Back in the day in Western New York when you talked about the best basketball players in the area the conversation usually started with the Brundidge brother’s, 6-4 Donell and younger brother 6-4 Duke.

Besides being All-State basketball players, they also excelled in football and baseball. Well now there is another Brundidge on the scene, Arris Brundidge. The son of Donell, Arris is a smooth 6-5 junior who plays for Head Coach Brian Marks and the undefeated (at the time of this article) Blessed Trinity Titans.

I caught up with the budding all-star and asked him among other things if his pops still had any game.

L.A.:  “Who have been some of the most influential people in your life”?

Arris:  My entire immediate family, and, Kobe Bryant. :-)

L.A.:  “What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career so far?
Arris:  Winning 21 games with my high school team last year. 

L.A.:  “What moment(s) would you most like to forget?

Arris: Losing to our regional foes, Dunwoody High, twice last year.

L.A.: What is the strongest part of your game?

Arris:  Slashing.

L.A.:   “What do you think you need to work on to take your game to the next level?”

Arris:  I’d like to be a better jump shooter, and, you can never be too well conditioned.

L.A.:  “Who has been one of the toughest players you ever had to play against and who is the best high school player you personally have ever seen?”

Arris:  Anjuan Wilderness during my freshman year.  I was really impressed with Brandon Jennings in person.

L.A.:  “I don’t know if you know this but your father was one of the best players in the state of New York when he played for Trott High School in Niagara Falls, N.Y. back in the day. What types of advise has he given you and does he still have any game left?”

Arris:  He always tells me to sustain my confidence level and focus.  Yeah, he still has some game, at least in his mind.

L.A.: “Tell me something about yourself that people wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

Arris:  That I work really hard to be a good ball player.

L.A.: “Do you have a nickname?”

Arris:  My high school coach likes to call me the “A-Train”.

L.A.: “If you could change anything in the world today what would it be?

Arris:  Terrorism seems to have everyone in a tizzy right now…  That would be a nice start.

L.A.:  “If you could meet anyone (not an athlete) in the world (past or present) who would it be and why?

Arris:  Hmmm…  “not an athlete”?...  Martin Luther King would be an honor.

L.A.: “Now we are going to do a little something called “CONFESSIONS of a Player”

CONFESSIONS of a Player

Arris with father Donell. Arris say's his Pops still has a little game left.

L.A.: “If you could date any woman in the world who would it be?”

Arris:  Vida Guerra!!! 

 L.A.: “Do you get special treatment at home because you play sports?”

Arris:  Uh, not a chance.  However, my year-round schedule does seem to keep me from doing too many chores. J

L.A.: “If you were not an athlete do you think people would treat you different (explain)?”

Arris:  Unfortunately, yes.  

L.A.: “Can you cook, and I don’t mean boil an egg (laugh)?”
Arris:  I make the best breakfast biscuits in the states. J

L.A.: “When you step out, do you like to be noticed or recognized (not in swelled head kind of way)?”
Arris:  To me, the notoriety means nothing.  I am level headed enough to know that everyone loves you when the chips are up.

L.A.: “When you are participating in your sport are you cocky or confidant, or both?”
Arris: Cocky, no.  Confidence is a must.  Well, maybe a little cocky, but that’s just what I consider swagger.

L.A.: “Keep it Real now, do you use the fact that you are an athlete to sometimes get your way?”
Arris:  I go to school that definitely emphasized academics first, and athletics second.  So, no.

L.A.: “Have you ever backed away from a challenge and later told yourself that that will never happen again?”

Arris:  Believe it or not, I LIVE for the challenge.  That’s what keeps the game exciting to me.

L.A.: “Who is your favorite teacher in school?”

Arris:  Mrs. Coco

L.A.: “What subject do you like most and which subject do you like least?”

Arris: Science has always been my favorite.

L.A.: “Last CONFESSION, if you could sit down with anybody in the world past or present who would it be and what would you talk to the about?”

Arris: Kobe Bryant.  I would like to ask him how to go about becoming the best.

Until your next CONFESSION, Player..... Keep it Real

Brundidge taking it strong to the basket against South Atlanta's 6-9 All-American Derrick Favors.

L.A.: “If you were not playing basketball what would you be doing now?”
Arris:  Seriously?  I have no idea.  It’s hard to imagine my world without basketball.

L.A.: “What is your favorite TV Show and Movie?”
Arris: Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  Incredible Hulk.

L.A.: “What type of hobbies do you have?”
Arris:  Video games, chilling with my peeps, and watching Kobe highlights.

L.A.: “What type of music do you like and do you have a favorite artist or group?”

Arris:  I’m into Hip Hop.  I mess with Lil Weezy and B.I.G.

L.A:  “What’s your favorite food?”
Arris:  Cookie Cake.

L.A.:  “Who’s your favorite player, college or professional (any sport)?”
Arris: Kobe Bryant.

L.A.:  “Who’s your favorite team, college or professional (any sport)?”
Arris:  Lakers.

L.A.: “Would you like to give a shout out to some of your people?”

Arris:  Without a doubt… My mother, father, big brother Chris, Glen Rice Jr., Jordan Callahan, Eric H., Coach Brian Marks and Coach Darnell Sexton.

L.A.: “Arris:, Thank you for your time, it has been my pleasure to be able to “Keep It Real” with you.”
Arris: No doubt.  It’s been a pleasure speaking with you as well.  Keep doing your thang, L.A.

If you want to “Keep it Real" “Live in L.A.” …holla at me

This is Larry “L.A.” Williams …PEACE!