J.J. Redick: He’s no “bust.”
Artwork by Anna Becker
This article is just the beginning of a series of editorials which will highlight the sixth man, the guys who make under a million, the guys under the radar, the guys who deserve credit for their potential. These men are the leftovers of the league, the ones who take up space on the bench and can only imagine the impact they could make if given the chance.
Meet J.J. Redick, born July 24th, 1984 in Cookeville, Tennessee. He is a professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic. Even though now he spends a large amount of time on the sideline, he had a sensational career as a collegiate athlete. Redick attended Cave Springs High School in Virginia, where he averaged an astonishing 36 points as a senior, leading his team to the state championship and taking the title. These stats and his strong leadership earned him a scholarship at the highly acclaimed Duke University where he served as a captain all four years. Redick was a pure scorer, leading his team in points scored in each of his seasons. He was also an excellent free throw shooter, even setting a record for the most consecutive free throws made in the ACC with 54. He was also one of the most consistent shooters of all time, finishing his career with an NCAA record 457 three-point field goals. Redick even managed to become one of Duke’s most storied players, by becoming the college’s all time leading scorer by putting up 30 against Miami on February 19th 2006, earning him a total of 2557 points breaking Dickie Hermic’s 51-year-old record of 2587 points.
Due to Redick’s complete domination of college basketball, opposing fans became infuriated with his skill and he was the target of much abuse. Travis Clay of CBS Sportsline even called him the “most hated current athlete in America.” He was often a target of obscenity-laced tirades from fans, even though on February 4th, 2007, Redick’s #4 jersey was retired at Cameron Indoor Stadium at a special halftime ceremony.
It was clear to many scouts that Redick was going to be a success in the league with his spectacular stats, which lead him to being taken 11th overall in the 2006 draft by the Orlando Magic.
In an interview with the Charlotte observer, Redick said, “ I think I’ll be a role player like 80 percent of the players are in the league. I don’t expect to be a star.” This, of course, was true, as in his first season a combination of limited play time and mediocre play led many critics to place the title of “bust” on Redick.
The title of “bust” is given to glorifies college athletes who end up having less than mediocre NBA career’s. This, though, does not apply to J.J. Redick who is a spectacular shooter, and who has range for days. He can pull up from four or even five feet behind the three point line and sink it, which poses a great threat to defenses as it opens up defenses and makes game planning difficult for opposing coaches, which also compliments Orlando’s star player Dwight Howard, standing at 7’ feet tall. Redick can score, and is a strong proven athlete who can guard some of the league’s greatest shooting guards like Kobe and Dwayne Wade.
Redick has been a key component to the Magic’s success of late, who were in the 2009 NBA finals, but sadly lost. There is no way Redick can be stereotyped as a “bust” as his skill, composure, confidence and leadership will develop throughout the next few years. Look for him to be one of the league’s future stars and a valuable asset to any team.
