Written by Alex McClain
Sam Brown, a junior guard for the Bison basketball team, is having an incredible season on and off the court.
When Brown transferred to Harding in the fall of 2008, one of the best aspects of the move for the Little Rock native was being closer to his family. After spending two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, it was a blessing to see his family in the crowd at all his home games.
“I can count on one hand how many times I saw them when I was at [junior college],” Brown said. “Now my family comes to all my games.”
Head coach Jeff Morgan echoed Brown’s thought saying his parents were incredibly supportive of Bison basketball.
However, junior college did help Brown’s game. Morgan showed interest in Brown when he was in high school, but Brown chose to play for a junior college with hopes of attracting Division-I teams.
Morgan said Brown’s tenure at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M really improved his defensive abilities.
Since transferring to Harding, he has played 47 games, and Morgan praises him for his versatility.
“He has a soft touch from the field but can also drive and create opportunities for other players,” Morgan said.
“Last year was my first year, and I didn’t really step up,” Brown said. “I’m shooting the ball more this year.”
Morgan said Brown’s work in the offseason improved his game all around.
“Sam’s one of the best shooters we’ve got,” Morgan said. “Now he’s better off the dribble and has a softer touch on the 3.”
Brown has a talent for driving in and collapsing the defense to get other players open and his jump shot off a screen is an asset to the team. Morgan said he can finish a jumper from anywhere on the court in any situation.
Brown spent much of the summer weightlifting and is probably in better shape than he has ever been according to Morgan.
“The stronger Sam gets, the better he gets all around,” Morgan said.
Morgan also mentioned that Brown is a wonderful player to coach and a great teammate.
“He’s really levelheaded,” Morgan said. “The way he plays – never hot, never cold – that’s how he always is.”
Morgan expects Brown will step up even more next year in his senior season.
