Jordan Andrews joined the University of South Alabama men's basketball program last summer after transferring from Youngstown State, but had to sit out the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules. The Abita Springs, La. Native averaged 7.9 points in his one season at YSU and broke the school's freshman 3-point record with 50, earning him Horizon League all-Freshman Team honors. He sat down with USAJaguars.com to talk about how he handled not being able to play, his relationship with assistant coach Brock Morris during the recruiting process, and the role current Jaguar Herb McGee played in getting Andrews to USA.
When did you start playing basketball?
It was from a very young age, like 2 or 3. My dad was a high school coach, so I would always be in the gym with him at practices. I just fell in love with it from there.
Take me through your journey to get to South Alabama.
I moved when I was in middle school to the high school that I attended. From there, I went to Youngstown State and played a year. I had some issues and wanted to get closer to home. South Alabama gave me a chance to be back at home and be close for my family. It was a good opportunity and I didn't want to pass it up. It just felt like a second chance.
How big of a factor was your family in coming to South Alabama?
It was huge. When I left, it was extremely hard, not being able to see them except for once or twice a year. Now I can get home when I need to, so it's always nice to be close by.
What led to you going to Youngstown State?
I liked the school on my visit and I liked the players that I hung out with. I thought I had a good relationship with the coach from the time he started recruited me until I signed. It was a comfortable place for me but in the end, it didn't work out.
What part did Herb play in getting you here?
He called me when he knew I was looking for a place. We had talked on the phone and he was telling me about it. I was recruited here out of high school but it didn't work out. Herb put us on the path to get us where we are today. I talked to Brock (Morris) and Coach (Matthew) Graves about getting me here, and not any place but here.
What's the biggest thing you took away from your redshirt year?
Studying the game of basketball and learning the ins and outs. As a player, you always think you know, but there's always so much more you can learn by sitting back and taking a different view. You can see different aspects of the game.
What did you try to work on during your year off?
Strength and quickness has always been a big factor for me, so I tried to get better at that. Obviously, shooting and improving my shot and my handles, improving my skill work.
What was it like last year not being able to play?
It was definitely one of the toughest times in my life. Basketball has always been something I could rely on and have, but not having the competitive part of it was hard.
How would you describe your playing style?
I like to play fast and get a quality shot – a big part of my game is my shot. I think I see the floor well and things like that. I'm mainly a shooter.
What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game?
My shot, definitely. I've spent hours of putting up shot after shot, perfecting my craft.
What part of your game are you working on the most leading up to next season?
Being more comfortable with the ball in my hand and not getting sped up. I have tendencies where I get too fast and ahead of myself. I'm trying to work on slowing it down and playing at the right pace in the flow of the game.
What do you enjoy the most of the game of basketball?
The competitive part of it. I'm a huge competitor, I love winning and losing hurts. It's a great edge to have.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life as a basketball player?
My dad and godfather, David Hannan – he played for my dad – have always been there. My mom was a great basketball player so I have to thank her for steering me in that direction. It's always been my family – they were big basketball supporters and supported me.
What do you expect of yourself this season?
To step up as a leader and since I've played Division I basketball and had a year to watch, I want to be a leader on the floor and get us where we need to be and push us to that next level.
How do you think your year of experience at the Division I level will help you be a leader?
I think it gives me an advantage over ones that haven't played or get the game as much as they should. It propels you to find situations to help people get where they need to be.
What was your relationship with Morris like during the recruiting process?
We stayed on the phone a lot. He was always calling me and telling me how we were going to do great things. He was a positive influence on what would happen if I came here. That's really what got me here. I felt like some coaches don't establish a good relationship off the bat and I felt like Brock, Coach Graves, Russ (Willemsen) and all the assistants, they establish a relationship, they all talk to you and communicate. It's a family atmosphere.
What professional player do you try to model your game after?
My favorite player is Kevin Durant, but I'm not 7-feet like he is. But I like his style of play and how he's able to create his shot from anywhere. J.J. Redick is a fantastic shooter and has gotten him money in the league.
Quick Hits
Favorite NBA team: Sadly, the Pelicans. It's rough.
Favorite college team growing up: Duke
Favorite sport other than basketball: LSU football
Favorite musical artists: I'm always listening to Drake. He's my guy. And Future.
Favorite class: I took a television and movie class and learned how to write scripts
Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction
Favorite video game: Black Ops 3
Favorite social media: Instagram and Twitter are my biggest ones – I'm always scrolling through just to see what's on there
Favorite TV show: Family Guy
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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