Anderson Picks the Tigers

College coaches have struggled in the NBA and that’s been proven. But the coaches that return back to the amateur level have a pedigree that is appealing to young recruits. That was the case for Memphis head coach John Calapari when Antonio Anderson, a 6-foot-5, 190-pound guard from Maine Central Institute, became the first player in the rising senior class to commit to the Conference USA program.

The Lynn, Mass., native said he called Calapari on Thursday night and gave him the good news. For Anderson, the decision all boiled down to one thing.

“It’s all about getting to the next level,” Anderson said. “When I was thinking about where I wanted to go, I looked at who could get me there. Memphis was it. Cal - it’s all about Coach Calapari.

“He has the experience to teach me the things I need to know at the next level. He’s been there as a coach and in the office. He knows about the game.”

The coaching staff made it clear to Anderson that they wanted his services during the July evaluation period when he played with the New England Playerz and at the adidas Superstar camp in Atlanta.

“They were at every game I had this summer, even when we weren’t winning,” Anderson said. “Plus it helps that they showed they wanted me because Cal was there at every one. It just wasn’t the assistants.”

Anderson, the Rivals.com No. 64 ranked player in the class of 2005, gives the Tigers a combination of size, scoring and passing ability to counter the speed, instant offense and shooting of incoming freshman Darius Washington, assuming he sticks around for a sophomore season. Anderson said he hopes to improve his offense during his college years.

“My shot -- I know I need to improve on that,” Anderson said. “Also, I need to have that killer instinct. Sometimes I’m too unselfish. Things will fall into place if I just listen to (Calipari).”

The combo guard will officially visit the campus in the fall, he says, but he’s already been to school for a tournament. Anderson said he picked the Tigers over offers from Missouri, Michigan State, DePaul, Pittsburgh and others.