Personal

Full Name:  Zachary Leon Andrews

Birthdate:  March 9, 1985

Mother:  Valerie Lopez

Biological Parents:  Gary Andrews & Julia Lockhart

Siblings:  Shante (28), Shayla (26), Shavonna (20), Shakenda (15), Julian (13)

Major:  Theatre Arts - Performance

High School Coach:  Bob Jones

Junior College Coach:  Doug Cornelius

Honors & Awards

Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week

Nov. 20, 2006

Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week

Dec. 19, 2005

Noteworthy

•     Following the early departure of Patrick O’Bryant to the NBA (ninth overall selection by Golden State), the graduation of five-year veteran Brandyn Heemskerk and the offseason knee surgery for sophomore Sam Singh, Andrews enters the 2006-07 season as the leading candidate at starting center for the Braves.

•     One of the more athletic post players in the Valley, Andrews once leaped, spread-eagle, over an opposing player to complete an alley-oop dunk in junior college and his signature move is to spring back onto his feet while lying on his back.

2005-06 (Junior)

•     Averaged 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in his 11 starts, helping the Braves to a 8-3 record as a starter.

•     Averaged 3.9 points and 4.2 rebounds as a reserve and the Braves were 13-8 in his 21 games off the bench.

•     Turned in his second double-double Dec. 14 versus Western Kentucky with 19 points and 15 rebounds, highlighted by a school-record-tying 11 offensive boards.

•     His season field goal percentage (.583) would have led the Valley, but he was 22 baskets shy of qualifying for the statistical leaders (3.0 FGM/gm).

At Yuba College

•     Earned Bay Valley East All-Conference honors at Yuba College after leading the league with 10.5 rebounds per game and 2.2 blocked shots per game as a sophomore.

•     Also finished second in the league in field goal percentage (.584) and ninth in scoring (13.5 ppg).

•     JUCO best was 25 points in a game.

•     Teaming with former Brave Lawrence Wright, Andrews helped Yuba College to a program-best 24-7 record and the Elite Eight of the California Community College Men’s Basketball Association state tournament in 2004.

•     Averaged 10 points and nine rebounds as a freshman.

•     During one game as a freshman, he grabbed 21 rebounds in a single half.

•     Was featured on ESPN SportsCenter’s “Top 10 Plays” in 2005 after leaping over an opposing player for an alley-oop dunk.

At Cordova H.S.

•     Played both varsity basketball and football for three years at Cordova H.S.

•     On the hardcourt as a senior, Andrews earned first-team all-conference honors after averaging 22.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

•     Most Valuable Player of the 2003 Optimist Game for Sacramento area high school all-stars.

Personal

•     Was the subject of a feature by Tony Jimenez in the June 2004 issue of Basketball Times,

an excerpt of which follows:

      Every so often Yuba College, Calif., coach Doug Cornelius has to pinch himself to make sure

it’s 2004 and not 1954.

      How else do you explain the phenomenon of Zach Andrews, a throwback to the old days if ever there was one ...

      No matter where Andrews goes from here, given his background he’s already done more than he should have with his young life.  He’s lived a life that would kill the will of most youngsters in their formative years.  Instead he acts as if every day is a good day.  When Andrews addresses his elders it’s with a sir or ma’am.  He doesn’t sport a tattoo on his body, is constantly smiling, doesn’t change the color and style of his hair every day and, save for a couple of earrings, is a clean-cut kid.

      “Zach has had such an effect on this small rural campus,” said Cornelius.  “He is a school favorite.  I get calls from teachers, lunch ladies and maintenance people about how they just adore this young man.  I’ve never seen anything like it.”

      Cornelius knew there was something unique about Andrews just three weeks after he met him.  Mother’s Day was approaching, and Andrews barely knew the coach and his wife, Vicki, but he called her and wished her a Happy Mother’s Day.

      After Jason Sehorn of the St. Louis Rams, a high school pal of Cornelius’ at Mt. Shasta High School in California, bought the Yuba City team new shoes before last season, Andrews was so grateful that he gave Cornelius a hand-written note to give to Sehorn thanking him for the shoes.

      “A lot of people have done a lot of things for me, and I am just so grateful for it,” said Andrews.  “I am really thankful they showed me the right way to go and the right things to do as I was growing up.”

      That’s what makes the Andrews tale eye-opening.  He has found his way in a big way despite living in a foster home between the ages of 3 and 14.

      Not long after that, he hooked up with Valerie Lopez -- her son Steve and Andrews played football together -- and that has been home for him ever since.

In His Own Words

On nearing a college degree, despite growing up in the foster care system ...

It is huge to get the degree.  It means a lot to my real family and my friends that raised me.  They are the ones that drive me.

On playing in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 less than 100 miles from his hometown ...

I thought it was a beautiful thing.  The atmosphere was lovely, as usual, with no problems.  Everyone was just enjoying themselves and life.

On his signature “flip-up” move when getting up off the floor ...

I do it for the fans!

On his theatrical debut in “Love’s Labor’s Lost” last spring ...

I hope to be in the movies in a few years and walking down the red carpet with Rosalyn Sanchez.

Quick Answers

My best non-basketball talents ...

Backflips, skateboarding, dancing, cooking

Superman power I would most like to have ...

Fly!  Just if I wanted some time to myself

The most impressive person I have ever met ...

My blind friend Alisa Worsham

Do you play a musical instrument? ...

Drums

People say I look like ...

Fabolous and Nick Cannon

Five Questions

with Lee Hall (WEEK-TV Sports Director)

On your transition to Division I basketball?

The game has more intensity and is faster paced.  There is more passion put into the games by the players using their whole bodies.

You’re expected to play a major role with Patrick O’Bryant and Brandyn Heemskerk gone.  How will you handle that increased responsibility?

I am going to be more aware and tougher on the court.  I’ll keep the same positive attitude and intensity as Pat and Brandyn, making sure I do my job.  I am ready for it.  I will surprise people.

When did you first start doing your “flip-up” move?

I did it a Yuba (College).  I knew I could, but brought it out in a game while I was there.

How often do you get to talk to your brother and sisters?

Maybe three tiems a week, but it is tough making sure the cell phone bill gets paid.  We also use myspace.com to stay in touch.  It is tough being without them, but I keep my head up for them.

What kind of roles would you accept once you get to Hollywood (Denzel or the Rock)?

I’ll take any role I can get.  I would love to do something with Denzell (Washington), but wouldn’t turn down a chance to work with The Rock!  I plan on walking the red carpet with a beautiful woman on my side!