Twitter: @JusAnderson1
Instagram: @jusanderson1
Congratulations to Head Coach Tony Bennett and the University of Virginia (UVA) Cavaliers on recently winning their first NCAA men’s basketball national championship in program history! I tweeted the win as the ‘comeback of the century,’ acknowledging the incredible bounce back from the team after suffering an early exit in last year’s tournament. I genuinely felt happy for the players and coaches, as I’ve held a great deal of respect for the Cavaliers ever since having the opportunity to interact with the program’s members up close and personal back in 2015. I worked their summer week-long youth camp as a counselor. Reflecting on their win also made me realize something else: my family and I sure do personally know quite a few of the university’s former basketball players. That notion, along with UVA being at the top of the college basketball world currently, led to the idea of this new series I’m introducing: ‘You Know ‘Hoo'’ The ‘Wahoos,’ shortened to ‘Hoos, serve as the unofficial nickname for UVA’s sports teams. For the remainder of April, I plan to start releasing features on particular ‘Hoos that I’ve known throughout the years; focusing on their success in both the past and present.
It’s only right that I start things off with my guy, current Atlanta Hawks wing, Justin Anderson. Anderson departed from UVA after his stellar junior campaign to enter the 2015 NBA draft, leaving the program as a clear fan favorite. I honestly have a stronger friendship with Anderson more than anybody else associated with the university. The 6’7” 25 year-old has always attracted attention on the court for his highlight dunks and infectious enthusiasm, but his character has undeniably brought him to this point in life.
From Around the Way
A native of Montross, VA, Anderson and his family relocated to my hometown of Fredericksburg, VA during the latter part of his childhood years. I first remember hearing my dad’s and others’ excitement about his ability to dunk as an eighth-grader; he played up on a local high school JV team during that last year of middle school. While many in the area got their hopes up about Anderson’s potential takeover of the high school basketball scene, he ultimately decided to head up North to a renowned powerhouse program in Montrose Christian School (Rockville, MD). He spent his entire high school career consistently placed in the ESPN top-100 basketball rankings.
I met Justin after my freshmen year of high school, which happened to be his junior year. He’s always had a love for Fredericksburg and often spent time returning to town, especially once the summer arrived. During that summer in 2011, I noticed that he put out a word regarding his seeking of players that had interest in joining him for skill sessions. A young 14-year old who needed that type of development, I wasted no time in contacting him. He responded quickly, I set up a plan with him and his older brother, EJ, and… yeah, the rest is history. The Anderson crew became like family to mine throughout those past years. Justin and I frequently put in the gym work, supported each other at our respective games, and found other ways to have some fun outside of just basketball. I still say to this day that making that connection ended up as one of the most important things I’ve ever done.
When talking about his own high school career, Anderson sure had a decorated one. He held a starting role for all four years and took over in even greater measure during his last two seasons. On a team full of next-level talent, he always stood out as an athletic specimen who could change the course of a game with pure energy. Mere months before I first met him, Anderson, as a junior, helped Montrose win the National High School Invitational (NHSI) title in a double-overtime thriller versus Oak Hill Academy; making a clutch three-pointer during the game’s late stretch. Senior year resulted as one with even more success. Anderson averaged 17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks, winning the 2012 Gatorade Maryland Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Earlier that same winter, on November 12th, he signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the University of Virginia.
Tenure with the ‘Hoos
I always knew the UVA fan base would love Anderson and, man, did he prove my words true. Nicknamed ‘Simba,’ Anderson wowed spectators from the very start with his jaw-dropping dunks and blocks, fueled by a relentless passionate energy. After taking time in adjusting to the college game’s style as a first-year, the wing returned for his sophomore year as a highly-reliable reserve. It felt like he always gave UVA a spark whenever checking onto the floor. Anderson’s efforts landed him the 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Sixth-Man of the Year award and his team went on to win the conference tournament title.
The biggest turnaround happened for Anderson during his junior campaign when he was inserted in the starting lineup and brought an exceptionally improved jump shot with him back to campus. He lit it up from the perimeter throughout the regular season, playing as one of the Cavaliers’ top scorers and looking like one of the best small forwards in the country. Unfortunately, a fractured finger and appendectomy sidelined Anderson for the last month of the regular season. Still, he made his return in time for UVA’s ACC tournament appearance, followed by the NCAA tournament. He finished the season and his career out with honors of second team all-ACC and third team All-American (from the National Association of Basketball Coaches). After some thought, the decision to enter the NBA draft appeared as the best next choice to make.
My family and I had several opportunities to travel and check out Anderson and his squad at UVA’s home games. Still, it felt pretty surreal each time in watching him out there doing his thing; especially as he continued to blow up in his stock as an NBA prospect. However, I can’t really say that I ever felt surprised at his success. After being able to see how hard he worked on his craft, dating back to the summers of his high school years, it was just another example of how one cannot be denied when staying focused and dedicated to the grind. I firmly believe that Anderson left his own legacy there in the UVA program; I’m not sure when we’ll ever see another player who contains such a strong joy for the game likewise to his.
Where is He Now'
Anderson’s still in the NBA! After being selected as the 21st pick by the Dallas Mavericks in 2015, he had a strong showing in the team’s summer league run before playing a reserve role for his rookie year; spending some time both with the Mavericks and their NBA G-League affiliate: the Texas Legends. He returned to the organization for a similar type of role, but also improved his stats to 6.5 points and around three rebounds per night in 51 games. In February of his second season, Anderson, Andrew Bogut, and a projected first-round pick, were all traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for 6’11” forward/center Nerlens Noel.
Still playing as a reserve, Anderson had some great moments in his two years with the 76ers. I can recall sitting in my college dorm room and watching him erupt for 25 points and six rebounds over the Milwaukee Bucks in April 2018. A year earlier, on April 12, 2017, he recorded his career-high of 26 points in a one-point loss to the New York Knicks. Anderson continued to show the same type of prowess that he had at UVA: a positive spark plug who has a natural gift of fueling a team up. Personally, I felt the 76ers could’ve used him more in situations, but they ultimately traded him away to the Atlanta Hawks last July; this actually happened to be a three-way team deal that involved the 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
This 2018-19 season was more of an inactive year for Anderson. He had to fight his way back from a leg surgery performed in the fall, which caused him to miss the Hawks’ training camp and a great deal of season time. However, a bright spot did occur for the four-year league veteran last month (March 31, 2019), when he finished with a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds; both season highs.
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So, obviously, I’ve focused mainly on Anderson’s basketball resume. Nevertheless, I honestly want my audience to understand how good of a guy he truly is; something that goes far beyond just basketball. Being a local guy from the area, I (along with others) always looked up to Anderson growing up. When I developed a good bond with him and his family, however, my eyes became open to the type of head he has on his shoulders. I’ve learned a lot from being around Anderson: how to communicate properly with others, stepping outside of your shell/comfort zone, what it truly means to live as a student of the game, how to train your body properly, amongst others. Heck, he even gave me tips on proper table manners one time when we all ended up in a restaurant.
I give a good deal of credit to Anderson for my achievement in reaching the college basketball level. It takes more than just seeing the basketball side of Anderson to get a grip for his demeanor and approach to life. He knows how to live fully and brings a presence that could lift anyone’s spirits and/or motivate them. To top it off, he’s been like this ever since day one. We last talked in August 2018 during his brief stay in the area for about a week; he’s still the same guy that I met eight years ago. I also love what he’s doing for our Fredericksburg community; hosting summer camps for both the youth and high school players. Giving back has always been something that he’s prided himself upon. Never change, Justin… continue to inspire the young ones.
Be on the lookout for more pieces of this series soon releasing! In the meantime, I’m sure they’ll continue to celebrate in Charlottesville.