The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
T.J. Ford inducted into Longhorn Hall of Honor
11.20.2013 | Men's Basketball
2003 National Player of the Year reflects on his UT career and decision to come to Austin.
AUSTIN, Texas -- T.J. Ford and head coach Rick Barnes wanted to make Texas Basketball "cool."
When Ford committed to The University of Texas, many outsiders viewed the decision as a big risk and were skeptical of his decision. They didn't understand why Ford, who was one of the top high school basketball players in the country, would choose to come to a school that wasn't considered a basketball school.
But Ford and Barnes had a goal.
"Coach Barnes and my mother, they're the pieces to this puzzle," Ford said. "They saw something in me that they felt could affect and change a lot of people's views and a lot of people's opinions. By me coming to The University of Texas, Coach Barnes told me it would be cool and every kid would want to come to this University and play basketball. That's what he sold me on. He felt that I was the right guy that could accomplish that."
Their goal was to encourage talent from Texas to stay in the state and play for The University. They wanted to create a basketball program like that of Kentucky, North Carolina and Duke. They wanted Ford to be the beginning of a strong basketball tradition.
Ford referenced 2007 consensus National Player of the Year Kevin Durant as one of the many successful basketball players that followed T.J.'s path to UT. Other NBA players like LaMarcus Aldridge, D.J. Augustin, Avery Bradley, Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson also chose to be Longhorns.
"We wanted to create the history that's happening now," Ford said. "We wanted every year to be able to get the top players in Texas. We want people to understand that the state of Texas has a lot of talent, and we wanted to put these kids in a situation where they want to stay home and play in front of their friends and families. We were able to accomplish that. We still have a ways to go. I want people to understand that it's a process."
On Nov. 1, Ford was inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor. Though he and fellow inductee Quentin Jammer were never on campus at the same time, Jammer respects his contribution to Texas Basketball.
"With T.J. Ford, we all watched him grow as a basketball player," Jammer said. "The things that he did while he was here were amazing. I've hung out with him a few times and he's an awesome guy, too."
During Ford's sophomore campaign, he led Texas to its first Final Four appearance since 1947. That year, he was awarded the Naismith and Wooden Awards as the top player in college basketball. He led the team in scoring (15.0 ppg), assists (7.7 apg), steals (2.0 spg), free throw percentage (.820) and minutes played (33.6 mpg).
Though he was only at Texas for two seasons, he said it was the best time of his life and he enjoyed being a part of a team that exceeded people's expectations. After his sophomore season, Ford turned professional and was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the eighth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. He played eight years in the NBA with the Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs before retiring during the 2011-12 season.
Ford said the most valuable lesson he learned at The University of Texas was the importance of trust and loyalty. He fully trusted Barnes and understood UT's head coach wanted the best for Ford. When Barnes critiqued him or they had disagreements, Ford knew Barnes was just trying to make him better. Barnes was Ford's father away from home.
Ford, whose No. 11 jersey was retired by The University in 2004, was extremely honored and surprised to be inducted into the Hall of Honor. He said his career would have never been so successful without The University of Texas and being inducted is one of the greatest honors he's ever received.
"If it's not number one, then it has to be two or three after winning the John Wooden and Naismith awards," Ford said. "I don't think it gets any better than this, because this is something that will last forever. Every generation of kids will be able to know about it. I want to represent not only myself well but my family and The University of Texas. Hopefully, I will continue to make them proud."
