Former NBA star Derek Anderson Speak at Central Library

Former University of Kentucky and NBA star Derek Anderson’s new autobiography recounts the overwhelming odds he overcame to become successful in basketball and in life. His message: never give up. Anderson will discuss his life and his new book in a special appearance at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at the J. Erik Jonsson Library, 1515 Young St. first floor auditorium.

“I titled the book Stamina because everyone comes to a point of giving up,” said Anderson. “Don’t let someone’s opinion about you become your reality. Don’t let fatigue defeat you and make sure you have the stamina to be a champion in life.” ”

In the book, Anderson talks about growing up without a mother and a father, being homeless and becoming a father at age 14. He describes how he refused to allow the circumstances of his life to determine where he would end up, and how he used perseverance to break out of a downward cycle and take responsibility for himself and his life.

Despite this adversity, Anderson earned a basketball scholarship to Ohio State and earned a degree at the University of Kentucky. During a nine-year NBA career Anderson played for the Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Charlotte Bobcats. Copies of Anderson’s book will be for sale at Thursday’s lecture.