Freshman's hustle earns respect, minutes

After averaging just nine minutes in his first 22 games, Anderson picked up the slack for two suspended teammates by scoring a career-high 14 points in Arizona's (19-4 overall, 10-3 Pacific 10 Conference) 89-72 rout of visiting Oregon State.

"It was a lot of fun out there," said Anderson, who also recorded career-highs in minutes played (26) and steals (two). "I have not had a lot of playing time this year, so this was a good chance for me. It felt good to go out and have a solid game offensively and defensively."

With the suspension fellow freshmen Ruben Douglas and Traves Wilson for not fulfilling team obligations, Anderson was given just his third start of the season. Making the most of his opportunity, Anderson impressed his teammates with his hustle and gave a spark to the Arizona offense by hitting two early three-pointers.

"Ricky should definitely be out there more often," UA junior Eugene Edgerson said. "He's like me: he's not very flashy, but he gets the job done. When he's out there, you know he's going to give 100 percent all the time."

Anderson's size and defensive intensity also gives the Wildcats more flexibility from the two-guard spot.

"Ricky really gives us a different look at that guard spot," UA head coach Lute Olson said. "Not only is he 6-foot-8, but he's long and can disrupt the passing lanes. He also has the ability to guard post players which gives us more options on screened (plays)."

The key for Anderson's success against the Beavers was hitting his first shot and relaxing on offense.

"Hitting that first shot was definitely good for me," Anderson said. "I was a lot more tentative out there earlier in the season, and I was forcing my shot. I just got in a good flow tonight."

Anderson has always been one of the team's better practice players, but he had never really broken into the team's rotation.

"I've seen it in him in practice all along," senior Jason Terry said. "I was just wondering when Coach Olson was going to give him a shot."

Even though Douglas and Wilson are cleared to play for tomorrow's game against Oregon, Anderson will retain his starting spot.

"He's earned the opportunity (to start tomorrow)," Olson said. "He's the best communicator on the team. And what I really like about him is that he hasn't made an excuse all year long and is easy to coach. He's going to be a very good basketball player when he leaves Arizona."

Arlie Rahn can be reached at Arlie.Rahn@wildcat.arizona.edu.