By Justin Graves

Justin@athensnews-courier.com

ATHENS – While playing basketball at Athens High School, there was no doubt that former Golden Eagles standout Richard Hendrix was destined for greatness.

Hendrix proved himself as a strong player and outstanding leader on and off the court numerous times while in high school, and made the transition to the collegiate level with ease during his freshman season at Alabama.

The Crimson Tide forward has become a household name and star in his on rights, but Hendrix became star struck himself after taking the court with one of the heroes from his youth this summer when he got to play in a pick-up game with Michael Jordan.

“Just being in his presence had me in awe,” Hendrix said. “I was star struck at first, but then I seen him coming at me. I have to say he’s still got it.”

Hendrix, Ronald Steele and a few other Tide players got the opportunity to attend and help at Jordan’s summer basketball camp. At the camp they not only had the privilege to work with young basketball players from 5-18-years old, but the standouts were also taught developmental skills for themselves by Jordan.

“The whole camp was great,” Hendrix said. “It’s great anytime you can meet and play ball with one of your heroes.”

Getting the chance to play basketball with Jordan is only one of many things Hendrix has accomplished over the past year. He more than lived up to his billing during his freshman season at Alabama, and played a key role as the Tide found itself after conference play began and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Even though the local star has become a statewide celebrity, he still remains humble. He probably gets that from one of his biggest supporters, his former high school coach and dad Vernard Hendrix.

“We’re very proud of everything Richard has accomplished,” Vernard Hendrix said. “He’s a good ball player, and he’s worked very hard at it. It’s wonderful to see your son achieve so much at that level.”

The only thing Vernard Hendrix asks of his son is that he keeps on working to achieve his goals, and represents Athens and Alabama well while doing it.

“He’s done a great job of that so far, and that’s what really makes me proud,” he said.

Hendrix might have had a good freshman season, but he is ready to get back to school and keep building off that this year. He expects even more from himself in his second year, and is ready to get back to the place is the most comfortable – the basketball court.

“Last year, it took me a little while to make the adjustments to college life,” Hendrix said. “Now I know what to expect coming into this year. Now I’m comfortable with what I’m doing and focused on getting better.”

One thing that helps Hendrix feel more at home in Tuscaloosa is his friendship with Crimson Tide guard Steele.

He said Steele helped along last year, and kind of showed him the ropes during his freshman season.

This is something Hendrix plans on passing down to some of this year’s new freshman.

“The most important thing new freshman need to know is that high school is high school, but this is college,” he said. “Everybody here was All-State.

“The main thing is that you have to come in here and work hard everyday.”