2008 Woodie Awards
Basketball starter leaves legacy
Kevin Rand
Issue date: 5/15/07 Section: Sports
Point guard Julian Richardson said he could not be happier to have spent his final two years of college at San Jose State University.
That time period not only accounted for the completion of his degree in sociology, but it also bolstered his passion and ability to play basketball.
"He played his best basketball those last years," said George Nessman, head coach of SJSU men's basketball. "We're real happy with the attitude he had here."
Richardson was not even sure that he would return to the university for his final year after his first season. However, he credits everybody that believed in his decision to return for his senior year for giving him the support he needed.
"I learned how to not give up, to be persistent," Richardson said. "If you really want something, stick with it."
Richardson did, and he said he is now poised to pursue a career in professional basketball.
In addition to his on-the-court pursuits, his study of sociology has given him the opportunity to enjoy community service.
This fall, he worked with the local YWCA as part of a classroom project to help mentor children.
From birth through high school, Richardson lived in Miami, Fla. with his mother and father.
He then went to Oklahoma State University where for one year he did not see any playing time.
He decided to go to South Plains Community College in Texas for two years where he made the all-conference basketball team.
Richardson welcomed the change of scenery in San Jose after his stint in the "Lone Star" state.
Coming from outside of California, he said he found great camaraderie with his teammates who were also mostly transplants to San Jose.
For the 2005-2006 Western Athletic Conference basketball season, Richardson was second in team assists with 65. This season he led the team in assists in five different games and he led in scoring twice.
He said he thanks his family, his teammates and all of his coaches for being by his side while at SJSU.
"There's a quote I heard," Richardson said. "'If you continue to work hard at something, you'll continue to get results.'"
That time period not only accounted for the completion of his degree in sociology, but it also bolstered his passion and ability to play basketball.
"He played his best basketball those last years," said George Nessman, head coach of SJSU men's basketball. "We're real happy with the attitude he had here."
Richardson was not even sure that he would return to the university for his final year after his first season. However, he credits everybody that believed in his decision to return for his senior year for giving him the support he needed.
"I learned how to not give up, to be persistent," Richardson said. "If you really want something, stick with it."
Richardson did, and he said he is now poised to pursue a career in professional basketball.
In addition to his on-the-court pursuits, his study of sociology has given him the opportunity to enjoy community service.
This fall, he worked with the local YWCA as part of a classroom project to help mentor children.
From birth through high school, Richardson lived in Miami, Fla. with his mother and father.
He then went to Oklahoma State University where for one year he did not see any playing time.
He decided to go to South Plains Community College in Texas for two years where he made the all-conference basketball team.
Richardson welcomed the change of scenery in San Jose after his stint in the "Lone Star" state.
Coming from outside of California, he said he found great camaraderie with his teammates who were also mostly transplants to San Jose.
For the 2005-2006 Western Athletic Conference basketball season, Richardson was second in team assists with 65. This season he led the team in assists in five different games and he led in scoring twice.
He said he thanks his family, his teammates and all of his coaches for being by his side while at SJSU.
"There's a quote I heard," Richardson said. "'If you continue to work hard at something, you'll continue to get results.'"
Be the first to comment on this story