SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla — For the last four years, Anthony Lawrence Jr. of St. Pete has continued a family tradition of basketball that goes beyond the court and deep into his father’s heart.
“He's such a good kid that it makes it easy. He's made being a father real easy,” said Anthony Lawrence Sr., teacher and basketball coach at Lakewood High School. "I don't think there's anything better -- even if I won the lottery."
When Lawrence’s son started high school at Lakewood, he had just taken over as head coach of the boys’ basketball team. It was a position that held much meaning for him, not just because he would be coaching his son, but because his son would be following in his footsteps.
"It all means a lot. It's just basically me following the legacy,” said Lawrence Jr.
“It was great because I did go to Lakewood,” Lawrence Sr. explained. "I was tough on him because I didn't want him to feel like he had it easy because his dad was the coach."
His son knew it was for the best.
"Means the world to me. I don't think I could do anything without my dad. Without my father, I don't know where I'd be or what I'd be doing."
That tough love motivated Lawrence Jr., affectionately known as “Amp,” to further the family tradition by attending the University of Miami, where his father played in the late 1980s.
“Growing up, I was always a Miami Hurricane,” said Amp.
Amp and his team made the NCAA men’s basketball tournament three years in a row but fell short this season. However, you’d never be able to tell from talking to his dad. He brags on Amp securing an agent for professional basketball, and most importantly, on his upcoming graduation in May.
"It's nothing better than being a father,” he said. "And to have a kid like Amp, shoot, that's easy."
Coach Lawrence said his relationship with his own father helped set the precedent for his bond with Amp.
"Some parents miss games, and I don't understand that. I don't understand that. My dad hardly ever missed a basketball practice,” he said. "I think I had the best father in the world. He passed away last summer, but he taught me how to be a father.”
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
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