Eric Gaines started playing basketball from a very young age. After moving to Lithonia, Georgia at the age of five, Eric remembers joining a recreational team and discovering his interest in the game. There was just something special about the sport. Something he couldn't describe, but was fascinated by. It was during his time in middle school—around the sixth grade after he tried out for his school's basketball team—that he solidified his commitment to pursuing a career playing the sport. From his speed to his athleticism to his basketball IQ, Eric's competitive drive was quickly recognized by his coaches and teammates. This was just the start. As he began his high school career at Lithonia High School, Eric continued to strengthen both his defensive and offensive presence on the floor while elevating his feel for the game. Upon graduating from high school, he embarked on his collegiate career at Louisiana State University (LSU)—where he played for two seasons—before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Currently in his first season at UAB, Eric is looking forward to expanding his game further this season and working towards his goal of playing in the NBA. Along with his determination to get to the next level, Eric is also dedicated to using his journey to inspire the next generation. From creating his own mentorship program to organizing several basketball clinics, he has begun to pursue a series of ventures off the court focused on giving back to the community of Birmingham and helping young athletes reach their highest potential.
Take us back to your time in high school! Could you share more with us about your journey there?
High school basketball was fun. I went to Lithonia High School all four years. How I got on the team was…they had a summer workout and I was with one of my close friends, Gerard, and he told me they had an open gym; but they really had practice. I went up there, the coach saw me, and he told me just hop in and practice with them. After that, he knew I was one of those players because I was out there doing a great job going against the upperclassmen and stuff like that. That just helped me out a lot. When tryouts came, I was just on the team because I did what I had to do.
How was that transition from high school to college like for you? What were some challenges that you faced early on?
Some challenges I faced early on was just getting used to the whole college atmosphere and the whole new experience with everything. You know, trying to adjust from being with my parents my whole life to now being by myself. Just adjusting to that was a challenge, but I had help from some of the administrators in the school. I got a tutor and an academic advisor to help me through (those challenges). I made a schedule and I just followed the schedule every day.
Diving into your time at LSU, you played there for two seasons before transferring to UAB. Could you tell us more about your time there?
I had a good experience at LSU. My first year—my freshman year—, I had to just adjust. I was the new guy on campus and had to get used to everything around. But once I got familiar with the program, my coaches, and the players, it was just a fun experience overall. Then my sophomore year, the new guys that came in, I got (to build) a good relationship with them; and the guys that were there my freshman year, we still had the connection we have now.
Reflecting back on your two seasons there, how do you think your game elevated throughout your time at LSU to prepare you for your journey now at UAB?
It's prepared me a lot. You know, I had a lot of different obstacles at LSU. I went through a lot of things at LSU so it just matured me more and let me focus more on the main goal—and my goal is to get to the next level. It helped me out a lot. My game progressed a lot. I’d say (my) ball handling, shooting, and passing overall has developed to a new level. I feel like the outcome that I will show this year on the court will be amazing.
Let's talk about your journey now at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. What are some personal goals that you have for this season?