Eric Buckner

Men's Basketball

‘Where Are They Now Wednesday’ – Eric Buckner

Our student-athletes are what make Georgia State so special. Our 'Where Are They Now Wednesday' segments feature former student-athletes from across all of our sports and not only look back on their accomplishments, but where they are now.

Eric Buckner has now been playing professional basketball for the last 10 years and his experience at Georgia State helped propel him to see the world because of his sport and determination. He finished his career as arguably the greatest defensive player in school history, blocking a record 167 shots, though played just two seasons. As a senior he earned All-CAA Third Team and CAA Defensive Team honors, while also being named the Atlanta Tip-off Club Georgia Men's College Player of the Year. He traveled the States as a Panther, and has now seen the rest of the world during a remarkable career.

Talk a little bit about what you have been up to the last 10 years since finishing up at Georgia State (work, sports, family)?
Since I left Georgia State, I've been a busy man on and off the court. I played professionally in Turkey for six years. I left and went to Monaco for two years it was a great experience. I played with a lot of great guys and played for a great coach there. The next season I start off in France and moved to Russia halfway through the season. I'm currently on Year 10 playing professionally. I started the season off back in Turkey but made a move in December and came to Korea. I've just been enjoying the ride. I can honestly say I'm blessed to be still playing. Off the court my kids and wife keep me busy. I have an 11-year old son, 9-year old daughter, soon to be 2-year old, and my wife and I are expecting our fourth child which is a boy the first week in February. I can honestly just say I've been blessed.

Your professional career has taken you all over the world. What has that experience been like?
It's been incredible. I never would I have ever thought I would've traveled the world and visited some of the places I've been, but don't get it confused, 99.9% of these trips are business trips. Not much time for sightseeing or anything, games and hotels for the most part.

How did your experience at GSU help you get to where you are now?
I think being at GSU helped me by instilling that work ethic in me. I've never shied away from hard work, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was always taught no one will ever give you anything, you have to earn. I keep that same mindset with me today, I don't ever take any of this for granted.

You came to Georgia State as a junior college transfer. What made GSU the right fit for you?
I did transfer from juco and I visited a few big schools. I took an official visit to LSU before I visited GSU. Honestly, what made the difference for me was the head coach. I came to GSU because of Coach Barnes. Unfortunately I was only able to work with him my first year there, but I'm happy I stayed and had the opportunity to work with Coach Hunter.

Your senior season was one of the most remarkable in program history and came under then first-year head coach Ron Hunter. What was that season like?
It's funny because I still have flash backs from that season. We had a great group of guys that weren't scared. And playing in Coach Hunter's system we were able to run, and I think that help me use and show my athleticism a lot. I honestly wish I knew what I knew now, skill wise, because with what we had I think we definitely underachieved that season. But that's life, it's not very often we get do overs.

Do you still stay in touch with any of your teammates from back in the days?
I do. I talk to James Fields (Boom) from time to time, Rashad Richardson, but I think out of everyone I talk to Jihad Ali the most. I try to reach out to him at least once a week or every other week.

You set a school-record with 118 blocked shots as a senior. What was the key to blocking so many shots?
I think the way we play helped a lot with that but blocking shots is all about timing. We played a very up-tempo defense so we could get out and run and me being 6'10" with a 40" vertical back then really enabled me to do that.

All these years later, is there something you wish you could go back and tell the college version of yourself?
Have patience. Life is a marathon not a sprint, slow and speedy wins the race. You put in the work so don't worry, the only time you should worry is if you haven't prepared.
Print Friendly Version