First Post Dedicated to Andre Young

This is my first ever post and first ever thought of even blogging.  I can honestly thank Andre Young for this.  Therefore, it is only fitting for me to talk a little about him on my first post.  This is no "man crush" blog, but rather one friend showing his great appreciation for another friend.
Andre and I were once huge rivals.  He played for the Georgia Blazers while I played for the Georgia Stars on the AAU circuit.  Let's just say we weren't the biggest fans of each other.  We were able to beat them twice out of three games, but each time Andre lit us up.  I always found it spectacular that a guy of his stature could control the court like he did.
A few months after our third game against each other, I twisted my ankle at the Peach Jam in the quarterfinals. I went to the hospital and was told that I could no longer play the rest of the summer.  Crushed would be an understatement for how I was feeling.  Our team had ended up winning the game that night and were in the semifinals the next morning.  In a boot and crutches, I made my way to the gym to help the Stars in anyway I could.  The Georgia Blazers were playing the game right before ours.  They ended up losing and walked off the court in disgust.  I remember catching Andre's eye, and he made his way over to me.  He simply asked, "How is it?" I told him what had happened, and he replied with, "Well I hope you get better man."

I was stunned. A guy who barely knew me felt the need to check on how I was doing.  That is the type of guy Andre is.  I never would have imagined that our friendship would grow to this level after that day.  He has helped me through so many things in my life whether it be school, basketball, women, family, or faith.  We talk about anything, and I know my college experience would be a whole lot different without a guy like him to help me out.  This is just a beginning to a life-long relationship, but I thank God every day for a friend that I know always has my back.  We are looking forward to one last year together here at Clemson, but whether we continue to play on the same team after college or not, I know we will keep in touch and have a bond that will span any distance we may be apart. Life without true friendship is a life not truly lived. Big ups Papi Dre! Let's have another great year!