J.R. Giddens peered into a half dozen television cameras, flashing a wide smile for the masses who attended Kansas Basketball Media Day on Oct. 17 at Allen Fieldhouse.
“All this media stuff … I’ve seen this on TV and now I’m part of it,” gushed Giddens, KU’s freshman guard from Oklahoma City, as comfortable around the media as he is his new teammates.
“This is really exciting,” added Giddens, nicknamed “Hollywood” by KU coach Bill Self, who wouldn’t be surprised to see the outgoing Giddens in movies someday. “I couldn’t sleep last night just thinking about all this.”
The McDonald’s All-American is hoping to someday parlay his outgoing personality into a second career.
“I’d like to be a broadcaster like Charles Barkley someday. I’d love to talk on TV about the game I love when I’m finished playing the game I love,” Giddens said.
Giddens has a lot of game to love.
“J.R. Giddens is probably as gifted as just about any athlete I’ve coached as far as running, jumping, second jump, strength,” KU coach Self said. “He has a nice touch. How soon he picks things up will probably determine how much he plays and his ability to contribute early. I’m excited about J.R.
“He is going through a transition right now, but will be a fine player for us.”
The good news is the 6-foot-5 Giddens, who is still a raw talent getting used to the structured college game, appears to be coachable.
“It’s a big transition,” Giddens said of high school to college. “I’ve got to try to learn from the older guys like Mike (Lee) and Aaron (Miles) and Wayne (Simien), listen to what they have to, be a student of the game, soak up as much knowledge as I can.
“Listen, do everything I can to help this team win.”
Giddens said he’ll accept any role on this team, from starter to reserve.
“I look forward to having a good season and hopefully stay healthy and be able to do stuff, help us win games,” Giddens said. “If I’ve got to play one minute, I play one minute. If I play five, 10, whatever, I’ll be a cheerleader, whatever, as long as we win, I’m happy.”
Giddens said he must be patient this season.
“I have to learn a whole new system,” Giddens said. “Helpside defense and offense, things like that. I know I’ll be very flustered, impatient. I’ve go to stick to it, and we’ll get through it as a team.”
