Who is Andrew Goudelock?

Have the Lakers finally found a sniper off the bench? With the bench production being a huge cause for concern for Laker fans, it’s certainly a breath of fresh air. As the Lakers have gone 3-1 in their last 4 games, Andrew Goudelock (@0goudelock) (pronounced GOW-DE-LOCK) has put up some solid numbers whilst averaging 20 mins off the bench:

11.5 Points per Game
50% FG @ 17/34
57% 3FG @ 8/14

Selected No. 46 by the Lakers in the 2011 NBA draft out of the College of Charleston, Goudelock spent 4 years playing 140 games averaging 18.4 points per game. In his Senior year he averaged 23.4 points per game with a 40.7% 3pt FG rate whilst being an honourable mention for All-America by the Associated Press. He also captured the College 3-pt Shooting Championship. This is him:

And the kid has range! I’m talking CRAZY range!

In the games I’ve seen, one thing Goudelock doesn’t lack is confidence and killer instinct. Maybe that’s why Kobe has given him the nickname “Mini-Mamba”. As Dave McMenamin from ESPN.com writes, Goudelock has been embraced by his Laker teammates for just being ready when his number has been called. I think a lot of players that have put on the Laker uniform in the past have just been in awe and just freeze when put into certain situations. Not Goudelock. As a rookie he is making the most of his opportunities. It’s good to see him get some run.

Even though 45 players went ahead of him in the draft, he has clearly used it as motivation.

As Goudelock said: “You try not to think about those types of things but that means 45 teams passed up on me. I think I’m just as good as everybody in that draft”.

Whilst these last 4 games are anything but to base his future on, it sure points in the right direction. One can only hope that Coach Mike Brown continues to give him minutes (even when Steve Blake returns from injury). Yes, he surely will have growing pains but you can’t complain about his attitude and his determination.

So even when the chips are down and people doubt you, keep up the fight and believe in yourself. Whether on the basketball court or not, I think this applies.