Between a global pandemic, an overhaul of the NBA’s calendar and an effort to improve its game in July, AJ Lawson decided to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft process for the second consecutive year and return to the South Carolina men’s basketball program.
Now a junior, Lawson is back as a key player on a list of veterans. As the pre-season camp is underway in Columbia, the versatile defense option for the head coach Frank Martin he is sure that he made the right decision when he returned to school instead of testing professional basketball in an unorthodox year.
“It was a good experience to make some Zoom calls with NBA teams and just learn,” said Lawson. “I am happy to be back and play with my teammates. … It is my dream to play in the NBA one day. The decision was not tight, but it was the right decision to go back to school. “
Lawson was unable to train for NBA teams due to facilities closed across the country during most of the spring and summer. However, he was able to communicate virtually and learned what the teams want to do with him on the court this season.
“I think these calls were very informative,” said Lawson. “I learned a lot. They were telling me that this year was still a good year and I need to work to make better decisions. I shot the ball really well. I need to work on my turnover rate, decrease it.”
In an unpredictable year, Lawson was grateful to have support in Columbia.
“(The coaches) were encouraging me, talking about the little things and giving me advice,” said Lawons. “I like how they are always taking care of me and want what is best for me. With all this COVID situation, I felt that if I went back to school I could improve and have more time. “
After starring in the Canada team at the 2019 Fiba U-19 World Cup, Lawson started all 31 games for the Gamecocks in his 18-13 season in 2019-20. He led the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game, the same average score he had as a freshman in 2018-19. He shot 41.1 percent in the field as a freshman and 41.4 percent as a sophomore.
The NBA has not been out of reach for the past two summers, but Lawson is happy with that part of his life on hold.
“I’m just focused on being a Gamecock and focused on this season,” said Lawson. “There are many things that we can do and many things that I cannot control, like COVID. I’m focused this year and I want to get the best out of it. I can’t wait to play again. “
Below are more thoughts from Lawson at his first press conference for the 2020-21 basketball season. He discusses his development, his thoughts on several teammates, and what he observed when watching the NBA bubble action.