A look at James Anderson – “because he deserves it”
Former Oklahoma State player and NBA draft prospect, James Anderson
On the eve of the eve of the NBA draft, many Oklahoma State orange-tinged eyes will be eagerly watching and waiting to see the fate of one of their beloved sons, 6’6″, 210 lb. guard James Anderson. The jury is still out on how high he might rise or if there might be a last-minute dive down the draft board when names start getting called on Thursday, but no one can dispute the 2010 Big 12 Player of the Year’s collegiate dominance.
A look at the numbers
For those of us who watched Anderson’s college progression, the improvement of not only his heightened general abilities but the numbers he was able to post make him one of the more impressive shooters and scorers in the 2010 draft class.
His game averages from 2007-08 to 2009-10 increased by quite a large margin. Minutes from 30.9 as a freshman to 34.1 as a junior – not that large a leap. But points from 13.3 to 22.3 points per game. His percentages were best in his sophomore season, with 48.2 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from three and 82.9 percent from the stripe. Not that his junior season stats were anything to sneeze at – 45.7, 34.1 and 80.1 percent, respectively.
As for his other attributes on the court, his rebounds increased from 3.7 to 5.8 and assists from 1.1 to 2.4 per game over his three-year career as a Cowboy. Anderson grew into quite a defensive rebounding presence, grabbing 128 defensive and 64 offensive boards in his 33 games last season. He had 80 assists to 78 turnovers in his junior campaign, chipping in 46 steals and 20 blocks as well.
Though there have been some doubts about how Anderson’s game will translate in the league, many are still standing behind the impressive growth and skill set that was demonstrated in his three years at OSU. One man who knows first hand the special and unique qualities Anderson possesses is Cowboy head coach Travis Ford. When I caught up to him in the Dallas airport and chatted about Anderson and his chances for success in the NBA, the pride and excitement was evident in Ford’s voice.
Thoughts from Travis Ford
On Anderson’s positive attributes – You know, right now – a lot of positive things being said about him. People like his size and being able to shoot the ball the way he can shoot it with the range he can shoot it. So I think every team is always looking for someone to be able to do that. Then how much he’s improved over the past couple years on putting the ball on the floor and his versatility. Being Big 12 player of the year with so much talent in our league I think has really put him on the map pretty bit at this point.
On whether his cooling off at the end of the year is a detriment to his draft stock – No I don’t [think it will hurt Anderson]. I think they look at the course of work over his three years at Oklahoma State. I’ve talked to a lot of NBA teams at this point and they all realize that every year he’s gotten better which is a great sign. I still think his best days are ahead of him. He’s by no stretch reached his potential yet, he’s going to continue to get better. He’d be the first to tell you he didn’t play as well as he’s capable of but those are just a couple of games. Again, he was Big 12 Player of the Year in probably without question the league that had the most individual talent in the country – it wasn’t even really probably close. I think they course of work that he put in throughout the season will speak for itself.
Ford’s feelings on coaching Anderson – I feel great. It’s been a lot of fun to coach James but it’s great because there’s no player probably I’ve ever coached that deserves it more than James. He’s an incredible person, he’s done every single thing we’ve ever asked out of him, he’s ‘no sir’, ‘yes sir’. He come from a very humble background – a very humble person so it’s exciting to see him have this opportunity. It’s a lot of fun because he deserves it.
