Anderson’s Decision to Benefit Lucky Program

Ron Bailey, Publisher

August 8, 2007 – Generally, college basketball programs know who their incoming class will consist of by early August. As such, at this time they have, on the whole, moved on to next year’s recruiting targets.

If there is still recruiting going on, it generally occurs with mid to low major NCAA Division I or Division II and III schools, who are waiting to see if a student-athlete becomes available through late academic qualification, transfer from another institution, or another opportunity that didn’t materialize for the player.

Ron Anderson breaks the mold. A six-foot seven inch post player that weighs in at around 240 pounds, Anderson today shared he will decide upon “Providence, Kansas State and Drexel” this upcoming week. His decision will be tantamount to Christmas in August, for one of those programs.

How did Ron become available so late, when the trend is an earlier and earlier college commitment announcement from high school student-athletes? Hard work is the reason, resulting in “a better summer than I expected”, which produced serious scholarship consideration from schools, responded Anderson to the question.

“I was already qualified, and for basketball was thinking about going to prep school” continued the young man that graduated from Chattanooga, TN's, McCallie School during the spring. “This summer I worked really hard”.

Playing for DC Assault’s 17 and under team, his fourth year in the program, Anderson - the son of former NBA player and namesake Ron Anderson - put his nose to the grindstone, as witnessed by the sample daily routine he provided. “I did a lot of things with Nolan Smith (a freshman guard at Duke) and Mike Beasley (who will be a frosh forward at Kansas State)” shared Ron. “I did 6 A.M. runs, and then went to lift in Rockville (with Alan Stein and Elite Athlete Training Systems, or E.A.T.S., Inc.).

“We got on the gun (a shooting machine) right after we lifted. We also played a lot of pick up at (the University of Maryland) and sometimes at Georgetown. All of that helped a lot”.

Having always possessed great footwork, feel for the game, and intelligence, his prodigious individual work routine helped Anderson shed twenty pounds this spring/summer. It was basically the continuation of a process begun at McCallie, one that included eliminating both beef and pork from his diet. The effects are obvious as Ron noted “At the beginning of the basketball season, I weighed 300 pounds”.

Ron Anderson and Curtis Malone (background), after a Southern Invitational (travel team) game this year.

During the AAU season, the effect’s of Anderson’s diligence allowed him to routinely battle more celebrated players tooth and nail. DC Assault’s director, Curtis Malone was impressed. “There’s probably not a post player in the country with his post moves” supplied one of Assault’s founders, of Anderson’s uncanny ability to grind foes around the basket. “This is how I judge things - We play a very tough schedule, and Ron Anderson held his own against everybody”.

That included helping guide DC Assault’s 17 and under team to impressive tournament victories at the Southern Invitational, Harley Davidson Triple S, and the Adidas 64’s Super Pool events, along with a bronze-placed finish at Pittsburgh’s Jam Fest.

How did a guy with height and girth develop the footwork necessary to shake opponents, finish with either hand, and rebound, in competition against top high school players? You probably guessed it; it’s an outgrowth of putting his nose to the proverbial grindstone.

“It’s all a lot of work and stuff” shared Anderson of his not so secret, secret. “A lot of times, I work with the guards. I do the stuff they do”.

Expect Ron to continue developing his balletic steps, as well as further enhancing conditioning, and bringing his face up skills in line with the advanced post game already possessed, while college.

Driving that pivotal college decision, will in addition to the chosen school possessing a strong Business/Finance program and good hoops program, be a sense of home. That institution, in Ron’s estimation, will not be reminiscent of his Upper Marlboro, MD, home but McCallie, a place he has found memories of, and respect for.

“I’m looking at schools that remind me of my high school” elaborated Anderson, which means strong academics and an environment for growth are prerequisites. “That high school became my safe haven. It taught me a lot about growing up…I went there not really knowing what to expect, and the bonds I made, and contacts I have, are just wonderful”.

Though his decision looms near, and quick visits are planned to the finalists, Anderson feels no pressure. “The ball is in my court” he calmly relayed, not communicating a sense of apprehension. “I’m not feeling rushed”.

As such, Ron Anderson will most likely pick the best school for him, based upon his well reasoned requirements.

Check back with i95Ballerz.com for his final decision. The winning school should feel lucky, blessed, or both. And then, partisans in either Rhode Island (Providence), Pennsylvania (Drexel), or Kansas will have reason for throwing a party.