Dec. 17, 2005

For most of his classmates, they are reminders of a wild spring break or simply cosmetic accessories purchased to bring attention to certain body parts.

The tattoos on Siena basketball star Antoine Jordan's body help tell the story of his life. It's been a life filled with blessings and challenges.

On the Move

Born in East Baltimore in March of 1983, Antoine Lamont Jordan was a Military Brat. His father Arnold coined the nickname "Scooter" because it seemed he was always on the go.

"Before he even knew how to crawl, we would go to change his diapers and he would scoot right across the room," Arnold says.

"Scooter" was shortened to "Scoot" and eventually misinterpreted as "Scoop" by his middle school coach because of an underhand shot he was known for around the basket.

"Scoop" spent his childhood bouncing around the East Coast. At the age of four his family relocated to North Carolina where he spent most of his adolescent years in base cities such as Cherry Point and Jacksonville.

Arnold was a sergeant for the US Marines for 13 years. He also played semi-pro basketball in a military league and introduced the game to Jordan when he was six years old. He began organized competition the following year.

"He took to it right away, so I started to sign him up for some leagues," Arnold said.

In 1992, the family moved back to East Baltimore. Understanding that Antoine and his younger brother Aundre would have better opportunities elsewhere, they moved again to the Baltimore suburb of Deer Park three years later.

"Not too many people came out of (East Baltimore and went to College)," Jordan remembers. "If we had stayed there, I'm not sure what chance I would have had."

Asya

The four letters appear on Jordan's left arm. It is no doubt his most cherished tattoo.

At 15 years of age Jordan learned his girlfriend Shawn was pregnant. Initially, he was terrified.

"I just figured, that was it," Jordan said. "I thought I was going to have to quit school and get a job. I would do whatever it was going to take, but I didn't know how to tell my parents."

In fact, he couldn't. Jordan's family learned of his impending fatherhood after a conversation with Shawn's father. Their reaction was not what he expected.

"I told him and Shawn they needed to focus on school, and I would take care of (Asya)," Arnold said. "They were both 'A' students with bright futures."

Jordan said his family's support was overwhelming.

"Really, they supported me in everyway you can imagine," Jordan said. "From babysitting all the time, to help with money, whatever it took, they were there."

With their assistance, Jordan continued his studies after his daughter Asya was born. He also focused on basketball, knowing a Division I college scholarship could lead to a better life for his new family.

A New Sense of Urgency

The inscription on his right bicep reads: "Live Now. Die Later."

Jordan played four years at Randallstown High School, helping his team capture the Maryland State Championship as a senior. His basketball skills were refined through his experience at Randallstown where he played alongside his best friend Antonio McMillion, a senior starter at Maryland-Eastern Shore, and Levi Stukes, a senior at Georgia.

He also gained exposure through his AAU summer participation with national power Cecil Kirk. Head coach Anthony Lewis helped bridge the relationship established by former Siena coach Paul Hewitt, introducing Jordan to then head coach Rob Lanier at the AAU Junior Nationals in Orlando the summer before his senior year.

"I was always interested in Siena, but there were other schools too," Jordan said. "Siena really stuck with me through the whole process."

A process complicated by Jordan's SAT score which rendered him a "non-qualifier" as he was set to finish his high school career.

Jordan was making good grades in school and was undeterred by the temporary roadblock. He reclassified and enrolled in Philadelphia Christian, a private school that his parents would have to pay for him to attend.

After spending the spring semester of his scheduled senior year and the fall semester of the following year at the school, Jordan withdrew.

"It seemed like a waste of money (for my parents)," he said. "My teammates and I felt like we were all alone there. There wasn't much direction, and it just didn't seem like a good fit."

Jordan's decision proved to be a good one, as the school closed down shortly after his departure. He reenrolled at Randallstown where he got his degree and ultimately received the SAT score needed to fulfill his dream of playing Division I college basketball.

Siena assistant coach Rob Jackson was the person who informed Jordan he made the score.

"Antoine was such a great kid," Jackson said. "It just didn't make sense to give up on him. He was so close (to passing it before) and I just encouraged him to stick with it."

Jackson also knew what a great talent Jordan was. "I didn't think he would consider (Siena)," Jackson said. "When I first saw him I thought he was too good and could play at a higher level."

Jordan credits Jackson's persistence and support for his decision to become a Saint.

More Obstacles

Overlaying his heart, Jordan has a tattoo of a basketball. Around it are the words "Dedication" and "Discipline".

His college career has been an exercise in both.

Jordan exploded onto the scene as a freshman, scoring nine points and averaging 5.3 rebounds for a Siena team that won 21 games and advanced to the Second Round of the Postseason NIT.

He forged a relationship with Jackson on and off the court and the coach evolved into a mentor.

"We connected immediately, because he would stay after practice to work on his shooting and come into the office to review film," Jackson commented. "As a coach, I believed in him, because he had the drive to be the best player he could possibly be."

Jackson also encouraged Jordan to stay on top of his academics, and Jordan worked hard to do so.

It seemed he was destined for stardom. As one of four freshmen that many were calling the best class in school history, Jordan's basketball career seemed to be about to take off.

But during his sophomore year, things started to unravel. A severe ankle injury (which he admits bothered him until this, his senior season) caused him to miss five games. His scoring average increased to 9.4 points per game, but the Saints managed just a 14-16 record even after a late-season rally to the MAAC semifinals.

In the summer proceeding his junior year, Jackson left the coaching staff. The tumultuous 6-24 season that followed was another trying time in Jordan's life.

"It was very difficult to stay positive," Jordan said. "I talked with a lot of people about what was going on, but it was a real struggle."

Jordan only found relief when visiting Shawn and Asya at home.

"That was when I felt free," he said. "It was especially tough to be away last season."

Ever the optimist, Jordan found consolation in the lessons learned. The most important?

"Nothing is guaranteed," he said.

Capitalizing on the Opportunity

"We came in with four and now it's just me," Jordan says with a laugh.

He is the only graduating senior on this year's Siena team, unanimously chosen to finish last in the 10-team MAAC. Teammates David Ryan and Michael Haddix each red-shirted (Haddix this season due to an injury) and Paul Williams transferred to St. Bonaventure after his freshman season.

Jordan is also the lone captain of the unheralded Saints, a role he cherishes.

"After what we went through last season, I feel like I can lead from a different standpoint," Jordan says. "Last year I had the title, but it didn't mean anything. Now, I know what to do and what not to do."

Jordan and the Saints raised some eyebrows at the start of the season. Siena reeled off four straight victories including a dramatic overtime win against crosstown rival UAlbany at Pepsi Arena. The senior forward is on pace to become just the second player in school history to finish his career in the top-15 in rebounding, steals and assists. He will also likely score his 1000th point this season.

Most important, Jordan will graduate with a degree in marketing and management. Once his basketball career ends, he plans to start his own business, possibly selling sporting goods and apparel.

"You just can't imagine how proud I am of him," Arnold said. "He is a great father and a great person. I get emotional reading all the (newspaper) articles about the terrific things he has done and thank God for the man he's become."

When asked what he'd like his Siena legacy to be, Jordan blushes and declines to comment.

"I would just like to thank all the fans for being so supportive," he says. "It's been a great experience."

~Jason Rich, Siena College sports information director