FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 20, 2018) – Fresh off her stint with Team Canada at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Northern Arizona women's basketball sophomore
Jacey Bailey rejoined her Lumberjack teammates in the gym earlier this week.
Bailey, one of three current NCAA players on Canada's 12-player roster, played in all five of her home country's contests at the Commonwealth Games as Canada finished fourth overall.
"If I had to pick one word, I'd say it was fun," Bailey said. "But it was also intense. We practiced every day when we weren't playing. The whole thing was a learning experience."
The Commonwealth Games were held in Gold Coast, Australia with Canada posting a 2-3 record. Canada came out of its pool having won two of its first three games, collecting resounding victories against England and Mozambique, before dropping a rematch with England in the semifinals and losing to New Zealand in the bronze medal game. Canada also fell to the host and eventual gold medalist, Australia, in pool play.
Bailey, originally from Burnaby, BC, came off the bench in all five games, and had her best showings in Canada's two wins. In the Commonwealth Games opener, Bailey scored five points and recorded two assists in an 80-54 victory over England on April 6. Three days later in the 85-53 triumph against Mozambique, Bailey tallied four points and four assists.
Over the five games, Bailey played 51 minutes and registered totals of 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists. She made a three-pointer and also connected on both of her free throw attempts.
Recalling the experience, Bailey will never forget receiving her jersey for the first time.
"The day before our first game, we had a jersey ceremony, where we were all given our jerseys," Bailey said. "That was the most memorable moment. To get a jersey with Canada on the front and my name on the back; that was pretty cool."
While down time was limited, Bailey did have the opportunity to explore Australia in her first visit to the country. Situated in Townsville during pool play, the team visited the Billabong Sanctuary with the highlight being koala and kangaroo sightings. They also hiked Castle Point, where they could see the ocean and all of Townsville.
The team wound up in Gold Coast for the final round, where Bailey and her teammates stayed in the Athletes' Village.
Redshirting this past season per NCAA rules after transferring to NAU from Florida Atlantic, Bailey relished the entire experience, especially the opportunity to play in competitive games. She will be eligible to suit up for the 'Jacks come the fall.
"I forgot what the games felt like," Bailey said. "Playing at the Commonwealth Games against and with pros was such a learning experience. I can bring that next season."
