Meet the 2004 Crimson Tide: Senior Guard Antoine Pettway
3/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Kelly Counts
UA Media Relations
Antoine Pettway will go down in Tide basketball history as one of its all-time most popular players because of his unique mix of enthusiasm, drive and determination, characteristics that have paved the way for his success both on and off the court.
That his path would lead to Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide is no surprise. He was born at DCH Regional Medical Center which is a block down the street from Coleman Coliseum. His father, Joseph Pettway, is a University of Alabama graduate. And because of that, Antoine was an Alabama fan growing up and had always dreamed of playing basketball one day for the Crimson Tide. After a successful high school playing career that included winning state championships at two different high schools, Pettway approached Alabama's coaches about the possibility of walking on the basketball team. Coach Mark Gottfried saw him as a model student and a man who would be a positive addition to the program. He invited Antoine to walk on the team. It took him just one season to prove his value as a player. In July 2001, Pettway accepted a basketball scholarship.
Although many see his talent on the court, few realize that Pettway is gifted in other areas as well. Prior to his basketball scholarship he had been on academic scholarship here at The Capstone. His 4.0 high school GPA earned him the honor of salutatorian of his class at Wilcox Central.
Although he accomplished academic success in high school, he also earned many honors on the basketball court. Pettway played on two state championship teams during his high school years; one in 2000 at Wilcox Central, the other at Keith High School in 1998. He was Area 5 MVP in 2000 and was named to the 2000 Birmingham News Super 5. His high school achievements on the court were especially meaningful since his dad was his head coach at Wilcox Central.
Since his arrival at The Capstone, Pettway has had a tremendous impact on the basketball program. Last season, he started 10 games and shot 81.8 percent from the free throw line. In 2002, his last-second shot against Florida won the SEC regular season championship for the Tide. He also shot the game winner at Georgia this season and made the basket that tied the game and set up the come-from-behind win at Arkansas.
As he nears the end of his senior season, Pettway reflects back on his time in Tuscaloosa.
What has been your favorite team road trip and why?
"The Bahamas, we really had fun over there. Some of the team went snorkeling but I can't swim so they left me on the beach. I went out and tried to swim in about seven feet of water. I tried to get some of the other players who can't swim out there but they wouldn't leave the shore."
Tell me about the shiny red shoes you used to wear. How did they become so popular?
"The red shoes are gone. I can't wear them outside anymore because they're so tore up. "I wore them during the Kentucky game at Rupp Arena (in 2001) and we ended up beating them so I just kept on wearing them."
What is your favorite Alabama basketball memory?
"The Florida game that clenched the SEC Championship. It happened so quick I didn't have time to be nervous. I knew I just had to play."
Tell me about the team's chemistry this season.
"We're a family. We get along so well, everybody feels like they know the next move all the other guys are going to make before they make it. We just work together."
What do you do in your spare time?
"I like to play video games, especially Madden Football." We have battles and the room will be packed. I always play with the Philadelphia Eagles because I like Donovan McNabb."
What do you think you'd be doing if you weren't playing for Alabama right now?
"I don't know. I guess I'd be playing somewhere else. I take advantage of every opportunity to go out on the court because playing here is a dream for a lot of folks."
What's something that most people don't know about you?
"I'm a country boy. I was raised on a farm."
What was it like having your dad coach you in basketball?
"He coached me at every level, middle school and high school. Before college, I was never coached by anyone except him. After games we'd go home and watch the tape and if I didn't play good I heard all about it. I couldn't wait until the next game."
While you were growing up, did you ever think about playing at Alabama?
"I always wanted to play here. I've always been a big Alabama basketball and football fan. I had a good high school career so Coach Gottfried gave me the opportunity to come here. I worked hard and got a scholarship.
Since you're considered to be one of the leaders of this team, what do you do to motivate your teammates?
"I lead by example. I just come in every day and work hard and try to get my teammates to do the same, which is not hard since they always come to work hard. We mess with each other a lot. If someone gets a lot of points scored on him during a game, we tell him he'd better tighten up next game."
What are your plans for the future?
"I would like to continue in basketball but if not, I'll get a job in my major, healthcare management."
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
"Just to keep winning. I feel like we can play with anybody right now and we're just going to keep it going."
