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AJ. English didn't set any unrealistic fto wet in professional basketball.
goals during his first season in the NBA. The former Virginia Union star did turn
English, the Washington Bullets' second in some impressive performances during his
round draft pick in *90, just wanted to get his rookie season. But there were also times
when he struggled with his locking and ball
handling. Nevertheless, English avenged 92
points and 2.1 rebounds a game while shoot
ing 44.4 percent from the field and 70.9 per
English It looking to elevate his game to s higher level next season.
Photo by Mftchell Layton
cent from the free throw line. English calls
his initiation into the NBA court wars a learn
ing experience.
"Every night 1 was playing against a
great player/ said English, a 6-3, 180 lbs.
guard. HThe talent level in this league is
- incredible. I mean, players like Magic John-_
son, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley are
unbelievable. You have to be ready to play all
the time. - < .
"I was pleased with the way things
shaped up for me. I could have played better
in certain games. But I think Chat overall,
things turned out really well for me. It's a big
jump from college to the pros. I found that
out right away."
Wes Unseld, Bullets head coach, feels
that English has the potential to be a fine
NBA player. Unseld believes that English did
a lot to demonstrate his versatility in the
backcourt.
"A.J. played two positions for us,'4
Unseld said. "He's a terrific shooting guard.
He has tremendous leaping ability too. But
A J. showed some pretty good ballhandling
skills. He had to play point guard on a few
occasions and didn't embarrass himself. I've
really likeed A J. ever since his college days."
English, a three-time, All-CIAA selec
tion, led the NCAA Division II in scoring at
33.4 ppg as a senior. He joins Charles Oakley
(New York Knicks) and Terry Davis (Miami
Heat) as the third player frorii Virginia Union
to reach the NBA in the last six years.
"Virginia Union has one of the best
Division II basketball programs in the coun
try," English said. "I have to give a lot of
credit to Coach (Dave) Robbins. He does an
excellent job of recruiting, coaching and just
getting a maximum effort out of everybody.
You know, he's got Charles, Terry and myself
in the NBA. But coach Robbins really
impressed me by getting this year's team to
the Final Four. I was sorry to see them lose. I
was hoping they would go all the way."
English, a native of Wilmington, Del.,
and an all-state performer at Howard High
School, plans to play a lot of summer league -
basketball during the off-season.
English will take part in the Bullets'
rookie/free agent summer camp along with
the Baker League, a summer basketball
league in Philadelphia. HI want to play as
much as I can," he said. I definitely want to
get more playing time next year. I want to
raise my game to the next level."
In addition to bolstering his own game,
English wants to see an improved Bullets
team next season. He feels they have enough
talent to become one of the better teams in
the NBA's Eastern Conference.
"We have some great players like
- Bernard King, Harvey Grant and Pervis Elli
son," he said. "If we can stay away from
injuries, well be in good shape. Plus, we're
going to hapne a high pick in the NBA draft
So that should really help us. My goal is to
become a better player. But I want the Bullets
to get better too. Hopefully, well see some
good things in the future."
- Donald Hunt
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