Arkansas signee overcomes scary injury to fuel Warriors’ late-season surge
By Buck Ringgold
JaShawn “JJ” Andrews’ senior season at Little Rock Christian was nearly cut short due to a serious on-court injury.
While Andrews missed nine games as a result, he noted that it was actually a blessing in disguise. Finally healthy when Andrews returned to the court, the 6-foot-7 guard picked up where he left off production-wise by helping the Warriors reel off 13 straight wins.
Their season came to an end in the Class 5A state quarterfinals with a loss to Farmington – which was playing on its home court.
Andrews still ended up with stellar numbers for the season, averaging 30.7 points and 16.9 rebounds while recording 19 double-doubles. Andrews – who will stay in-state for college as he signed with the University of Arkansas – also averaged 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals while shooting 61% from the field.
“My senior season, I felt like it was amazing,” Andrews said. “I feel like I went out the way that I wanted to other than losing in the state tournament, but I feel like this senior season was just a prelude to what is to come at Arkansas.
“I’m only getting better. As time passed in this season, it was satisfying because of the guys that I had around me, the support system that we had, and the fans that were all involved.”
Andrews began his senior year with a bang, scoring 31 points and grabbing 17 boards despite a loss to eventual 6A state semifinalist North Little Rock.
But a few games later, playing in front of a crowd that included Arkansas coach John Calipari, Andrews went for an impressive double-double in a win against Oklahoma school Cascia Hall, which went on to win the 4A championship.
“I ended up having 40 points, 21 rebounds and I shot 16-of-21 from the field,” Andrews said. “Everything was flowing, and also, we were down at one point in the game really close to the end.
“We ended up going to overtime, and then I just made the right play and made sure I got my teammates involved. I got myself going and then we successfully won the game.”
But on Dec. 5, in a game against Fayetteville, Andrews drew a hard foul while going in for a dunk attempt. He landed on the court and lost consciousness for several minutes.
“Yeah, the injury, it was scary; it was the scariest moment in my life so far,” Andrews said. “That was the closest I’ve been close to death.”
Andrews eventually became responsive before being taken off the court and transported to a nearby hospital. He had suffered a concussion, but further tests turned out Andrews had also fractured his wrist.
However, looking back on that scary on-court moment, Andrews was able to gain a new perspective.
“I’m thankful that it happened because once I returned to 100% again, I feel like I returned at 110%,” he said. “I feel like I was able to jump higher and run faster. I feel like I was able to run with a lot more wind after I got back in shape.
“I feel like I was able to be me again, and I was able to play my style of game. I feel like I helped my team as much as I could while I was recovering by watching the game from the sideline and talking to them while I was hurt and making sure everything was in check, too.”
Andrews finally returned to action on Jan. 16, scoring 13 points in a win against Little Rock Catholic, ending a stretch in which the Warriors went 3-6. Then in his next game, Andrews scored 36 points and grabbed 22 boards in a win against Maumelle, as Little Rock Christian didn’t lose another regular-season game.
However, the Warriors finished second in the 5A-Central, a game behind Little Rock Parkview. That meant LR Christian eventually had to play 5A-West champion Farmington – which was hosting the 5A State Tournament – in its home arena for a quarterfinal matchup, and the Cardinals ended the Warriors’ season.
Still, looking back on his time at LR Christian, Andrews has nothing but fond memories. He finished his Warrior career with 2,865 points along with capturing two state titles.
“I feel like my career at (Little Rock Christian) was legendary; not too many people get the opportunity to come in as a freshman and be one of the leading scorers on the team,” Andrews said. “I was not only a leading scorer, but also a leader as well.
“My freshman and sophomore year, we won the 4A state championships. I feel like those are two really big moments for me in my life, and I feel like that carried over to different aspects of my everyday life and in basketball as well. Just being a winner and taking on the challenge at hand, I feel like playing for the program helped me grow as a person, learn how to take initiative, and lead my peers to be able to handle business and have fun at the same time.”
And now Andrews is ready to head to Arkansas, joining a program coming off back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. He also continues a family legacy with the Razorbacks, as Andrews’ father, Shawn Andrews, played offensive line for the Arkansas football team before embarking on a successful career in the NFL, making two Pro Bowls.
“Now that I’m heading up to Arkansas, I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to grow and grow as a person on and off the court,” JJ Andrews said. “Be a great teammate, be a great player and great listener to my coaches and just the camaraderie that I’ll be able to build and the opportunity to win a national championship.
“I feel like we can do that with the group of guys that we have coming in, and the expectations that Coach Cal has for me, it’s just to go in there and be myself and I’ll be able to adjust to the game and I’ll be able to make winning in place at all times. I’ll be ready no matter what situation, no matter what game we’re in, so yeah, it’s gonna be great.”
JJ Andrews action photo by Visuals by Ian
