Meet the Men's Basketball Team: Freshman Richard Hendrix
3/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
 |
|
By Hollie Huey
UA Media Relations
Already a three-time SEC Freshman of the week, this 6’8” freshman forward is already making his presence known at the Capstone and in the Southeastern Conference where the league’s coaches made him their unanimous selection on the 2006 Freshman All-SEC Team. Richard Hendrix graduated from Athens High School where his father served as his basketball coach. Hendrix’s high school honors include being a McDonald’s All-American, Alabama’s 2005 “Mr. Basketball”, a National Top 5 Recruit, the 2005 Class 5A Player of the Year, and the state record holder in career rebounds (1,820) and blocked shots (667). I caught up with Richard after the big home win over arch-rival Auburn to get his thoughts on playing with the Tide.
How did you choose Alabama?
“A big part of the decision was playing for the home state. Realizing that we had a lot of good talent coming in here and that was one of the main things that really attracted me here. I know we had a lot of good recruits in our class coming in and I just really wanted to be a part of it.”
How does it feel to play collegiate basketball?
“It feels great. It’s slightly different from high school, of course. It’s a lot more intense. Any time you come here and put on the jersey, you just have to be ready to play every night.”
Who has been the harder coach on you ?? your Dad or Coach Gottfried?
“It’s about equal. I’d probably say more so Coach Gottfried as of right now. Because there are a lot more things you have to learn now in college. In high school, it was easy to dominate the game at all times. My father always wanted to push me to do better. With, Coach Gottfried it’s the little things you have to work on especially on the defensive end.”
What is something you hope to accomplish while wearing the crimson and white?
“A national championship, hands down! An SEC Championship would be nice. We didn’t get it this year but we still have the tournament ahead and we’d like to get that. But for certain, a National Championship and a couple of SEC Championships.”
What techniques do you use to focus you for each game?
“Usually before each game, for some reason I like to brush my teeth before I leave the house. I just like a clean mouth. It’s crazy!”
What is your biggest superstition?
“If I have a good game, then I have to do the same routine over and over again. It’s a matter of routine. Routine is my biggest superstition. If it works one time, then I just have to keep doing it.”
