History was made Tuesday in Long County when Blue Tide basketball star Jamaal Anderson signed to play for Middle Georgia State University in Cochran during a signing ceremony at the high school.
Anderson became the first LCHS player to sign with the Warriors’ program since the school changed from a college to a university.
“It’s a dream come true, a real blessing for me to get a full ride and to be able to attend college and still do what I love to do (in playing basketball) … I am so thankful to God, my coaches, my mentor and especially my parents for all of their support,” Anderson said.
Anderson, who was the Region 2-AA co-player of the year, joins a good program. During the past two seasons, the Warriors, who compete in the Georgia College Athletic Association, have a combined record of 45-15.
MGSU head coach Scott Moe feels that Anderson is a real asset.
“I’ve been impressed with several of the kids at Long County, so any time they say they have a good kid, we’re interested … Jamaal can handle the ball, he’s capable of shooting, and he can run a team, and that’s what we need,” Moe said. “He’s also a smart kid at basketball and academically, so we’re pleased that he will be with us.” Blue Tide head coach Deshon Brock and Anderson’s trainer Simon Steele, who both were at the signing, said that the Warriors are getting a player with a strong work ethic.
“He has a relentless work ethic, he’s a perfectionist and a he’s a gym rat … he will be successful at this next level,” Steele said.
“He has a great work ethic, he’s hungry, but he’s also humble … he’s a young man with high character and he has a good family behind him. I think he will do well in college and be one of those men that others can look up, too,” Brock said.
Anderson’s parents, John and Kim Anderson, shared their excitement.
“We’re so excited and it’s so overwhelming,” John Anderson said. “He’s such a humble kid, so to see him get his dream come true, it’s such a blessing.”
Kim Anderson acknowledged others’ help.
“There have been so many wonderful people who have helped him, and since he has been over here at Long County, coach Brock has been amazing … it’s just so exciting,” she said.