Ryan Anderson, the 6’10”, 235-pound forward from the University of California, is entering the 2008 NBA Draft after two stellar Pac Ten seasons and took some time to talk with Hoops Addict about how he is preparing for the NBA Draft. Despite the draft hype machines from around the Internet pushing the envelopes for Anderson’s Pac Ten competition, with familiar names like Bayless, Lopez, Mayo and Westbrook, it was Anderson that led the conference in scoring despite overcoming steady double team defensive designs to slow his offensive roll.

The 20-year-old Anderson has a busy itinerary of NBA workouts that will have his draft stock soaring like global petroleum prices after auditioning his intriguing array of skills.

Having had more than a half a dozen opportunities to watch Anderson’s workouts led by trainer Guss Armstead at The Dr. Ephraim Williams Family Life Center in Sacramento, California, I’ve come away convinced that Anderson’s skills are worthy of recognition amongst his Pac Ten peers.

Visually, Anderson is a nimble, mobile and deceptively explosive big forward that utilizes his basketball mental aptitude to mask any real deficiencies. Anderson has exhibited above average proficiency in varied full court dribbling drills, medium range shooting, three point shooting, perimeter close out techniques and proper defensive position when sprinting to defend transition offense.

Additionally Armstead’s strength and conditioning coaches have designed a plentitude of top notch agility drills which Anderson has executed with the dexterity of shooting guards. Anderson’s cool exterior veneer is similar to a seasoned safecracker that continues to tumble the correct combination numbers even after the alarm has gone stereo.

HoopsAddict.com recently caught up with this promising prospect and found a young man wide-eyed about the opportunity to realize a childhood dream, all while poised in his commitment to make it a reality.

Hoops Addict: You have entered the NBA Draft without hiring an agent. Describe what the process has been like?
Ryan Anderson: It has been an interesting process for me because I’ve always been the underdog. When I was in high school I wasn’t a big prospect and there were several players going into college that had higher projections than me like Spencer Hawes (Sacramento Kings) and OJ Mayo. I finally had a chance to play against these players in college and I felt, based on my performance against their teams, I measured up excellently. Cal had been great for me and I have had a great experience at college where plenty of doors have opened up for me. Cal allowed me the opportunity to be in my current position and even though I had plenty of success in college, I’m still the underdog. Despite putting up 20 (points average) and 10 (rebounds average) it’s still not enough. There are varied skills I know I need to work on and working out in Sacramento with Guss is preparing me to do the best I can against competition that might be projected as higher picks during these workouts.

HA: It seems you are motivated by the underdog disposition. Despite all your success, you feel you’re not being correctly evaluated, speak on your underdog viewpoint?
RA: I do relish the underdog role. Since I have not received the overwhelming attention other players garner, I attract doubters. I love performing in front of those who doubt my skills and don’t believe in me. I use the doubters as motivation to not only prove them wrong, but as extra fuel for on-court focus.

HA: You played in the Pac Ten against a number of projected 2008 first round selections. Even less heralded teams like Oregon, Washington and Washington State had solid frontlines. Therefore you played a number of NBA prospects in conference play and had standout performances. Talk about your Pac Ten conference play experience?
RA: The Pac Ten was an amazing experience. During my two seasons at Cal, the league wide competition was the best it’s ever been. Teams like Arizona and UCLA, and my school Cal, have brought in plenty of talented players and for that matter every team was stacked with talent. The league top to bottom has so many great players and I’m proud to be a part of such a competitive conference. Personally it’s amazing to me that I led the conference in scoring and placed third in rebounding against such outstanding players. Having had the success against Pac Ten players considered in some cases to be lottery picks has me confident I will do well in the NBA.

HA: The statistical success you had last season as a sophomore in a rugged frontline league is a solid gauge for future professional success. Let’s move to the question of athleticism. Athleticism by NBA standards has been proven to be overrated. On the global scale, less athletic teams have beaten Team USA All-Star teams loaded with phenomenal NBA players/athletes in various international competitions with gamesmanship, guile and fundamentals. Here’s an opportunity to discuss questions of your athleticism for the NBA game. What’s your take on those who wonder if you possess NBA athleticism?
RA: It’s tough since for some reason my athleticism is a question, despite my proven performances against athletic players. I typically allow the doubters to question my athleticism since I feed off positioning and timing. Positioning and timing is what gives me huge advantages especially with rebounding since I enjoy crashing the glass. Since I first started playing basketball, I always felt I had a keen sense of what angle a missed shot would best allow me to gather a rebound and more times than not I’ve been correct. I have always had a natural feel for when to jump and when not to, which has made me a solid rebounder. Yet I do understand the athletic question and realize teams want to see someone windmill dunk at 360 degrees, for me… I play the timing game. I can easily bang home a dunk in traffic yet my game is predicated on feel, timing and positioning.

HA: What you’re speaking on is mental intangibles coupled with the physical gifts to execute your thought processes on the court. You’ve uniquely elaborated on your knack for successful play. Since you led the Pac Ten in scoring you’re a proven scorer. From my estimation the athleticism question you endure relates to your post offensive game that is heavy on finesse. The array of effortless finger rolls and bank shots you hoist after slithery post position attained off dribble separation is an uncommon trait. Your offensive tactics makes you a tough match-up at 6’10” since opponents can’t easily reason your timing rhythm. Talk about your offensive game?
RA: I can play the power game, like turn and wheel a dunk off a spin move, yet I’m comfortable with the finesse game. The power style game I’m working on, since the NBA has plenty of shot blocking bigs that make the dunk off the low post a necessity. My attitude has always been two points is two points no matter the interior shot. Again, I go back to timing, when to dunk and when to shoot the banker. I measure my opponents on things like who to pump fake and drive around, and who to take on the perimeter and jab step for the mid-range jumper. I’m not used to powering every move home, yet I know it’s a skill I need to be successful in the NBA.

HA: Is adding a power game to your overall offensive skill set something you’re currently working on?
RA: That’s definitely something I have been working on with Guss. I’ve been working on up and under moves off the zipper cut, the quick slip off the pro set pick and roll, as well as the pump fake and go after flashing ball side from the opposite elbow.

HA: The skill work you mentioned is important for NBA scoring success since the league has plenty of effective shot blockers where mixing in a power game is essential.
RA: I’ve definitely upgraded that portion of my game. Also, some skeptics do not think I have a mid-range game and that my offense is primarily three-point shooting and post moves. I’m eager to prove my consistent mid-range face up game as well as my NBA range three-point efficiency. Everyday I’m getting up plenty of shots while familiarizing my grip to the NBA official ball. Since I operate off the senses, my shot is feeling much better and I’m utilizing my improved footwork for hesitation stop and go moves as well as my height to shoot over the top of a defenders. I’m able to gauge my defender’s size quickly to take advantage of my best offensive option. I’m getting a solid feel for when to power and when to finesse my scoring opportunities.

HA: Your basketball wisdom reflects in your success. You have a bevy of NBA team workouts scheduled. You have put in many hours with Guss Armstead in preparation. Express your confidence in what you will display that is not familiarly known about your game?
RA: To be honest, to prove beyond a doubt that what they [NBA teams] feel I can’t do, that I can. If they doubt my athleticism I’ll hammer home dunks …if they doubt my speed I’ll be quick to play effective transition basketball. The “ifs ” teams have about me, I’m eager to address by my play. I plan on attacking any of my so called deficiencies and that’s what I’ve been diligently applying my attention to in these workouts in Sacramento. I’m not going to play outside myself, I will still play my game. I feel like these workouts have helped add additional dimensions I did not have in college. I’ve quickly developed more moves off the dribble from varied offensive positions. My dribbling skills have advanced more than any time I’ve played basketball and the footwork techniques Guss has taught me have taken my game to new heights. There are plenty of areas that NBA teams have not seen me display so I’m eager to perform.

HA: Your college, the University of California, had a coaching change where Ben Braun, who recruited you to Cal, was replaced by former Stanford and Golden State Warriors coach Mike Montgomery. Has Coach Montgomery been proactive in your decision to become draft eligible?
RA: Yes, coach Montgomery has been positive about my decision. Obviously, I still communicate with coach Braun and my other coach at Cal, coach Pasternak. Both coaches have helped me out a lot forwarding information to me from various NBA teams. Both coaches have plenty of connections and coach Montgomery, since he just left the league a few seasons ago had passed on excellent information to me concerning team’s interests. Coach Montgomery obviously would like me to continue at Cal which I understand, yet he has been very helpful.

HA: Back to your workout schedule. How many appointments do you have currently?
RA: I have ten scheduled. There is also a workout in San Francisco that will have eight teams in attendance including lottery teams so I’m looking forward to that one as well. I’m looking forward to making a solid impression that will elevate my draft stock.

HA: In closing you won a California State Championship in High school at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills which is a suburb community of Sacramento. How has the Sacramento region embraced you in your bid to go professional?
RA: It’s been amazing to me the amount of support I have received in this region. There are so many people in this area that have been genuinely supportive, I’m overwhelmed. This process has been an unbelievable experience and to know I’m at the beginning of the total experience has made me very humble and gracious. I live in such a tight community where everybody knows one another and it’s nice to go home and see people just as excited about what I’m doing with the same energy as my entire family. I’m grateful for the many blessings.

HA: Well Ryan, I greatly appreciate your time and candor. We here at HoopsAddict.com admire your courage to take this bold step and wish you continued success.
RA: I appreciate the opportunity and the experience. Thank you.
HA: Ditto. Much obliged.

Additional Commentary

The following comments were given by NBDL veteran Rod Benson and professional basketball trainer Guss Armstead regarding the NBA readiness of Ryan Anderson.

Benson, who played for the NBDL champion Dakota Wizards two seasons ago, and set a NBDL single game record for rebounds last season with 28, has plenty of NBA workout and camp experience. The 7’0” Benson, who is also participating in the same workouts as he pursues an NBA future, offers this analysis of Anderson’s ability to be a successful NBA player based on his own professional pedigree.

Benson: Ryan is a lot more prepared than many first round picks entering the draft. Ryan will be able to come in and contribute immediately. I know that a team that passes up on Anderson will regret it later because his game is all about instant positive contribution. Ryan will be effective inside and outside as well as rebound efficiently.

Guss Armstead, Ryan Anderson’s hoops trainer who has a multitude of NBA veterans in his clientele base, provides insight on why the talented Anderson is somewhat under the exposure radar.

Armstead: I’d like to first say that Ryan’s body of work has him rated as one of the most productive players in the country. The accomplishments he has made in his two years at California
are close to unparalleled by other draft candidates. I also think despite his exploits, his humble unassuming mannerisms have him vastly underrated by so-called draft experts. Ryan’s offensive ability to stretch a defense matched with his IQ and competitive nature is substantial. I’m certain when Ryan starts his workouts and starts showing his abilities in his basketball tool chest I know he will leave a healthy impression on NBA decision makers. Ryan is also is a great character guy with a DNA for hard work that allows him to accomplish what he pursues. Over the last two month he has been juggling his studies at California/Berkeley and then commuting to Sacramento to get in his basketball work. As a basketball skills instructor, Ryan has been an ideal client since he has been a virtual sponge absorbing and executing every teaching concept I throw his way. As for Ryan’s lack of exposure coming out of high school he was not a big AAU player. Ryan was not out on the AAU circuit where other draft eligible players picked up exposure so he went another route and basically surprised talent scouts by appearing out of nowhere. Therefore today’s exposure machines who favor certain player’s have followed the hype, yet true veteran NBA talent scouts are high on Ryan. For instance, one NBA front office leader known for solid team building shared to me there are not 15 players better than Ryan in the 2008 Draft.

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