A member of Coach Mike Jarvis’ first recruiting class, junior guard Shavar Richardson returns in the back court for Florida Atlantic after having played in 30 games last season and averaging 8.4 ppg. Richardson is known for his shooting prowess, and ironically shot better from beyond the arc (36.8%) than he did from the floor (35.8%). He was also lights out at the line connecting on 42 of 47 attempts (89.4%). Jarvis would like to see the guard take his “complete” game to the next level for the upcoming season. Basketball runs in the family for Richardson, who has two older brothers who also competed at the DI level – Everage Richardson (Coastal Carolina) and Derek Bell (Long Island University). Recently Richardson enjoyed what he considers to be one of the special moments in his life while touring Europe with fellow teammates. “Growing up, my grandmother always wanted to go to Paris, and by me going I lived my grandmothers dream – postcards, souvenirs, everything she told me not to get her.” Richardson recently sat down with us for “Up Close”. Fast Break What is your Favorite Book? ” The Autobiography of Malcolm X ” What is your Favorite Movie? ” He Got Game ” Who is your current off the court role model? “My mother, because she was there for me. She is a single parent and raised four kids on her own. ” How long have you been playing basketball? “Organized since I was seven, but I’ve been playing since I was four years old (17 years).” What are you most proud of? “That I’ve made it this far basketball wise, and am on time to graduate from school.” What is your major? “Sociology, it’s the most interesting major.” What is your Faith? “Christian.” Set Plays Other than FAU, what schools did you consider? “Miami-OH and Houston.” What aspect of your game do you feel is your strength? “Defense, I feel it has gotten a lot better, scoring, and leadership. Somebody my teammates can count on on the court.” What aspect of your game do you feel is your weakness? “I can get better at everything I do, so I can’t say anything in specific.” Open Run Besides basketball, what brought you to FAU? “Definitely was Coach. He proposed a nice opportunity to me to grow as a man. You got to love South Florida.” What do you want FAU fans to know about you personally? “I like to cook, and my favorite food is pasta. I use Ragú , but I spice it up my own way.” What are your goals for the upcoming season? “Right now I am at 16 credits. I want to get a 3.0, and want to have a better year (on the court) than last year.”
© 2004 BLEACHER BROTHERS MEDIA CORP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.