Anderson attempts a different game

Some recruiting trips are shorter than others.

Idaho assistant coach Brynjar Brynjarsson was walking the halls of the athletic department last spring when he spotted 6-foot-7, 254-pound Matt Anderson.

“I said, ‘Son, what sport do you play?’ ” Brynjarsson asked. “He said golf. I said, ‘Have you ever played basketball?’ He said he played in high school. I said, ‘Would you be interested in trying out?’ “

And so began Anderson’s improbable transition to the hardwood. The senior from Mountain Home, Idaho, wasn’t completely unknown to the coaching staff. He had played in pick-up games with several Vandals at the campus Recreation Center and the players mentioned Anderson’s name to the coaches.

Anderson has played 51 minutes in 10 games, contributing defense, rebounding and a physical presence inside. He demonstrated his commitment by giving up his UI golf scholarship – he had played three seasons, usually ranging between third and sixth man – to walk-on to the basketball team.

“He’s taken advantage of the opportunity to the fullest,” Brynjarsson said. “He shows up every day ready to go.”

Anderson was ready when we pitched him some questions this week.

S-R: What was your gut reaction when Brynjarsson asked you about trying out?

MA: I had to think about it a little bit. I was getting kind of burned out (on golf) and I figured this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

S-R: How tough was it to give up your golf scholarship?

MA: I had to get a loan. My folks have helped and I worked in the summer, too.

S-R: Perhaps your best game was in the win against Eastern Washington. What are your memories of that game?

MA: I was just trying to stop them from scoring easy baskets. They had a player who made a couple of shots early and I just tried to limit his touches and pretty much keep the middle empty.

S-R: Heard you shattered a backboard in high school. Details?

MA: It was in warm-ups and a friend of mine threw me an alleyoop. I two-hand dunked it and the whole rim came down and the backboard shattered. All the glass came on the floor and a bunch of people ran out and started picking it up. I still have a few pieces of it. We had to move the game to the junior high.

S-R: Honestly, what’s your longest drive?

MA: Probably 450. I’ve hit over 400 many times. No. 12 (a downhill 400-yard par 4 at the UI course), I’ve hit it by a couple of people who were on the green. No. 4 (an uphill 556-yard par 5), I hit driver, 8-iron to that green.

S-R: Do any golf attributes apply to basketball?

MA: I think a lot of the focus helps. When you get to the free-throw line, you’re not as nervous and not as easily distracted.