The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
A.J. Abrams: He's no freshman anymore
03.10.2006 | Men's Basketball
DALLAS -- A.J. Abrams might be the only true freshman on this year's Longhorns men's basketball team, but in reality, he's not a freshman anymore.
Abrams came off the bench to score 10 points and tie a career high with eight assists without a turnover in Texas' Big 12 Championship quarterfinal win over Texas Tech on Friday.
"I don't think of him as a freshman anymore," senior guard Kenton Paulino said. "To come in and play like he did in a game like this shows how mature he is."
Abrams has certainly matured throughout the season, and it showed in his first career postseason game.
"I was excited and a little nervous coming into the game," Abrams said. "But as it got going, I calmed down a little bit. Then it became just like any other game."
With Paulino in early foul trouble, Abrams came into the game and played like a savvy veteran, orchestrating the offense as the Longhorns began to build a first-half cushion. He hit a three-pointer to go along with three assists. Then with the clock running down at the end of the first half, he dribbled off a screen, drove the lane into traffic, made a lay up and got fouled, putting Texas up by 11 at the half.
"That was a big play for us," Paulino said. "It helped us gain some momentum going into the half."
Abrams continued his solid play in the second half, again coming into the game early due to foul trouble. He dished out four assists in the first six minutes of the half, including a stretch in which he assisted on three consecutive UT field goals.
"He was really good today," Paulino said. "I'm proud of him. He's like my little brother, and it's good to see him do well. It shows how far he has come. I think everyone is comfortable with the ball in his hands now."
Down the stretch the ball was put in the freshman's hands, and he responded, hitting a jumper and knocking down two free throws with
1:15 to go.
"It felt good being able to go out and help my team," Abrams said. "I didn't really try to do anything different. I just have a lot more confidence now, and I think that's showing."
So what does he plan to do for an encore the rest of the postseason?
"I'm just going to keep playing with confidence," Abrams said.
