The Nevada Sagebrush

Senior center Illiwa Baldwin spent four months playing basketball for an Australian team. The NCAA-ruled Baldwin has one year of eligibility remaining with the Wolf Pack. Tony Contini /Nevada Sagebrush

Illiwamanu is Nevada big-man Illiwa Baldwin’s full first name — it means “fast-flying bird over the ocean.”

If you ask Baldwin about his journey, you might think that only a fast-flying bird could have made it this far.

“It’s surreal,” said the 24-year-old senior, born in Papa New Guinea, who learned to play basketball in Australia.

For Baldwin, there’s always been a hurdle —  something he had to fight through to continue his journey.

Baldwin kept fighting after his grandfather, who he has a tattoo of on his right arm, died after he left Australia to play basketball in the United States.

He kept fighting after he broke his foot and gained 60 pounds later that year.

He kept fighting after he transferred Pratt Community College and woke up one morning with a golf-ball sized tumor on his right ankle.

And he’ll keep fighting even after the NCAA denied him an extra year of eligibility earlier this month because of a four-month stint with the Australian team.

“It’s sort of been overwhelming,” Baldwin said of his experience.

Baldwin will play a limited role off the bench for Nevada in his only season, but it will be his veteran leadership that will be valued the most, Nevada men’s basketball head coach David Carter said.

“He should be a good role model for our freshmen,” Carter said. “He’ll be important for the team. He should be able to step back and shoot. He’ll be big on the boards and as a defender down low. He’s also a good interior passer.”

Baldwin, nicknamed “grandpa” by his teammates, is looking to “slide into a leadership role” for Nevada.

Devonte Elliot admits Baldwin gives his teammates without cars a ride to Wal-mart for groceries. Baldwin is also gaining a reputation as the team’s funny-man.

“He’s a cool cat,” Nevada forward Olek Czyz said. “He’s a funny dude.”

Baldwin’s humor comes from his hurdles.

“It’s better to maintain a positive attitude than getting down about it,” he said.

Baldwin didn’t start playing basketball until he moved to Brisbane, Australia, when he was 11 years old.

He made noise as a solid Aussie talent, who maintains dual citizenship from both southern Hemisphere nations.

He played his first year at Howard University in Texas in 2007.

After his first year, Baldwin broke his foot.

The 6-foot-11, 260-pound forward said this was one of the most depressing times of his career.

He had just lost his grandfather and broke his foot in his first season in the United States. Baldwin gained 60 pounds, ballooning to more than 300.

“I looked like an offensive lineman,” he said.

After transferring to Pratt Community College in 2008, Baldwin built confidence, lost the extra weight and appeared ready to have a breakout season. Once there, he encountered yet another set back.

While visiting his girlfriend in San Francisco, Baldwin woke up one morning and noticed a golf-ball sized tumor on his right ankle.

Doctors removed the benign tumor and Baldwin was forced to miss more playing time while he recovered.

After he was fully healed, Baldwin averaged 13.3 points and 10.7 rebounds in his second season at Pratt.

Arizona State, South Carolina and Pacific showed interest, but Baldwin chose Nevada because of the system, the location and the players, he said.

“My goal will be to keep my body together, slide into a leadership role and try to establish a good atmosphere for the young guys on the team,” Baldwin said.

Emerson Marcus can be reached at emarcus@nevadasagebrush.com.

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