Longhorn spotlight: Andrew Dick
Nov. 17, 2009
Jennifer Green, Texas Media Relations When choosing a college, many might consider certain university benefits, such as education, housing or food. But for University of Texas freshman guard Andrew Dick, an unexpected consideration popped up after his high school graduation. Last summer, the Texas Men's Basketball coaching staff spoke with Dick's high school basketball coach about his work ethic and learned of his hardworking nature. As a result, the UT staff invited Dick to join the team as a walk-on. "A former coach told Coach (Rick) Barnes about Andrew," UT assistant coach Chris Ogden explained. "We'd never really seen him play." Ogden said Dick was very quiet when he first met him. Now, just a few months later, he's starting to find his way and his teammates love him. "I had never really planned to walk on. It was something that was unexpected," Dick said. "I was a little nervous about the situation, but the guys were really cool and made me feel comfortable." Dick hails from Sherman, Texas, which is located on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, but his allegiance has always been with the Burnt Orange. "I grew up a Longhorn fan, so I saw it fitting to come here," Dick said. "Austin is just a great city to be in." When it came time to leave for school, Dick was already packing the necessities: clothes, ramen noodles and energy drinks. Then, he added a basketball. "It's a neat experience because my father loves basketball," Dick said. "He thinks it's great that I was given the opportunity to come down here and play." The new Longhorn graduated high school with multiple honors and awards. He helped guide Sherman to a 27-8 overall record and the District 9-4A title last year. Dick earned The Herald Democrat All-Texomaland Second Team and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class 4A Academic All-State honors as a senior.
He also earned four letters as a member of the Sherman golf team. "I thought about playing golf in college, but I think I'm a better basketball player than golfer," Dick said. Dick's confidence and positive attitude help him understand his role on the Texas Basketball team. "My goal is to help our team improve everyday in whatever way I can," Dick said. Dick strives to achieve this goal by working hard in practice, staying tough and playing defense to help his teammates improve. "It's a hard job in the fact that a lot of times walk-on players may just play defense in practice and do some grunt work. But in the end, they also get to sit on the bench and travel and do some really fun things," Ogden said. Being part of the Texas Basketball team is a dream for many teenage boys, a dream that has come true for Dick. "I have been given a great opportunity, and I am just trying to make the most of it," Dick said. |
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