Laws only better with age, contemplates future in Brazil
Andre Laws
The 34-year-old guard with Sao Jose in Brazil turned back the clock during the playoffs against defending league champ Flamengo before losing in a decisive Game 5 in the quarterfinals.
He’s playing like a much younger man.
“Even saying I’m 34 sounds weird to me but I don’t feel like I’m old. When I step on the court I’m still one of the quickest guards on the floor so physically my body hasn’t taken much of a hit,” Laws told me.
“As you get older, you read the game differently and know when to pick and choose your spots. The game becomes much more mental than physical, almost like chess. So by maturing, the game becomes easier and even though the speed of the game is fast, the perception of each play in your mind slows down.”
This was his 11th professional season and one of his finest. The former playoff MVP averaged 10 points on 55 percent shooting in 39 games this year.
“I’ve been blessed with great health and I enjoy the competition so every night I go out I’m excited about playing against other guys in the league and teams who I’ve battled against in the past that have turned into great rivalries,” he said.
Laws, of East High fame, played an instrumental role in helping 11th-seeded Sao Jose take the No. 3 seed to the brink of elimination. His performance was indicative of just how valuable he remains.
“Playoffs are always the best part of the season. I always tell people the playoffs are your reward for all the preseason, regular season games you have to go through,” he said. “It’s the dessert of that fine restaurant you go to. It’s where guys make their names, teams create their history and rivalries are born. You can’t create a better roller coaster ride of the ups and downs of playoff basketball. It’s enticing and addictive.”
How much longer does he plan to play?
“My body feels great and I still enjoy the game and competition,” he said. “Each year now I take the time off to re-evaluate things and ask myself if the situation is good for me to return. If the team has a chance to fight for a championship and make a deep playoff run, then
“I definitely take that into consideration before making any decisions. To come from our small city of Anchorage and be able to play D1 and then continue to play professionally for over a decade has been a complete blessing and I’m grateful for it. What lies in the future we’ll just have to see.”