A few years ago, Tevin Andrews was a star for the Pike County Bulldog basketball team, and just like most young hoopsters, Andrews longed to play at the next level.

Andrews is living his dream currently, but also is learning valuable skills that will help him live a successful life if his basketball dreams end sooner than he hopes.

The former Pike County star is in his senior season as a member of the Apprentice School basketball team in Newport News, Va. The school is a partner of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company and trains students for careers in the shipbuilding industry.

“It is definitely not a traditional four-year school,” said Andrews. “But I am learning things that will help me down the road, if basketball doesn’t work out. I am happy that I get to play ball, and work on my future at the same time.”

Andrews said that he received offers from a few local community colleges, including Wallace State and Enterprise State, but nothing from “the bigger places.”

Newport News is more than 770 miles from Brundidge; something that Andrews said was a little uncomfortable at first.

“I was definitely homesick up here my freshman year,” said Andrews. “I didn’t know anyone, and had only met a few of my teammates. But now I love it here, and know that this is the best place for me.”

Being that the Apprentice Schools is a not a traditional university, the student athletes are not traditional student athletes.

Andrews said than in addition to playing basketball, he is required to work a full forty-hour week in his chosen trade, rigging.

“I get up everyday about 5 a.m. and workout with a couple of my teammates,” said Andrews. “I then have to be at work by 7 and work a full eight our shift. It was hard a first, but now I am in my third year and it’s easier because I know what I am doing everyday.”

Being a rigger, Andrews is learning to operate cranes in a shipyard. On the basketball court, Andrews plays guard and forward for the Builders. Andrews said that the hectic schedule of work, school and basketball can be overwhelming at times, but he knows his family is there for support.

“Knowing my family has my back helps me out a lot,” said Andrews. “My teammates are support me a lot as well. They know I am a long way from home, and welcome me in.

Andrews said his ultimate dream is to play professionally in Europe or the NBA but is excited that he will have choices off the hardwood as well.

“I got to get through this program in order to make anywhere,” said Andrews. “I want to play basketball, but coming here gave me options for life.”