Austin ready to roar for Lions

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

December 7, 2007 - Former Sparkman (AL) Senator, turned Freed-Hardeman University Lion, Cedric Austin is hoping to have a break out sophomore season in the Rocky Top State, Tennessee.

Austin, a 6’0 shooting guard from Harvest, Alabama, is patiently waiting his turn to display the sweet shooting stroke that thrilled fans of the Senators two seasons ago.

“It was a big learning experience my first year here”, said Austin, who averaged just two points and one assist a game during his freshman year at the NAIA institution.

Ced Austin

“The game was much faster than in high school and I am playing more point guard on this level.”

Austin has begun to settle in and learn his new role. He scored seven points in the Lions opening win over Carver Bible College and added five rebounds and two assists.

Austin has attempted to gain greater knowledge of his role as a distributor and team leader, while still attempting to score the basketball effectively.

“It’s a transition coming over from playing the two to playing the one,” remarked Austin. Cedric also exhibits superior defensive skill, especially in one on one situations.

Coach Jason Shelton expounded upon Cedric’s talents in an earlier interview.

“Cedric gives us a lift defensively right away. He is a standout on-ball defender. He has the ability to break down defenders off the dribble and find open teammates but also knock down the three. We are excited about Cedric as a person and player.”

“I am just trying to be as unselfish as I can be and spread the ball around to my teammates so we all can be successful.”

Austin’s playmaking ability currently has the Lions off to a 4-1 start to the 2007-2008 basketball season.