With a calm, cool attitude, junior forward Anthony Wilcher makes his presence known on the basketball court. Though not the most vocal among his teammates, the Atlanta native uses his play to get his point across. The 6’6″, 185-pound sociology major, mirrors the age-old clich, “play hard”.
“I just try to go out on the court every night and play to the best of my ability. I feel that hard play is of the best examples that any player can set,” Wilcher said.
Like most players, Wilcher developed a love and inspiration for basketball from watching the NBA’s greatest players.
“I always did love to watch players like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Kareem. Those guys brought the game to another level. They showed so much love for the game,” Wilcher said.
Wilcher does not stem from the biggest of basketball backgrounds. He is really the only one in his family to make it this far.
” Well, my dad played some high school ball,” Wilcher said.
“He has taught me some valuable things about the game. I am blessed to be playing collegiate ball, and I am enjoying this experience.”
Wilcher does not mind being the guy that gets after it on the court.
“I would like to think of myself as an all-around hustler on the court. Loose balls, taking charges or any small things of the game that may be overlooked are very necessary to me as a player. That is the only way to achieve a complete game,” Wilcher said.
Wilcher had his best game as a Colonel when he poured in 25 points, and grabbed five rebounds in a losing effort to Texas-San Antonio Feb. 1.
In high school, Wilcher blossomed as a player when he helped his team win two back-to-back state championships.
“Those were some of my greatest moments in high school,” Wilcher said. “We had the kind of team that was destined for success. Everybody understood their role, and we got it done twice in a row.”
Standing at 3-19,1-13 overall, the Colonels record does not indicate much success, but Wilcher looks between the lines at the other increments of success.
“We strive to get better everyday as a team. There is such a unique chemistry and love on this team. We are like a family. The closeness of this team helps us whether the bad moments on the court,” Wilcher said.
Wilcher recognized the difference in players from high school to college; however, he feels that he has adapted quite well.
“College is an obvious step up in class. The guys are quicker, stronger, and they play to a higher level of expectation. I just play within myself and do what I do best,” Wilcher said.
His play and determination has drawn the praise of head coach Ricky Blanton.
“Anthony has been a perfect fit for us. He has done everything that we have asked of him on the court. The mixture of quickness and creativity that he brings to the game makes him a special player,” Blanton said.
“His ability to make something out of nothing gives us some exciting times to look forward to. Anthony is a huge part of this team.”
In the early portion of the season, Wilcher faced a battle that every athlete faces, injuries. His patience and dedication has paid off very well for him.
“In the beginning of the season, I had a torn cartilage in my left knee. It was very difficult to deal with. It was not just the physical pain, but the mental anguish I felt just watching my teammates from the bench. I am a true competitor, and I wanted to play,” Wilcher said.
At Wabash Valley Community College, Wilcher’s team finished second in the Jay-hawk Conference with a (21-6) record. He was voted to the All-Freshmen team in the East Division. His standout season came as a sophomore, when he averaged 12 points and four rebounds per game.
Coming from Atlanta, Wilcher recognizes the obvious difference in playing in Thibodaux; however, the compact setting suits him just fine.
“It was a minor transition I had to make,” said Wilcher.
“Atlanta is a much bigger city with more going on, but I really enjoy playing. It is a good fit for me.”
Wilcher wants to be remembered for his all-out effort on the court.
“Wins are the ultimate goal for me as a player, but knowing that I gave everything that I had is equally important,” Wilcher said.