James Anderson on Basketball

Where would you be without basketball?

I don’t know where I’d be. Ever since I was a little kid my dad coached basketball. I was always at practices with him. It’s tough to see where I’d be without this. It’s opened a lot of doors and a lot of opportunities for me.

Why basketball?

Just being able to grow up surrounded by basketball all the time. Once I started playing in third and fourth grade I noticed that I enjoyed playing it. I played football a little bit and that didn’t come as naturally. Having the experience being around basketball all the time it just felt natural and it felt good to be involved with that sport.

Best family basketball memory?

When I was a little kid and my dad was coaching high school and they won the state tournament. I remember being down in Phoenix, Ariz., outside America West Arena. I remember after the game the team brought Gatorade out and dumped it on him. I just remember being there, and being a little kid that was so exciting, being a part of that moment.

Why do you love basketball?

I think it’s taught me a lot, I’ve learned a lot. It’s been a teaching point in my life. What you learn on the court you can apply that to life. Most of my coaches have always stressed that, how you can succeed on the court and in life.

Any advice for young players?

It takes a lot of hard work. They’ve got to decide young if they want to do it and they’ve got to stick with it. They have to devote a lot of time. I remember in the summers I had to travel to Phoenix from northern Arizona every weekend to go practice with the team so we could go play. You’ve just got to be committed and with a lot of hard work and commitment, things will happen.