CHICAGO — Portugal is a long way — literally and figuratively — from the Cabrini-Green public housing development of Tanisha McTiller's childhood.
But that's where the former Lincoln Park High School and Towson University basketball star finds herself after she recently signed a contract to play for Lousada AC in northern Portugal.
"Growing up where I grew up at, I would have never envisioned my life being the way it is," McTiller said Saturday. "I would have never thought that I would have received a free ride to college to play Division I basketball ... and everything is still unreal to me.
"I couldn't be more thankful and blessed for this opportunity. Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would be playing basketball professionally, but I'm enjoying it though."
McTiller lived in a Cabrini-Green high-rise, noting her father was never in her life. McTiller said she saw drug deals and added she witnessed a man being shot and killed.
Her escape was always basketball, first on the courts near the housing projects, then at Schiller Elementary and Lincoln Park High. She earned a scholarship to play at Towson University, where the guard led the Colonial Athletic Association in scoring (19.4 points per game) last season, when she earned all-conference first team and all-defensive team honors.
After graduating with a degree in criminal justice in May, McTiller said teams in Romania, Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal contacted her. McTiller picked Lousada AC because she said it was the "right fit."
"It's a very beautiful place," McTiller said. "The fans here in Portugal are great, win or lose."
So far, McTiller has been a dominant player in the Portugal-Liga Feminina, averaging a team-high 24.1 points per game through eight games. She is one of two Americans on the roster.
McTiller said she'd love to play in the WNBA if teams sought her services, but noted she's truly enjoying her new home.
"The weather is always nice, and it doesn't really get cold," McTiller said. "There are so many things to do, such as shopping, boat rides, wine tasting, sightseeing and a lot of other things."
When her playing days conclude, McTiller wants to help kids who grew up in similar circumstances. She hasn't ruled out careers in social work, teaching and other mentoring crafts.
"I want to run a program for kids in the inner city where they come and do their homework, get a good meal, take field trips and also play sports of course," McTiller said.
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