Arizona Basketball: Catching up with NBA G-League player Ryan Anderson
Ryan Anderson has been busy lately. After spending the summer recovering from an injury, he has proved he is back and better than ever.
Former Arizona Basketball forward Ryan Anderson joined the Delaware Blue Coats (Philadelphia 76ers and TJ McConnell‘s affiliate) for the 2018-19 season. The team was renamed (used to be the 87ers). Anderson is averaging 6.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He ranks No. 3 in the G-League in Rebound percent at19.6%.
Just the other day, against the Greensboro Swarm, Ryan grabbed 18 rebounds and scored seven points. Eighteen rebounds it so Impressive. Who gets 18 rebounds in any game? Well, this former Wildcat did!
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It’s been a challenging road that Anderson traveled in 2018, and 2019 seems to be a legitimate bounce-back year for the 6-foot-9 219 pound forward. We caught up with Ryan at the G-League Showcase in Las Vegas in December where was able to visit with family and friends on the west coast. He was excited to get back to the east coast to play in the Blue Coats new arena which wasn’t ready at the beginning of the season.
On top of his skills on the court. Ryan is always a joy to visit with. He is positive, funny and such a warm young man. Ryan is enjoying playing back in the states, he spent last season in playing for the Lithuanian team Pieno Zvaigzdes in the Baltic Basketball League. Here is our quick catch-up with Ryan:
ZZ) Tell us what you enjoy about playing in the g-league?
RA) I think the G-League has a lot of talent and I’ve enjoyed being close to home.
ZZ) What did you learn by playing overseas?
RA) I learned that nothing is for sure. Injuries can happen so just cherish the time when I get a chance to play.
ZZ) what did you learn about yourself as a person and a ballplayer over the last year? Where there any obstacles you had to overcome?
RA) I learned to be patient because I had several injuries that stopped me for two years.
ZZ) Have you played against a fellow Wildcat in the G-League and how did that experience go?
RA) I played against Gabe York (Lakeland Magic) and Kadeem Allen (Westchester Knicks). Both times were a lot of fun seeing my guys and playing against each other. I have a lot of respect for what they have done.
ZZ) If you were sitting in front of an NBA Scout, what would you tell them?
RA) I would tell them they can count on me to rebound, play hard, and be a great teammate.
ZZ) Do you follow Arizona Basketball still? What are your thoughts?
RA) There are always high expectations at Arizona but I think in conference play the team will be better than people think.
ZZ) Any funny story you want to share from your playing days in Tucson?
RA) Not many funny stories but just was the best two years of my life and forever thankful to Sean Miller to let me come play there! Bear down!
Enjoy this Anderson highlight video from a 15-point performance at the G-league showcase:
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Well, Ryan, we are thankful for you and giving us your time. Keep up the great work in Delaware and we will be keeping up with you. Bear Down