Nathaniel Root is not flashy, on or off the court.
The 5-11 guard is more concerned with the “little things” that are often overlooked by many. These small facets, Root says, are a fundamental part of life and basketball.
“It’s not necessarily how many points you score,” Root said. “It’s the guys that have to do the little things, and that’s what I do.”
The junior majoring in education has prided himself on reaching goals, one small step at a time, and said he has two major ones in his life: to play basketball for The University of Memphis and to coach Division I basketball, preferably at The U of M.
Root’s first goal has been fulfilled, but not without struggle.
Root has become The U of M’s very own “Rudy” after walking on in late January of 2000.
As a crowd favorite because of his tough work ethic, one can hear the chant of his name — which is often mistaken for booing — bellowing off the walls of The Pyramid in the waning moments of games, including during last night’s season opener against Wofford.
“I give them what they want,” he said. “They know that I want to dive for (the ball) or take that charge. I’m just a hard-nosed kid trying to do whatever it takes to win.”
That’s precisely why Root was awarded a basketball scholarship in front of the team by head coach John Calipari in May. According to Calipari, there was an important reason for announcing Root’s award before the team rather than in private.
“I wanted them to kind of celebrate with him,” Calipari said. “I wanted (Root) to know how much they appreciated him. Because of his performance a year ago and how his impact was on the team, he deserved it.”
Root said he was initially surprised by the announcement.
“I was shocked,” Root said, “but at the same time you feel like all the hard work you put in has paid off. I had a dream that I could do it, and once you put your mind to it, it’s a surprise and yet, it’s not.”
And now that the first of his goals has been fulfilled, Root said he plans to continue his hard work in an effort to become a Division I basketball coach.
“I’m in the best spot right now with Coach Cal,” Root said. “He can teach me a lot.”
