Nov. 3, 2010
MADISON, Wis. -- With the Wisconsin men's basketball team's season-opener approaching on Nov. 14, UWBadgers.com checked in with the team's four freshmen to get a little insight into their personalities and what they bring to the Badgers.
Today, we visit with Evan Anderson, a 6-foot-10 center from Stanley, Wis.
Favorites
TV: “I’m not a SportsCenter or sports guy on TV, I watch Family Feud and fishing shows.”
Movies: “The Hangover.”
Music: “Anything except for screamo.”
Why did you choose Wisconsin?
“The biggest point was the role of the big man. It’s a big part of the team. Most teams don’t utilize their big guys nearly as much as we do here. I didn’t want to go into college knowing that I wouldn’t do much. Here you’re expected to and pushed to be able to do everything.”
What was your official visit like?
“It was a lot of fun. We went to a football game, got to hang out with the coaches and talked about important things like transitioning into college.”
What’s your best basketball memory?
“My first dunk, in seventh grade in a Las Vegas AAU tournament. Even my mom was excited, which doesn’t happen often. That, and going to the state tournament.”
What’s the strongest part of your game?
“I’m not afraid to be physical.”
What do you most want to work on?
“My ball handing and footwork.”
What’s your go-to shot in H-O-R-S-E?
“A left-handed hook shot, since most people are right-handed.”
Since Coach Ryan leaves the decision to his players, what are your thoughts on redshirting?
“It’s only been a few practices, so it’s hard to determine what my role is going to be. I’m just trying to get used to practice here, and we’ll find out in a few weeks I suppose.”
How many times will you give a teammate stitches over the next four years?
“It will be unintentional, but probably plenty.”
When did you realize you were taller than everyone else?
“In kindergarten.”
How much of a setback was your ankle injury as a high school junior?
“It was a big setback, and the hardest part was sitting out and not being able to play. I was always on the court since third grade. To watch someone else go for the jump ball was odd, and it was hard to get back into shape afterwards.”
How did you come back?
“Thinking I was tough and coming back too early wouldn’t have been good for me. I knew I had to listen to the doctors and sports medicine people and let it play out.”
