Feb. 9, 2003
By Kelly Spencer
The Santa Clara
Cord and Brad Anderson are not the most outspoken members of the Santa Clara men's basketball team. In fact, team members consider them relatively quiet. As the team's only two seniors, this may come as a surprise.
In 1999, Brad and Cord Anderson arrived on the Santa Clara campus committed to the Santa Clara men's basketball program. After three years of negligible playing time (neither Brad nor Cord started a game prior to this season), their dedication is finally paying off.
Although a standout high school volleyball player, Cord decided to attend Santa Clara and turn down athletic scholarships offering volleyball play at the collegiate level.
As a senior, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu named Brad Player of the Year after he completed his basketball career averaging 15.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. Also a state record holder in the 400-meter relay, Brad was eager to continue his athletic endeavors at Santa Clara.
Even with the list of high school athletic achievements, Bard and Cord remain modest about their athletic talent.
"We were pretty much alright at everything," said Brad, who also helped his team win a state basketball championship in 1998.
Although the two brothers have not seen much playing time in years past, this season is proving to be an exception.
As the Broncos continue conference play with a 2-5 record, struggling to compensate for a growing list of injuries, the twins' dependability is clear.
"The transition was challenging," said Cord. "But it's just like anything else when you take it to a higher level, it's going to be more difficult."
The determination and flexibility of the two brothers has not gone unnoticed.
"Brad and Cord have been two of the highest respected, toughest minded players to come through the program," said Head Coach Dick Davey. "It's a credit to them that they hung in there. It just shows you how dedicated they are."
Brad and Cord recognize that their basketball play has improved, crediting a supportive coaching staff for the support.
"We've really developed into better players," said Brad.
Said Cord, noting how great it feels when hard work pays off, "Coming in as walk-ons it was pretty hard to get playing time. This year we've been able to start some games and it's a good feeling."
Whether traveling to games or during play, the presence of the brothers has been significant. As the only two seniors on the team, they are often looked to for confidence and know-how.
"They lead mainly by example," said Davey. "They never complain and they care about other people. They really are quality human beings."
When asked about the pressure of being the team's only seniors, Brad and Cord admit they are comfortable as players and do not feel any intense pressure. Admitting that their leadership style is more laidback, they agree that they lead by example.
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"Brad and Cord have been two of the highest respected, toughest minded players to come through the program. It's a credit to them that they hung in there. It just shows you how dedicated they are."
Bronco Head Coach Dick Davey
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Freshman guard Brandon Rohe agrees that the twins have done well relating to the players.
"They're both great guys," said Rohe. "Especially me being a freshman. I thought they wouldn't talk to me, but they're not intimidating at all. They're both always helping out."
The twins also have some game off of the court, where Rohe says that they are rather popular with the female population.
"The girls really dig them," said Rohe. "Girls are always coming up to us and asking about them."
With the demands of academics and basketball consuming the bulk of their time, Brad and Cord are not entirely sure about post-graduation plans. Currently, they both intend on returning home to Hawai'i to work alongside their father in the land developing business.
Regardless of what careers they pursue, their ability to calmly lead by example will be appreciated.