Taking Back His Shot: Ja’Shawn Chisel

Ja’Shawn Chisel takes a free throw during SMC’s game against East Los Angeles on November 27th, 2019. At Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, Calif. (Michael Waas/ The Corsair)

Ja'Shawn Chisel, 20, is a basketball player from Denver, Colorado currently playing for the Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs and stepping into his sophomore year. Chisel had a successful first season by being a key component on the team and he doesn't only plan to continue to grow and improve on the court, but off of the court as well. 

Chisel's love for the game has been with him throughout his whole life, but it wasn't until his Sophomore year in high school that he began to take it more seriously. He drew in a large following from his hometown causing him to gain some recognition, and support from other players that helped him see his potential. Although Chisel was receiving scholarship offers from colleges and expectations for his success continued to grow, his career went on a year long pause right after high school.

After facing difficult circumstances, getting involved with the wrong crowd, difficult situations left Chisel with scholarships and opportunities being taken away from him, pushing him further into those situations. Chisel was in a position where he knew he had to return to a more positive and therapeutic outlet, which was basketball. This also put Chisel in a position to want to become a mentor. As Chisel was searching for a school to attend where he could revive his career and get a fresh start he landed upon SMC, being attracted to all it had to offer as well as its close proximity to the beach.

Head coach Joshua Thomas of the Corsairs said Chisel came in with many great qualities being one of the most competitive players on the team, having a high level of athleticism, always cheering for his teammates, and being someone who always wants to win. "He's very passionate about playing and very passionate about winning and playing hard so he's very vocal and those are all good traits that I really like about him and our staff likes," Thomas confirms. 

Chisel admits when he first joined the team that he has since evolved and excelled in learning patience, humility, and teamwork. On coming back after a year long break Chisel elaborated, "Just learning how to play with new teammates, getting used to the physicality of the game, you have to put in a whole lot more work than you would expect."

Thomas explains Chisel's progression throughout the season by highlighting that he's proud of Chisel's ability to adapt, taking on the role that his team needed from him. Chisel came in wanting to focus more on scoring but what the team needed was a defender, and a rebounder. Coming into a team of experienced players, "I think for him it was trying to find that balance of where does he fit in and trying to find his value in and pretty much what he brought to the team," said Thomas.

As 11 players are leaving the team next year, Chisel has the opportunity to step into a leadership role, which he is ready to take on. "There are going to be a whole lot more freshmen coming in so the goal is to get them on track really early and make sure that everybody’s on the same page so we can go win the championship," Chisel lays out.

Chisel's motivation stems from his family, his city, and most importantly those who are looking up to him. "You can overcome any situation. If you want to do something, you just have to put your mind to it and you can do it," Chisel exclaims.

Chisel views the team as a brotherhood as he recalls a message from one of his high school coaches, "You go to war for your brothers. You don’t play for yourself. You’re playing for the name on your jersey." Chisel's desire to impact others is not only apparent through his own words but also through what his coach sees in him. 

Thomas says,"I think he’s going to have a lot of people who are going to look up to him and he’s passionate about helping others. I feel like the sky's the limit...He’s just an amazing young man and I just see nothing but greatness in him."

"It's going to be a movie," said Chisel as he sets a high standard for the upcoming season.