The Indiana Basketball Family Remembers Eric Anderson

Remembering Eric Anderson

Bob Knight
"Eric was an outstanding player for us, right from the start -- a four-year starter who was instrumental on some excellent, championship teams and a good friend to all of those guys who played with him. It's tragic to hear of his passing."

Dan Dakich
"Eric embodied everything an IU Basketball Player should be. He was an incredibly tough hard-nosed competitor. A fun engaging personality off the floor and a fantastic father that always was ready for a great time!! RIP Big E."

Scott Dolson
"Eric was an unbelievably talented basketball player but that paled in comparison to the type of friend and person he was. This is a very difficult day for all who were close to him and our heart goes out to his son, Sam, his family and all those who Eric touched throughout his tragically short life."

Calbert Cheaney
"Eric was an unbelievable player but more importantly a unbelievable person and friend. He always lit up a room with his energy and smile. As a basketball player, he's one of the best I ever played with. Unselfish, caring and did whatever it took to help us win; the consummate teammate. Always a positive presence on and off the floor. He will be terribly missed by all of us in the IU family."

Pat Graham
"We came in as one of the most most celebrated recruiting classes and Big E was Freshman of the Year, the year before we got there. None of us, including Calbert himself, knew just how good Cal was or was going to be. E was our guy. He was taking over with Jay Edwards departure as our best player. With today's egos it would be expected that their would be issues. But with Eric, there were none. No issues, no egos, no jealousy. That was just who Big E was. He was the perfect teammate and let everything just slide off his back. He took a lot of heat over his time at IU, not so much because of his play, but for others. He never complained. He knew if we won it just made things easier. He didn't care who got the attention or the ink. One of the best teammates I ever had the privilege of playing with!!!! Better person than player at IU."

"I was at a Christmas day practice during my senior year in HS. My dad and I walk in and I see E has #32. Well that was my number in HS so I was like, damn don't get that number next year. A few years later it comes up and I told him that story. He said that I should have said something. He was 55 in HS because it was the biggest jersey. Said numbers didn't mean much and that he would have taken another one. Not many guys would have even thought about giving up a number. He didn't get caught up in the little things....ever. No ego whatsoever."

Brian Evans
"Today is uncommonly difficult. My thoughts reside with Sam Anderson and the entire Anderson Family. Sure, we all know Eric was a tremendous athlete and everyone's friend. Always a smile on his face and absolutely the most easygoing personality you'd ever encounter. Just a fabulous teammate. I'll remember Eric for the way he approached fatherhood. I've never seen a person more devoted to another person in my life, as Eric was to his son, Sam. The love he displayed will stick with me the rest of my life. On behalf of myself, my family, and all of our former teammates, We love you Eric."

Joe Hillman
"Eric was a happy-go-lucky guy who always had a smile on his face. I remember he was a freshman when I was a senior and our lockers were next to each other and he'd always ask, "Why do we have to do this". But he understood why, then he would laugh and he did whatever you needed to get it done. He was a guy who I think went largely underappreciated. He was really good. He kept everybody loose, especially when things might not be going well in games. He'd say 'We'll be ok,' and we'll get over it. He had a great attitude, 'It's no big deal". He and Daryl (Thomas) are gone way too soon. It's very sad and unbelievable."

Chris Reynolds
"I am deeply saddened by Eric's passing. He will be remembered by me as a terrific friend. Eric was cool, calm and collected and had a wonderful sense of humor. I will cherish these fond memories of him always."

Damon Bailey
"Eric was a very fun loving, laid back guy. I was very fortunate to be able to play with him for two years at IU and a year in the CBA. Eric always had a way of putting things in perspective whether that was good times or bad. He will be missed by all that knew him the best."

Alan Henderson
"Saddened to hear about Eric Anderson. Only God knows when it's our time. He Helped lead Indiana to 1992 Final Four. He welcomed me onto the team & usually had a smile on his face. Even let the freshman attend his 'get togethers' after games! Glad 2 have played with him. RIP."

Jeff Oliphant
"Great teammate, roommate and friend. It was impossible for anyone to not like being around the Big E."

Archie Miller
"Sad to hear the passing of former IU great Eric Anderson, I really appreciated how he embraced me coming to IU, communicated after games, him coming back last year to our reunion game and then this June to French Lick was awesome! RIP Big E. Thoughts and Prayers to ALL!"

Indiana University Athletics

The Indiana Basketball Family Remembers Eric Anderson

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