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Buzz

Braeden Anderson: Strictly Business

Published by CROWN staff on July 4, 2009

Braeden Anderson: Strictly Buisness

Class: 2010

 Position: PF/C

 Height/Weight: 6’8/ 235 Lbs.

 School: Foothills Composite (Okotoks, Alberta)

 “It’s business when I’m out there. You won’t see me laughing and joking too often, unless I’m playing with my little brother in the back yard.”

 

Canada is more known for the recruitment of guards and wing players to the States in the past, but Braeden Anderson a 6’9 PF out of Okotoks, Alberta will probably overlook that piece of history. In fact, he may disregard it all together. Besides the overwhelming amount of Canadian programs recruiting Anderson, he currently has Portland, San Diego, Colgate, Cornell, Montana, Montana State and the University of Texas-Arlington on his radar.

 These programs probably noticed Anderson’s excellent physique. Or maybe it was his reluctance to give up on a single rebound? It could’ve possibly been the assertiveness he displays every time he takes it to the hole. “I’m a power player; (generally) I go to the rack hard, with the intentions to dunk on you every time, said Anderson.

 Braeden is the definition of a forward. Number one, he has the power and two; he possesses the rest of the skills needed at that position. They are not yet fully polished, but nevertheless he has them. He could play you with his back to the basket or he could face-up and knock down the elbow jumper. He will need to develop more consistency in his perimeter game however.

 Over the past year he has seen a wealth of progression both physically as well as in his skills. In the 08-09 high school season he proved it by posting averages of 19 and 11. He credits club coach John Hegwood for his development. “Ever since I started working with my current coach John Hegwood, (drafted to the Clippers in 82’) he has helped me develop and expand all parts of my game.”

 What was once a 6’6 center is now developed into a versatile 6’8 forward, continuously improving. “Rather than playing down low, I am now able to move around on the floor as I have developed a very effective jump shot and modest ball handling skills,” said Anderson confidently.

 As for the intangibles, Braeden refuses to give up on plays and is not afraid to scrap for those loose balls. “I get down and dirty, I dive for the loose balls, and I’m not afraid to run the floor and get easy dunks. If a shot goes up in my area, I’m trying to either block the shot, or I’m going to fight the whole team if I have to, to get the rebound.”

 Braeden is on the right track so far, but will need to develop his left hand, consistency in his jump shot and improve his versatility.

 With a passion so strong for the game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see even bigger improvements by 2010.

 “I’m just a kid that loves playing basketball and getting better.”

CROWN