Freshman Andre Williamson may be a newcomer to the Appalachian State University men's basketball squad, but he certainly doesn't feel like he's making the transition to college and Division I basketball alone.

Williamson's older sister, Ashley, is entering her junior season on Campbell University's women's basketball squad and has served as Andre's constant mentor and motivator both on and off the court.

"We're really close, I actually just got off the phone with her," said Williamson. "She's gone  through a lot of things that I'm going through or will go through. I end up asking for her advice on a lot things, not just basketball and class room stuff, but life questions too."

Growing up, the two were perpetual competitors on the blacktop pushing each others' improvement and development. When asked how he fared against his older sister growing up, Williamson deadpans with a straight, humble tone, "couldn't beat her."

That was the case until he started high school and mushroomed into his current 6-7 frame making him six inches taller than his sister.

"When I was younger, I never wanted to play her because she'd always skunk me," he said. "She was always bigger and stronger than me and I couldn't do anything against her. Finally I caught up I guess."

Williamson notes that  the result today would probably be different than the scores of his youth, but is quick to concede that his sister still remains the better shooter of the two.

His mom, Patricia Plump, also learned a great deal from his sister's experience, especially during the recruiting phase.

"My mom had been through that entire process with my sister," Williamson said. "She said if she got one kid into a Division I scholarship, she could get another one in. I guess she knew what to do."

Her experience as a high school chemistry teacher helped that process and may have ultimately led to Andre landing at Appalachian. Williamson said Appalachian was the first school to show interest in him during his junior year. Earlier that year, his mother had been on campus for a workshop.

"We both thought this was a great environment with good people and great coaches," said Williamson. "I think we both thought Appalachian was the place for me and where God wants me to be."