The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Catching up with T.J. Ford
06.17.2005 | Men's Basketball
Former UT basketball star and current Milwaukee Bucks guard T.J. Ford is returning to Austin this coming weekend (June 25-26).
He will be meeting with the Austin-area media on Saturday, June 25 to promote a new series of drawings entitled the "T.J. Ford Evolution." The drawings, done by Austin sports artist Nick Johnson, capture the transformation of Ford from his playing days at Willowridge High School, The University of Texas and into the professional ranks.
On Sunday, June 26, Ford and Johnson will be signing these pieces for at least an hour at Ringer's Sports Lounge in downtown Austin beginning at 1 p.m.
Prior to his upcoming visit, TexasSports.com had a chance to speak with Ford on a variety of subjects.
Q: We understand you're coming to Austin next weekend (June 25-26) to promote a new art series which will benefit the T.J. Ford Foundation. What can you tell Texas fans about what your Foundation is doing and how they can become involved?
A: I'm trying to do as much as I can for both the Austin and Houston communities. I've teamed up with a really good artist in Austin. We're going to split the profit from the sales of this project. He will keep his share, and I'm going to put my share directly into my Foundation. For people who want to get more information on the Foundation, please go to . The web site has contact information on how to make donations and what my Foundation is about.
Q: What is the money raised by your Foundation going to?
A: We are putting together a "T.J. Ford Day in the Park" on August 6 in Baytown, Texas -- where I was born and raised. From there, we are setting up several educational programs, tutorials and SAT prep courses in different areas.
Q: You've already made some donations from your Foundation this past year to a few elementary schools in Baytown. Why is providing educational assistance to younger kids so important to you and your family?
A: It is becoming harder and harder for kids to get into college and further their education. The best thing that I can do is to give back and help kids with improving their SAT scores and providing tutorials to be successful in the classroom and help them get into college. I'm all about trying to help people get started on their career.
Q: What is your favorite thing about coming back to Austin?
A: Just being around the people in the basketball program at Texas. There's a great spirit and confidence level around the school and the basketball program. I have a lot of friends in Austin. I'm just hoping to gain the same type of support for my Foundation in order to help a lot of kids.
Q: What place does The University of Texas still hold in your heart?
A: It's number one. I'll never forget the accomplishments we made together as a team and as a program. And I'll never forget everything that happened for me individually during my time at Texas.
Q: What's been the most difficult part of the last year-and-a-half since you've not been able to be on the court, playing the game that you love?
A: Just not being able to play. That's been the hardest thing. But I've found other things to occupy my time. One of the main things that I've been able to do is to create the Foundation. This is something that I always wanted to do. It just happened a little sooner than I expected. So I've really just turned something that could have been a negative into a positive.
Q: How is your rehab going so far and what can Texas fans who still follow you closely expect from you in the near future?
A: As far as everything basketball-wise, everything is going great. I will be back on the court this upcoming season. I'm healthy and getting back into the groove. I hope fans expect big things to come from me this coming year.
