The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorns spotlight: A.J. Abrams
02.13.2006 | Men's Basketball
What does it mean to be a Longhorn? To freshman guard A.J. Abrams, it means everything. Growing up right around the corner in Round Rock, Texas, Abrams was able to turn his dream of playing for the Longhorns, a team he grew up idolizing, into a reality.
"It's real fun, it was just last year that I watched them on TV a lot and previous teams, too," said Abrams. "When I first got here I was still in shock. I was watching them on TV and now people are watching me on TV."
And although it took several months to get accustomed to the rigors of intercollegiate basketball at UT, it was more difficult being the only true freshman on the team and getting acclimated to college classes.
"I think it's special being the only freshman because it is just me experiencing this. But at the same time in the classroom I don't have anyone to go with," Abrams said. "I can ask one of the older guys what it was like for them, but no one currently has the same challenges as me."
It is over Christmas break when the players really learn what Texas Basketball is all about. The workouts and the practices are demanding, and it is then when freshmen like Abrams find out what they are made of.
"Over Christmas Break when everything was all basketball. I got really used to the program and our offense," said Abrams. "The players learned what I can do on the court, and I like to think I gained their respect."
Being the only freshman on the team can also allow a player to connect with older teammates and learn from their example and words of advice. The most important thing Abrams has learned is hard work pays off.
"Whenever you are on the court, go hard all the time," said Abrams." Take every play serious, because it could be that play that can keep you out on the court or put you back on the bench."
It also helps to have two extremely talented and well respected teammates like Daniel Gibson and Kenton Paulino to help mold a fresh young player like Abrams into a perfect protégé.
"I look up to Daniel and KP the most," said Abrams. "They have taught me so much, like where to go in offenses or when Coach (Rick) Barnes says something to me, how to take it. Daniel has been like an older brother, especially since he just was a freshman last season."
Coach Barnes has noticed Abrams' continual improvements on both sides of the court and can see his potential.
"His biggest improvement is learning to play harder on both ends of the floor," said Barnes. "When he first got here he was strictly a guy that was looking to score all the time and now is working hard to run the offense and get back on defense. He has always had a lot of confidence in his shot, but he has much more of a point guard mentality now than when he first got here."
When looking out onto the court it is hard to not notice Abrams' smaller frame and young face, but what you may not know is how hard of a transition it was coming from high school workouts to working with Texas strength and conditioning coach Todd Wright.
"In high school we lifted weights but it wasn't anything compared to what Todd makes us do," said Abrams. "He makes us do everything, I think that is what helped me the most. I got a lot stronger over the summer and am still working on improving now during the season."
"He has to continue to work on his body, which is going to change," said Barnes. "He is stronger than people think, and he has changed his body a lot. I think he is understanding more and more how hard you have to work to be successful at this game."
Along with his ability to work hard and absorb knowledge, a confident Abrams came to Austin with a great outlook on Texas Basketball and what it means to play basketball as a Longhorn.
"My dad always told me if you are going to do anything to do it with confidence," said Abrams. "When I got here I knew I could make a difference, but it was just a matter of what I had to show Coach Barnes to get on the court. I am just excitied to be part of the UT tradition. A lot of great players have come through here and for me to have the chance to be one of them is very special."
