Recruiting Report: Andrew Christianson (2018)
Andrew Christianson had never played AAU basketball before this past spring and summer. He made the most of his one year to do so.
Christianson, a 6-foot-2 guard from Oak Grove (Fargo, N.D), spent the grassroots season between ECI Selects and Prospects and had an opportunity to play with and against top level players practically every weekend.
“It went really well,” Christianson said. “The first couple tournaments I was on the Select team. It took a little while to get used to playing with each other. The last three tournaments I played with the Prospects and that was a great experience. The guys welcomed me in so well and that was a lot of fun. Overall it just a great experience.”
Christianson said it took him a little time to adjust to the style of play that comes with playing AAU. The tempo is amped up and everybody is bigger and stronger. Once he made that adjustment, he took off.
“It was a lot different play style and it took me awhile to get into it,” said Christianson. “The most different thing about AAU is the physicality. It took me a little bit to get used to. They don’t call a lot of fouls which was good for me to get used to. You are going to get pushed every time and they won’t call it so I think learning to play through that was huge. The last few tournaments though; it was probably some of the best ball I’ve ever played. I was playing at the highest level I think I ever have.”
Christianson averaged 24 points and knocked down better than 42 percent of his 3-point attempts as a junior. Shooting is undoubtedly his strength but he’s also improved as an overall scorer and shot-creator. Several colleges in North Dakota and Minnesota have shown recruiting interest.
“Definitely has to be the right school with my major but that’s been a dream of mine,” Christianson said of playing college ball. “A couple have reached out to me. Jamestown talks to me quite a bit. They want me in for a visit. Bethany Lutheran in Mankato has been talking to me a lot lately. I’m hoping to get down there in October, look at the campus. It’s a college I’m not very familiar with so I’d like to learn more. The Mayville coach has talked to me a little bit as well.”
Before Christianson figures everything in his future out, he’s excited for his senior year. Oak Grove advanced to the state tournament a season ago and expectations will be high once again this winter.
“Our coach has been here a long time and we’ve made it to eight straight Region Championships,” said Christianson. “We’ve played together a long time. The expectation is to get to the state tournament again. Playing in the state tournament is a huge goal of mine. I just want to get back there and see if we can make it further.”
Photo Credit: Inforum