In the end, Andre Lockhart couldn’t help but choose his hometown Lakers – even if he singled out a heated rival for much of his success.
Veteran Cavs forward Andrew Alleyne wouldn’t expect to get a kind word from a Laker but he got much more than that after his stellar career came in for some high praise from the overseas-based professional guard.
Trading crossovers for kudos, Lockhart credited the former England-based pro for opening up that market to other Bajan players in a wide-ranging interview with MIDWEEK SPORT.
“Andrew really paved the way for me in England because he is so well known in England through his career achievements and stellar performances,” said Lockhart of the one-time, standout Brighton Bear.
“Both his play and Nigel Lloyd’s career have allowed for another Barbadian to have a chance at the professional game so I just want to thank them.
“But I also want to thank all the players who came before me that paved the way for me to succeed. Nigel Lloyd, coach Aimey, and all the men from my Husbands community,” he added.
The glowing tribute was just one of many topics the national point guard touched on during the interview, which dealt with his up and down rookie season in the British Basketball League (BBL) and the rumour that had him going to Jackson for this year’s domestic season.
“I really was talking to them about playing with them but I sat down with coach [Derek] Aimey and we came to the conclusion that it makes more sense to stick with Lakers,” said Lockhart of his decision to return to his hometown club.
And the choice wasn’t really that difficult, as Lockhart’s late season run with Lakers last year proved the perfect preparation for his rookie year in the BBL with Newcastle Eagles.
So much so that the heady floor general actually starred in his pro debut, notching 16 points, five rebounds and five assists off the bench to lead the Eagles in an opening night 99-90 double overtime victory over rivals Glasgow Rocks.
But the shine quickly wore off the fairy tale after Lockhart hit the proverbial “rookie wall” by mid-season amidst struggles with his role and playing time.
“It was really hard because it seemed as if everything came crashing down on me,” Lockhart said of the mid-season slump.
“I was getting really frustrated with myself, I wasn’t playing up to par and I had some personal issues to deal with. My leash was so short, and in the professional ranks, the highest paid players and stars demand majority of the minutes so that was a huge adjustment for me.
“Everyday somebody is coming for your spot, your job, and these are your teammates you’re talking about, but my coach talked me through it and reassured me that I could play and that’s what I am there for.”
Lockhart eventually rebounded to finish the season in similar vein to how he started, scoring 12 points in ten minutes in a reserve role during the league semi-finals.
And past confidence building, that performance should further help Lockhart’s situation as the national point guard is currently in talks with the Newcastle brass over renewing his contract.
“We haven’t come to an agreement as yet but they seem eager on bringing me back for another season, so I just have to wait and see.”