Ryan James Anderson (born May 6, 1988, in Sacramento, California) is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic. Anderson previously played the power forward position at California.
On April 3, 2008, Anderson declared himself eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft. He did not take an agent, leaving himself the option to return to Cal if he withdrew his name from the draft before June 16. On June 26, 2008 Anderson was drafted #21 overall by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the NBA Draft.
High school
Ryan Anderson attended Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California, just 20 miles east of Sacramento. In 2005, Anderson helped lead the Trojans to the Division II California State Championship, defeating Mater Dei High School.
College
In college, Anderson emerged as the University of California's best player, and he led the Pacific-10 Conference in scoring in the 2007–2008 season, averaging 21.6 points per game (more than fellow Pac-10 first rounders O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love, Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez). Although California failed to reach the NCAA men's basketball tournament, they did receive a National Invitational Tournament bid.
NBA
Anderson was selected 21st overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. He made his debut on October 29, 2008, during the Nets 95–85 win against the Washington Wizards. Towards the beginning of March he managed to earn the starting power forward spot.
On June 25, 2009, he was traded to the Orlando Magic along with Vince Carter in exchange for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee.
