Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Anthony Graves Takes the Long Way to the Court
1/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Senior Anthony Graves joined the FAU men's basketball program as a manager during his freshman year. His goal was to be part of the program and to maintain a connection to the game of basketball. He never imagined that his journey would take him where it has.
"I never thought about 'if I do this, maybe one day I'll get to play in a game', I just saw it as a chance to stay close to the game I love."
Shortly before classes began in the fall, new head coach Michael Curry called Graves, who often goes by A.J., into his office and offered him a scholarship. "I was more surprised than anything," said Graves. "It really came out of the blue."
There was yet another surprise, as Curry extended an invitation to join the team as part of the active roster.
"(Coach Curry) said `We want you to help us out on the court' and I thought he meant during drills and practice, all of the normal things you do as a manager. I didn't realize that he meant as a player."
When he told his father, who played with Curry at Georgia Southern, that he had been offered a roster spot, the news was met with skepticism.
"My dad actually texted Coach Curry because he thought I was lying to him," Graves said with a laugh. "It took a little convincing for him to believe that I was telling him the truth."
Despite already being part of the program as a manager, Graves had to quickly adjust to the travails of being a student-athlete.
"I was taking six classes in the fall and most nights didn't get done until 10 o'clock at night. That, along with all the travel, definitely took some getting used to."
A South Florida native, who played at nearby Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Graves enjoys the fact that his family has been able to see him as a member of the squad.
"Being so close to home is great. My parents are able to come to every home game." The adjustment was also difficult on the court.
"I played in high school and intramurals on campus, but the players are so much stronger and faster. Even having watched as a manager, I didn't fully appreciate it until I got out on the court."
Graves saw action earlier this season in the Owls' game against Warner. He grabbed a rebound in the game. While he hasn't seen a lot of action, his contributions to the team shouldn't be underestimated.
"I feel like even though I don't play as much, if I can help my teammates get better in practice and they play better in the games, then I feel I've done my job," Graves said. "It's kind of like being a manager, actually. A lot what I do to help doesn't necessarily show up on gameday."
After completing his degree, Graves would like to continue his connection to the game.
"I want to stay as close to the game as possible as long as I can."
