| HIGH SCHOOL a student at Doss High School in Louisville,
Kentucky, Derek Anderson played basketball and baseball, and ran track. In 1992, his
basketball jersey was retired, and he claimed All-State Honors in the high jump.
COLLEGE
Derek then joined the Buckeye
basketball team of Ohio State University. In 1995, he transferred to join the University
of Kentucky Wildcats front court. As one-half of Kentucky's famed "Thunder and
Lightning"' duo, Derek helped lead the Wildcats to an NCAA National Title in 1996 and
earned AII-NCAA Tournament Honors (1996 & 1997) and an All-American spot (1997). He
graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Pharmacy.
PROFESSIONAL
Derek Anderson is one of the National Basketball Association's hottest
young stars. Chosen in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers
(l3th pick overall), Derek became an instant contributor to the team and a regular starter
in his rookie season. Despite a serious knee injury that kept him off the hardwood for 15
games, Derek was fourth in the league in free-throw shooting percentage and a member of
the Schick 1997-98 NBA All-Rookie team. When Nike launched its Brand Jordan athletic
apparel company, Derek was among the five NBA stars hand-picked by Michael Jordan to
endorse his shoe line. After two productive seasons with the Cavaliers, Derek was traded
before the 1999-2000 season to the Los Angeles Clippers where he quickly blended with the
new system and became a starting guard.
Derek Anderson joined the San
Antonio Spurs as a free agent in the summer of 2000, after turning down more money from
two other teams to accept a position with the Spurs. A proven winner, he has succeeded in
everything that he has set out to do both professionally and personally. He viewed his
addition to the Spurs as an opportunity to play for and contribute to a championship team.
Derek’s addition to the Spurs
brought them the much-needed athletic player they had been missing. His ability to get to
the rim and finish would make him a force to be reckoned with during the 2000-01 season.
Derek exploded on the scene for the Spurs marking his TNT debut with a 29-point effort vs.
the Timberwolves, which was a definite sign of things to come. With his trademark,
highflying dunks and silky smooth jump shot, DA soon had teams scratching their heads as
to how to stop him. He credited his summer workout program for his increased numbers. He
shot a career best 40% from 3-pt range, which helped rank the Spurs #1 in the league in
that category. Derek also earned the NBA’s player of the week honor; he started all
82 games of the regular season averaging 15.5ppg second on the team. Derek has always been
know for his clutch free-throw shooting and this season was no exception, connecting on
342 out of 402 attempts. His overall play was a key factor in leading the Spurs to the
leagues best regular season record and Midwest Division Champs. |
