Austin could see more minutes this season

Fall 1992
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

A 6'3, 175-pounder, Austin has all but nailed down the starting two guard spot this season as a sophomore. He made an impact last year as he saw considerable action in all 31 Bulldog contests.

Austin usually played about 12 minutes a night and averaged 3.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. His offseason was dedicated to hustle and it has paid dividends in '92-'93.

Going into the season opener last week against The Son's Blue Angels, coach Gary Colson made it clear that the starting roster was wide open.

The theme seemed to be "anybody that wants to play will get in". Austin wanted to get in, and he got the starting nod. He made good on his shot.

In 25 minutes, Austin showed why he is quite possibly the Bulldogs' most improved player. He hit for 14 points, 4 assists and three rebounds. On the night, he was six-for-11 shooting.

"I can't be happy with just one game," Austin said. "My goal is to improve every single game and get better and better."

Jim Saia, assistant coach, is very impressed with Austin's upswing.

"He's probably our most consistent player right now--offensively and defensively. We're happy with his progress. We feel he'll be a solid two-guard."

"DeAndre will be a big part of this team. He's hitting the three-pointer, driving real well and defending superb. He still needs to work on his passing," Saia said. "But he'll have a tremendous year if he plays hard and works at it."

Austin said, "I just play and not think about making mistake. I just relax and try to improve each time I step on the court."

"I worked hard over the summer on offensive play, and I polished up my defensive skills. The weight training I did in the off-season paid off, and it has also been a factor in my performance."

"DeAndre made a complete turnaround over the summer, from freshman to sophomore year," Assistant Charles Fisher said. "Over the summer, he got stronger and tougher mentally. Playing against better people has helped DeAndre; he has matured a great deal.

"He knows he has a lot more to do. He can't rest on one good game. The spots this year will be competitive. There's a lot of guards that can play," Fisher said, citing FSU's deep bench.

"But he's pretty impressive. He's a sophomore, he's young, and he's only going to get better."

Austin said, "I just want to play and contribute. I'll do all I can to help us win, whether I start or don't start."

"Basketball is not a one-person game. It's a team sport. And you have to be unselfish and have a good attitude in order to win."

He seems to have more confidence on the floor, which stems from his stint in this past summer's Pro-Am summer league in Los Angeles.

Austin played ball there with high school teammates Ed O'Bannon and Tyrus Edney, two stud hoopsters lassoed by UCLA.

"I've been blessed with the talent I have, and I thank God for blessing me with the talent to play basketball and develop my skills. I have a lot more confidence and faith I can do the job.

"The key is to keep your head up at all times to be a success. Keep a smile on your face."

While the Bulldogs were able to knock off the Angels, it was not a very artistic win.

The 'Dogs seemed to be plagued by jitters, turnovers, and your basic opening-game mistakes.
But they got the win, 83-69.

"There's a lot of new faces on this team; everyone was excited," Austin said. "People will make mistakes.

"We can only get better, and not worse. So I see our team getting better. I see a lot of great things happening for our team."