http://www.fiveborosports.com/ssp/news?news_id=3428Lawrence back home after strong first season overseas
By Joseph Staszewski
July 3, 2009
Eugene Lawrence had heard all the stories from his friend and peers, some good and some bad, about playing overseas.
For the former St. John’s star, his first season outside the United State could not have gone better. The 6-foot-1 point guard said he won the Extraliga lPlayer of the Year and Rookie of the year awards. He was the Nitra team’s best scorer, dropping in 26 points to beat Pezinok in the fifth and deciding game for the league championship.
“It was a good experience for my first year,†Lawrence said. “I was pretty much the youngest on the team. I had an older team. They all pretty much schooled me and took me under their wing.â€
What his teammates helped the most with was aiding him in adapting to the league’s style of play. Lawrence, a Brooklyn native, said it is more physical and required plenty of court smarts. All the teams play as a unit, with a team mentality and a deep understanding of the game.
“It’s real different,†he said “You have to adjust to the style of play. It’s grown men over there. It’s a whole different mentality.â€
Lawrence is back in New York City for the summer before heading to the Czech Republic in August to start his next season overseas. Until then he is playing all over the street ball circuit including the Tri State Classic, the West 4th league and Pro City at Hunter College.
Lawrence, who helped lead Lincoln along with Sebastian Telfair to a PSAL Class AA city title as a senior, was at the Tri State Classic at Col. Charles Young Playground Friday night in Harlem. He scored eight points and dished out six assists for Ohh-way Records in a 102-76 win over You Better Pray.
“Now that I am out of school, I am trying to get as much run in as a can and stay in shape,†Lawrence said.
He displayed his usually quick first step and a smooth crossover that wowed the crowd a few times. There were plenty of pinpoint passes that showed a great touch. He hit Anthony (Africa) Pimble for a two-handed alley-oop in transition that got some oh’s and ah’s from the fans. But it is still the heart with which Lawrence plays that is his most valuable attribute.
“It’s his toughness,†Ooh-way Records coach Tony Rosa said. “He is a tough-minded guard. That is the biggest thing when you see him. He’s very much a pro. His whole attitude is very professional. I love having him on my team.â€
Lawrence says he still keeps an eye on his old squad at St. John’s. He thinks, with talented juniors returning, Anthony Mason Jr. back from injury, and a good recruiting class that the Red Storm can made some noise in the Big East next season. While Lawrence peeks in on SJU his focus is working this summer in preparation for hopefully another strong year overseas.
“It’s good runs,†he said of the street leagues. “You have to bring your ‘A’ game every day.â€