One Year Later

For as long as this magazine exists, Eric Gordon will always be known for being our first cover subject. But the truth is that he helped make us relevant right from Day 1, not the other way around. While the number of times Gordon's name had been printed prior to HSSTM's existence must have reached six figures, we still couldn't have been more giddy about our launch at the 2007 boys basketball state championships at Conseco Fieldhouse. After all, "E.J." held up his end of the deal by leading his North Central squad to that evening's 4A title game - about six weeks and many potential season-ending games after we chose him for the cover. For making us look pretty darn good, we thank you, Eric. And for this first anniversary issue, we couldn't think of a better way than catching up with the baller who has helped put Indiana University hoops back on the national map - on the court, not in the news. One of the main reasons we wanted to talk with Gordon again was to discuss his transition from high school to a big time D-I program. As far as differences on the court, there are a couple things that really stick out to him after his high school days. He's still the team scoring leader (21 points per game) and visibly the go-to guy in most crunch-time situations, but basketball is a different game on the college level. McConnell: What have you been surprised by, as far as the flow of the game is concerned, if anything? Gordon: The only thing I have been surprised about is how hard you have to play throughout a whole game. The coaches are really intense with that. Maybe the other thing related would be defense and how hard the coaches are on it. McConnell: Not that you ever dogged it in high school, but I can see how the college game would be more intricate on the defensive end. What are some things you have learned on that end of the floor? Gordon: In high school, defensively you don't come off a lot of ball screens, usually it's pass and roll away or pass and cut, but now it's pass and come off numerous ball screens. You just have to work harder. The other teams are taking care of the ball for a long period of time and that makes it a lot different. When I had the chance to do this interview over the phone in mid-February, the Hoosiers were one day removed from a double-overtime road victory in Champaign, Ill. against Bruce Weber and the University of Illinois. Most Central Indiana locals know the subplot to the Indiana-Illinois recruiting battle for Gordon, which made that game a highlight to discuss as part of our conversation. McConnell: What was playing on the road in that game like for you, just from an overall standpoint? Gordon: It was tough, mostly from a fan and public standpoint. I guess it was tough for me just to see them (my parents) there and how people treated them. It wasn't just on me. But you know, it was just one game and we were done with it. McConnell: What were some of the things going through your head before that game in particular? Gordon: I definitely just tried to block it out. I mean, I'm used to fans and chants and all that stuff. That game was obviously a little bit different atmosphere with 16,000 people saying it. I just had to play and that's all I can do. McConnell: Did you call bank on your deep 3-pointer that sent it to overtime? Gordon: No, man, I thought it was going straight in (laughs). It just ended up hitting the backboard, but it still went in, so it's cool. The other main point I wanted to discuss was in regards to Gordon's off-the-court responsibilities because high school student-athletes are always curious to try to get a preview of life to come. It might be surprising to know that Gordon doesn't seem too stressed about balancing his higher education along with his higher hoops expectations. McConnell: How have you been getting adjusted to college academically, balancing your schoolwork with basketball requirements and travel? Gordon: Actually it's pretty good for me. At times it can be easier than high school - it's all about how you manage yourself throughout a week. College gives you a lot of time to do homework, so it's been easier personally for me than high school. You just have to have the self-motivation to do everything day in and day out. McConnell: Even with the traveling? Gordon: I would say the tough part about that is you might have a road game at night and come back with class at 8:00 a.m., which is really tough because you're getting back around 1 or 2 at night. That's when the schoolwork piles up and you might have practice the next day, too. It can be tough sometimes during two or three-day stretches in a week. McConnell: With TV cameras just about everywhere, it's hard to not notice your parents traveling to many, if not all, of your road games. Is that OK with you? Gordon: It's been a big help. It seems like when my parents come, it's something that I expect to work hard because I like to do well in front of my parents. It's good for them to be there with me. Before I hung up the phone, there was a short list of questions I wanted to throw at Gordon. There was no real rhyme or reason to it, just some topics to address to see his thoughts and viewpoints. McConnell: I'd just like to say that we appreciate you doing the first cover and interview with us. What did you think when you saw it? Gordon: That was the one where you guys showed my family and parents. Yeah, I really liked that and it meant a lot - I don't think anyone had done that before. McConnell: It also showed up on Ebay for sale. If you were selling it, hypothetically speaking, how much would it go for? Gordon: My cover? I would say a good amount since I was on the first one (laughs). McConnell: Yeah, we're on the same page. But you've come a long way since then, not wearing your North Central jersey anymore. So when you dress the IU gear every day, does it mean a little more growing up here? Gordon: Oh yeah, it means a lot. The tradition of the school and all the previous players over the years that have worn our jersey, it's just a big deal. There's a lot of pride. McConnell: Obviously you know that there's a lot of high school athletes and even younger kids that still follow you and look up to you. What would be your one piece of advice to a high school student-athlete that is in a position to play somewhere on the collegiate level, in any sport? Gordon: Just try to pick a school where you feel comfortable in whatever situation you're in. I feel really comfortable in Indiana; a majority of my friends are here and I've gotten close to my coaches and teammates. It's also closer to home and that's been nice for me and my family.