Matt Whitfield, Teams, Virginia Recruiting

JUSTIN ANDERSON WILL MAKE IMMEDIATE IMPACT AT VIRGINIA

By Matt Whitfield

Surely the average, non-basketball fan might mistake the chiseled Justin Anderson for a sophomore or a junior in college. The baby-faced Anderson, however, is a high school basketball prodigy in his senior year at Montrose Christian in Rockville (MD). Anderson has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Grevis Vasquez and Kevin Durant as he takes his game to the ACC after playing for Stu Vetter as the biggest prize of coach Tony Bennett’s tenure at Virginia.

Before he begins to make an impact in the ACC, Anderson is looking forward to his senior season as he takes on the role of team leader this year.

“It feels good to finally become the leader of my team,” said Anderson. “I think we have potential to be really good like in the past and I can’t wait to lead my team hopefully to another national title.”

As a freshman Anderson saw significant minutes on a team a team that featured several high major players including Mouphtaou Yarou. Anderson then was a consensus top 10 recruit and likely the most athletic player of the class as he still probably is now.

“Around Montrose I have a group of coaches, a group of guys who keep me humble, so that’s why I think this program is great. It separates itself. I knew I had a pretty big body [as a freshman] and knew I could do a lot with it at such a young age, but I continued to work. I stayed humble. I grind, and it got me to this point so hopefully it pays of this year.”

Since his freshman year Anderson feels he has improved all aspects of his game even though some question his outside shot.

“[My Game has progressed] in all aspects shooting, ball handling, using my weak hand. A lot of people say send him right, but now if you send me right it’s most likely going to be two points. And I say that in all humbleness. If you give me a open lane with my right hand… or I can go both ways basically. I think being at Montrose has improved my game in all aspects.”

Next year Anderson hopes to see his share of minutes at UVA. And with tutelage from NBA starts such as Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Grevis Vasquez combined with Anderson’s demeanor and work ethic it seems likely.

“Hopefully I can come in and get decent time as a freshman. It’s not about myself. It’s about my team and hopefully I can help my team get to the NCAA Tournament and go pretty deep in it.”

Anderson hopes to bring some high-flying excitement to John Paul Jones Arena next season. Anderson has been called mini-Lebron James due to his athleticism and physique. The two have even struck a bond.

“Lebron’s my favorite player. For him to be able to shoot around and talk to me a lot means a lot. Talking to me every now and then when he’s away and I’m away. I can hit him up and say hello and see how things are going. It feels good. I have the privilege that a lot of people don’t have the privilege and I don’t take advantage of it. I take his words and I try and use them and he always says work hard. And that’s what I’m going to try and keep doing to get on his level.”

If Anderson keeps progressing watch out! And if Anderson does he’d likely fulfill his lifelong dream.

“Make it to the NBA,” he said of his ultimate basketball goal. “If you’re on an elite level and you’re doing this every day. That’s what you’re working towards. I’m not saying I’d be upset or disappointed if I don’t make it but that’s my number one goal. Get to college and get to the NBA.”

Viginia fans stay tuned…Justin Anderson will be performing in an arena near you next season!In the meantime…here is your source for this season’s tickets:

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