Tyndall basketball player shoots for a goal in the game he loves Published March 13, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- At first glance, some would say Senior Airman Anthony Showers, 325th Communications Squadron, comes across as soft spoken, maybe even modest. But, that's only if they met him outside of the basketball court. When the point guard, known to his teammates as the David Ruffin of the Tyndall Tigers, steps onto the court, it's a whole other ball game. Airman Showers began playing basketball at age 10 and hasn't stopped since. "My mom got me a Michael Jordan basketball goal and a ball, and I have been playing it ever since," said Airman Showers. Growing up, he stayed athletic. "I'm always in the gym, hitting the weights and on the court," said Airman Showers. As a young man from Mobile, Ala., he played baseball and conquered every position short of catcher and right field, but his love for the court won him over. "I like the competition," said Airman Showers. "I love everything about it." Although he chose not to play basketball in high school, the game became a large part of his life in the Air Force. He played for his squadron's intramural team and Tyndall's Men's Basketball team, the Tyndall tigers. The 2006/2007 basketball season marked his third season playing for the base team. "It's fun," he said of playing for the Tigers. "But, I wish we could get more people to come to the games." "Showers is a complete basketball player," said Master Sgt. Alphonso Overton, Tyndall Tigers coach. "He plays with emotion and a determination rarely seen in this generation of ball players." The Tigers placed fourth in the Southeastern Military Athletic Conference tournament this year, but Airman Showers' talent was noticed as he was selected for the All SEMAC team and All Tournament team. "It's always an honor to be rewarded like that, but I would have liked for our team to win the tournament more," said Airman Showers. He was a part of a winning team, this year. His intramural basketball team, 325th CS, won the championship game here. But regardless of the all-star teams and games won, there is a greater title Airman Showers has in mind. "My goal is to make the Air Force team," he said. He tried out last year, but was cut. However, Airman Showers is not stopping short of his goal, yet. He is trying out again this year in October. He does admit to areas he wants to improve in his game. "I have a problem turning the ball over, and my three-point shot average is 35 percent," said Airman Showers. "But my strong points are: quickness, my strength and ability to jump high." A 55 percent two-point shot average is another strength. So what does an "all star" think about while sprinting up and down the courts? "Well, if we are winning, I try to show off for the ladies," said Airman Showers laughing. "But, if we are behind, or it's a close game, then I'm like Jordan: encouraging my teammates and doing whatever it takes to win." "Teamwork is Showers' catch phrase," said Sergeant Overton. "In game situations, if he recognizes one of his teammates needs encouragement, he delivers in-your-face motivation. Simultaneously, he can be mindful of his own short-comings and readily defer the 'spotlight' to a fellow teammate." Airman Showers has orders to move this December, but plans on starting the 2007/2008 basketball season with the Tyndall Tigers. That's if he is not selected for the Air Force team. "Showers has a champion's attitude on the court," said Sergeant Overton. "If he can win, he will. However, he remains humble in the face of unfortunate defeat." "He has the utmost respect and compassion for his team, coach, opponents and fans alike," he continued. "Win or lose, Anthony 'brings it' every time."