEIMER/CONTRIBUTOR

3. Georgia senior forward Zac Maurer (77) concentrates during the game on Jan. 29 at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. The Ice Dawgs defeated Ole Miss 5-0. LANEY MARTIN/CONTRIBUTOR

4. Georgia junior guard Kario Oquendo (3) drives past the Vanderbilt defense. The University of Georgia men’s basketball team lost to Vanderbilt University at Stegeman Coliseum 82-85 in Athens, Georgia. LANEY MARTIN/CONTRIBUTOR

5. Georgia senior Haley de Jong competes in the floor event at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia, on Jan. 20. The University of Georgia gymnastics team defeated the University of Kentucky 197.225-196.575. JESSICA GRATIGNY/STAFF

6. Georgia senior guard Chloe Chapman (1) goes for the rebound. The University of Georgia women’s basketball team defeated the University of Missouri 62-51 at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia, on Jan. 26. JESSICA GRATIGNY/STAFF

COLLEGE AND BEYOND CAN BE OVERWHELMING.

The UGA Mentor Program can help you find and connect with a mentor who shares your interests and background.

GETTING STARTED IS SIMPLE.

• Create a profile on our digital platform.

• Watch a brief orientation video.

• Request an alumni, faculty or staff mentor based on your search criteria.

HIP-HOP

A local ‘Legacy’

The latest by rapper Ishues is a poetic oral history Atlanta isn’t the only city in Georgia with a vibrant hip-hop music scene.

Well known for chart-topping bands like R.E.M and the B-52s, Athens has a reputation for new wave and alternative rock music. But local hip-hop legend Ishues’ newest album, “Legacy,’’ demonstrates that the Athens music scene is just as diverse as the city itself.

The album mixes Ishues’ articulate rapping with sophisticated beats to create a wholly unique sound in almost every song — an impressive feat considering there are 18 tracks.

From the slower, sultrier sound of “In a Time” to the flamenco-style guitar in “On My Feet,” no two songs sound the same. This innovative mixing of genres, like the sample of Tame Impala’s psychedelic pop hit “Let it Happen” in “Take it to the Streets,” feels like a reinvention and reclamation of music that has long been overlooked in Athens.

“Legacy” is more than just music. In fact, the album feels like a poetic oral history of the rapper’s life and of the Black experience. While the beat can feel repetitive at times, Ishues’ talent for lyricism always shines through.

Blurring the line between artist and activist, Ishues explores heavy topics like police brutality, addiction and violence, pushing for change with an inspiring tone of perseverance.

This album, as the name suggests, is a testament to Ishues’ legacy in Athens. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or not, it’s worth a listen.

— Isabelle Manders

Reviewed: “Legacy” by Ishues

Experience Yourself: Available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify Rating:

Visual Arts

Art in craft

Reflecting on a 20th century baker’s cabinet

Growing up as a Black history buff, I appreciated photos more than abstract and ‘confusing’ artwork. But after studying photography, I learned that photos are just another form of art. With this new realization

I began to wonder: What is art?

In 2012, the Georgia Museum of Art received 100 pieces by African American artists, leading the museum in a new direction to portray “an inclusive canon of American art,” according to the museum’s website.

On a recent trip to the gallery, the most thought-provoking piece of art I saw was one I wouldn’t have considered art before. In the gallery dedicated to Georgia art and craftsmanship, there are regular daily objects: baskets, chairs, bedposts and a kitchen baker’s cabinet.

The baker’s cabinet was made by a possibly former enslaved man, Hillard L. Edwards, for his wife circa 1908. It’s made of scrap wood and elements that are easy to find for a stoneyard worker at the turn of the century. Its ruggedness displays the piece’s necessity and the maker’s resourcefulness.

The wear and tear on the surfaces gave it a uniquely human touch. It reminded me of cutting boards, countertops and days in the kitchen baking with my great aunt during the holidays. It represents home, love and perseverance. Works like these show me the necessity of art. While not always as grounded in reality as a photo, art can transcend reality and time. Art is transformational, resourceful, colorful, emotional, representative and a necessity; African American art is everything.

— Malcolm Montgomery

Reviewed: Black art collection at GMOA

Experience Yourself: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dining

Sweet and spicy

Sampling a platter at Kelly’s

Authentic Jamaican Food

Kelly’s Authentic Jamaican Food brings Caribbean cooking to Athens. All entrees are served with meat, two sides, tea and cornbread.

I dined when head chef and owner, Kelbourne “Kelly” Codling, was serving food. As I waited my turn, I noticed his friendly demeanor in the warm smile he wore on his face the entire time.

Codling recommended the jerk chicken and the spicy cabbage, so I ordered those along with the BBQ chicken and mac and cheese. He also added a small scoop of spicy squash for me to try. My meal was completed with cornbread and sweet tea on the side.

The meat on both the BBQ and the jerk chicken was incredibly tender; it fell off the bone with a light pull from my fork.

The BBQ chicken had savory, crispy skin on the outside that gave it a nice texture profile in combination with the juicy meat.

The jerk chicken was considerably spicy, just as Codling had warned. Thankfully, the refreshing, sugary sweet tea calmed my taste buds with ease.

Each forkful of cabbage was a balanced mixture of sweet and spicy flavors. The spicy squash had flavor notes of tomato, which I enjoyed. The cornbread was dense, buttery and cake-like.

Overall, I can confidently say that I will be returning to Kelly’s. The prices were reasonable, the portions were gracious, the food was packed with flavor and the service was hospitable. If you are new to Jamaican cuisine like I was, this is a great place to start your journey.

— Jayden Henson

Reviewed: Kelly’s Authentic Jamaican Food

Experience Yourself: The restaurant is at 1583 S. Lumpkin St. Closed Mondays.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

POP MUSIC Teenage dream

The Shut-Ups channel inner teen girl in ‘Everyday’

“Everyday,” the first single off local band

The Shut-Ups’ most recent album, “The Shut-Ups Girls Are Singing Songs,” delivers on the project’s mission: to conjure up the inner teenage girl in a group of exclusively older men. With a bubble gum pop style and lyrics resembling that of a sorority chant, the track is reminiscent of the early-2000’s music video genre – teenage boys with spiky hair, graphic tees and electric guitars attempting to get the attention of the girl next door who is usually played by a blonde washing her car in a tube top.

“Everyday” ultimately tells the day in the life of a girl complete with lyrics such as “And the clock goes beep beep / But I never did get to sleep / ‘Cause everyday’s the best day of my life.” The Shut-Ups seem to imply there is simplicity in being a young girl – an interesting choice for a single off an album that claims to be “a comprehensive exploration of the female perspective.” “Everyday” aims to represent the girl with perfectly combed hair and painted nails; every day must be the best day of her life. That is, until you look closer. Then, as The Shut-Ups croon, “You’re gonna get it.” Not everything is so perfect.

While the track is not one I wanted to put in my regular rotation immediately, it grew on me. There’s a certain rebellion in the sound, one that takes me back to sneaking out of a window down to the house party below, solo cups littering the perfectly manicured lawn. I’m excited and a little apprehensive.

— Sydney Bishop

Reviewed: “Everyday” by The Shut-Ups

Experience Yourself: Available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify

Rating:

In the late ‘90s, Shiketa Gresham was a marketing major at the University of Georgia and a resident assistant at Creswell Hall. Demetrius Gresham, a management information systems major, worked behind the desk in the dorm. The young college students had no idea they’d spend the rest of their lives together.