With a homestand this weekend, our team will hopefully be returning to a comfort zone. We're 2-2 at home, and should be 3-1. We won't have to cram into bus seats, or squeeze into small locker rooms, or trudge through snow for unbearably long rides. We have not had the start to League play that we anticipated - we're 0-5 - and yet we're still only three wins out of first place. A two-game sweep this weekend would put us back in the hunt for the conference playoffs, and all of a sudden we would have seven of nine games at home to close the season. A real chance to do some damage.
It all starts with Skidmore at 8:00 pm Friday night. I woke up to a blizzard today and the weather has turned bitterly cold, but I will be glad to walk to the gym from my dorm room for only the second time in the last 14 games. It's time to protect our home court.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Following William & Mary, The Second Season Beckons
When we boarded the bus last Friday, most of our exams finished, we thought it was time to relax for an eight-hour bus ride and focus on Saturday’s game against the best team any of us had ever played against. A half-hour delay due to engine troubles foreshadowed the day to come. What ensued was a fifteen-hour nightmare of a drive, caused by a cold white powder that most Virginians had apparently never seen or driven on.
Wayne, our reliable driver, calmly pushed on as traffic slowed, cars spun off the road, and sirens blared. After watching game film of the William and Mary Tribe, we went through five full movies and an aggravated, tiresome last couple hours of silence before finally pulling into our hotel in Williamsburg at 2:00 a.m. Our plans for an 8:00 p.m. dinner had been foiled hours ago; we ate subs in our rooms at 2:30.
Less than nine hours after we finally got to bed, we stepped into the biggest arena most of us would ever play in. Our opponent was not just any Division 1 team. William and Mary leads the nation in offensive efficiency. They threatened to upset UCONN on opening day, had recently won at Wake Forest, and had just knocked off Colonial Athletic Association powerhouse VCU by one point. As I thumbed through my Sports Illustrated on the bus ride down, I found a word of advice from bracketologist Seth Davis: “watch out for William & Mary.”
The game started with promise; we held the Tribe to 12 points in the first nine minutes and found ourselves down by six almost halfway through the first period. Things sped up just a bit from there – we were down by 27 at half, and lost 94-48 when all was said and done. William and Mary was skilled, athletic, and disciplined – just a much better team.
But there were good things to take from the game. We found we could defend one of the better Division 1 teams in the country when we were focused and tenacious. We saw freshman John Herzog drive straight at his counterparts time after time, compiling 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and a second straight Rookie of the Week award. We saw our center captain Chris Whitney bang against four different players 6-8 or taller, and hold his own, blocking three shots.
On paper, the game against William and Mary was just another loss. But in reality, it was the last game of the first half of the season, and the best possible preparation for league play coming up in January. If we can run with such a powerful opponent in its own gym, even for small stretches, we can run with anyone.
And so after the game, we were really, truly, on break. Time to relax, right? I left with my family, as did five or six other players whose parents came to the game. The rest of the team headed home on the bus.
As I learned via text message, snow stranded them in Maryland and they had to stay overnight in a hotel, a fitting last obstacle in a tiring three days.
Wayne, our reliable driver, calmly pushed on as traffic slowed, cars spun off the road, and sirens blared. After watching game film of the William and Mary Tribe, we went through five full movies and an aggravated, tiresome last couple hours of silence before finally pulling into our hotel in Williamsburg at 2:00 a.m. Our plans for an 8:00 p.m. dinner had been foiled hours ago; we ate subs in our rooms at 2:30.
Less than nine hours after we finally got to bed, we stepped into the biggest arena most of us would ever play in. Our opponent was not just any Division 1 team. William and Mary leads the nation in offensive efficiency. They threatened to upset UCONN on opening day, had recently won at Wake Forest, and had just knocked off Colonial Athletic Association powerhouse VCU by one point. As I thumbed through my Sports Illustrated on the bus ride down, I found a word of advice from bracketologist Seth Davis: “watch out for William & Mary.”
The game started with promise; we held the Tribe to 12 points in the first nine minutes and found ourselves down by six almost halfway through the first period. Things sped up just a bit from there – we were down by 27 at half, and lost 94-48 when all was said and done. William and Mary was skilled, athletic, and disciplined – just a much better team.
But there were good things to take from the game. We found we could defend one of the better Division 1 teams in the country when we were focused and tenacious. We saw freshman John Herzog drive straight at his counterparts time after time, compiling 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and a second straight Rookie of the Week award. We saw our center captain Chris Whitney bang against four different players 6-8 or taller, and hold his own, blocking three shots.
On paper, the game against William and Mary was just another loss. But in reality, it was the last game of the first half of the season, and the best possible preparation for league play coming up in January. If we can run with such a powerful opponent in its own gym, even for small stretches, we can run with anyone.
And so after the game, we were really, truly, on break. Time to relax, right? I left with my family, as did five or six other players whose parents came to the game. The rest of the team headed home on the bus.
As I learned via text message, snow stranded them in Maryland and they had to stay overnight in a hotel, a fitting last obstacle in a tiring three days.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Trials & Tribulations of the Basketball Season
No one said it would be easy.
As we trudge through the toughest portion of our schedule – which includes six straight games on the road, three against top-25 teams and one against Division 1 William and Mary – we must stick to the basic goals that we carry to each practice and game.
Bring relentless defensive pressure on every possession. Play fast, think slow. Focus on the little things. Don’t beat yourself. Get better every day.
These simple mantras are posted and repeated throughout our gym and locker room each day. The crucial follow-up is making sure they’re reflected as consistently on the court.
In our most recent game, a 75-64 loss to SUNY New Paltz on Tuesday night, we couldn’t put together 40 minutes of focused, error-free basketball. We went on runs that showed we were clearly capable of winning. Our leading scorer, Caleb McGraw, was hounded all night but still managed a gutsy 20 points. Center Chris Whitney was steady in the paint all game, and freshman John Donnelly gobbled up 11 rebounds.
But it was our own lapses, not an insurmountable opponent, which caused our fourth straight loss. Just like in our previous two games against Hartwick and Brandeis, we took what was a manageable four or six-point deficit and let it slip to a double-digit deficit in the last few minutes of the first half. Instead of having to come back from four points down, it was 10.
We put the pressure on in the second half, cutting New Paltz’s lead down to four and threatening to take a lead of our own. But key fouls, and turnovers, and offensive rebounds allowed, prevented us from completing the comeback.
So it’s back to our own gym for practice, and that’s where we’ll be for the rest of this week, preparing for another national powerhouse when we play at Williams this Saturday. Another chance to do the little things right, another chance to improve, and another chance to get back in the win column.
As we trudge through the toughest portion of our schedule – which includes six straight games on the road, three against top-25 teams and one against Division 1 William and Mary – we must stick to the basic goals that we carry to each practice and game.
Bring relentless defensive pressure on every possession. Play fast, think slow. Focus on the little things. Don’t beat yourself. Get better every day.
These simple mantras are posted and repeated throughout our gym and locker room each day. The crucial follow-up is making sure they’re reflected as consistently on the court.
In our most recent game, a 75-64 loss to SUNY New Paltz on Tuesday night, we couldn’t put together 40 minutes of focused, error-free basketball. We went on runs that showed we were clearly capable of winning. Our leading scorer, Caleb McGraw, was hounded all night but still managed a gutsy 20 points. Center Chris Whitney was steady in the paint all game, and freshman John Donnelly gobbled up 11 rebounds.
But it was our own lapses, not an insurmountable opponent, which caused our fourth straight loss. Just like in our previous two games against Hartwick and Brandeis, we took what was a manageable four or six-point deficit and let it slip to a double-digit deficit in the last few minutes of the first half. Instead of having to come back from four points down, it was 10.
We put the pressure on in the second half, cutting New Paltz’s lead down to four and threatening to take a lead of our own. But key fouls, and turnovers, and offensive rebounds allowed, prevented us from completing the comeback.
So it’s back to our own gym for practice, and that’s where we’ll be for the rest of this week, preparing for another national powerhouse when we play at Williams this Saturday. Another chance to do the little things right, another chance to improve, and another chance to get back in the win column.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Speed 78, Size 66
Speed versus size. A team with ten players listed at 6-4 or smaller versus a team with six players listed at 6-6 or larger. Despite doubts about our size, our schedule, and our youth in general, Vassar men’s basketball opened its 2009-2010 season with a statement.
Speed 78, Size 66. Or more to the point, Vassar 78, Endicott 66
There is plenty to work on, but it was a solid first effort against a big and tough Endicott team. Caleb McGraw, who was named the Liberty League Player of the Week, led us with a career high 37 points, and our up-tempo style produced much more than a one-man show, as nine different players scored. Our frenetic full court press caused 22 Endicott turnovers, but equally crucial was our ability to take care of the ball on the offensive end; we committed just six miscues.
Preparation for the season-opener against Endicott began months ago in the beginning of September, when pickup games and early-morning conditioning started. When our freshmen John Donnelly (9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals), who earned Liberty League Rookie of the Week honors, and Jon Herzog (4 points, 4 rebounds, 0 turnovers in 23 minutes) were hardly moved into their dorm rooms, let alone starters and big contributors for our team.
Another team contributor was identified even before the opening tip. Our stands were almost full, scattered with Vassar students, parents, and, most impressively, hundreds of Poughkeepsie residents. It was the biggest crowd I have ever seen at a Vassar basketball game, and I hope it continues when we host the Vassar Tip-Off Tournament this coming weekend. We play Newbury College at 8:00 p.m. In the opening game at 6:00 p.m. Western Connecticut plays last year's national Division III finalist Richard Stockton.
As for me, my first game as player, not a Sports Information worker, was a fun one. I won’t soon forget the feeling of finding my brand new game jersey hanging in front of my locker before the game. I hardly played at all, but when I entered the game in the last minute, it really sunk in.
The new era of VC Basketball began with a high. Our goal is a culture of success fostered by new roles and personnel, a relentless style and work ethic, and reinvigorated fans. A three-point halftime lead pushed to a 12-point win was a good start.
But for me and for the team, it’s on to the next one. We’re already looking forward to Newbury. Hopefully, so are the hordes of people who watched us win our first game.
Speed 78, Size 66. Or more to the point, Vassar 78, Endicott 66
There is plenty to work on, but it was a solid first effort against a big and tough Endicott team. Caleb McGraw, who was named the Liberty League Player of the Week, led us with a career high 37 points, and our up-tempo style produced much more than a one-man show, as nine different players scored. Our frenetic full court press caused 22 Endicott turnovers, but equally crucial was our ability to take care of the ball on the offensive end; we committed just six miscues.
Preparation for the season-opener against Endicott began months ago in the beginning of September, when pickup games and early-morning conditioning started. When our freshmen John Donnelly (9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals), who earned Liberty League Rookie of the Week honors, and Jon Herzog (4 points, 4 rebounds, 0 turnovers in 23 minutes) were hardly moved into their dorm rooms, let alone starters and big contributors for our team.
Another team contributor was identified even before the opening tip. Our stands were almost full, scattered with Vassar students, parents, and, most impressively, hundreds of Poughkeepsie residents. It was the biggest crowd I have ever seen at a Vassar basketball game, and I hope it continues when we host the Vassar Tip-Off Tournament this coming weekend. We play Newbury College at 8:00 p.m. In the opening game at 6:00 p.m. Western Connecticut plays last year's national Division III finalist Richard Stockton.
As for me, my first game as player, not a Sports Information worker, was a fun one. I won’t soon forget the feeling of finding my brand new game jersey hanging in front of my locker before the game. I hardly played at all, but when I entered the game in the last minute, it really sunk in.
The new era of VC Basketball began with a high. Our goal is a culture of success fostered by new roles and personnel, a relentless style and work ethic, and reinvigorated fans. A three-point halftime lead pushed to a 12-point win was a good start.
But for me and for the team, it’s on to the next one. We’re already looking forward to Newbury. Hopefully, so are the hordes of people who watched us win our first game.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
From Courtside to On Court: Back In Uniform Again
The last time I was on the basketball court with a real team was about thirty months ago. It was March 6th, 2007. My high school team, the Brattleboro Colonels of Vermont, lost in the Division 1 state semifinals to Burlington High School in UVM’s Patrick Gymnasium my senior year.
Now, three seasons, one presidential election, and several tuition bills later, I’ve decided to lace ‘em back up and play for the Vassar basketball team my junior year.
I survived the last two years without playing a sport by living vicariously through others with my job in the Sports Info office. My specialty in the winter months was basketball, for which I would write game stories and keep in-game statistics. I would satisfy my need to play by working out and playing intramurals.
Clearly, those things were not enough. This winter, I’ll be wearing a jersey instead of a button-down. I’ll make sure to show my face around the office (hence the blog), but I’ll have a different perspective come game time.
The season officially started last Thursday. We’ve already had seven practices, and are in the midst of a week of double-sessions as the rest of Vassar relaxes for fall break. My body is beginning to remember what it feels like to be a full-time athlete. It feels like sprained ankles, suicides, and bags of ice. It feels like mind and body fatigue melding together to the point where I’m actually thinking about what it would take to install a hot tub on my dorm floor. It feels like time commitment.
But I’m also starting to remember why I joined. Why I felt like I was selling myself a bit short the last two years playing pickup games against opponents wearing jean shorts. As grueling as continuous suicides on tired legs can be, there’s nothing like the feeling of saving your team from running by hitting a free throw to end a drill. Or netting a three-pointer to win an intersquad scrimmage. Or grabbing a rebound over a taller opponent.
These last two years have showed me that there is no way to replace being on a team. I can’t stand not competing. I am glad to be back. It’s been a while.
Now, three seasons, one presidential election, and several tuition bills later, I’ve decided to lace ‘em back up and play for the Vassar basketball team my junior year.
I survived the last two years without playing a sport by living vicariously through others with my job in the Sports Info office. My specialty in the winter months was basketball, for which I would write game stories and keep in-game statistics. I would satisfy my need to play by working out and playing intramurals.
Clearly, those things were not enough. This winter, I’ll be wearing a jersey instead of a button-down. I’ll make sure to show my face around the office (hence the blog), but I’ll have a different perspective come game time.
The season officially started last Thursday. We’ve already had seven practices, and are in the midst of a week of double-sessions as the rest of Vassar relaxes for fall break. My body is beginning to remember what it feels like to be a full-time athlete. It feels like sprained ankles, suicides, and bags of ice. It feels like mind and body fatigue melding together to the point where I’m actually thinking about what it would take to install a hot tub on my dorm floor. It feels like time commitment.
But I’m also starting to remember why I joined. Why I felt like I was selling myself a bit short the last two years playing pickup games against opponents wearing jean shorts. As grueling as continuous suicides on tired legs can be, there’s nothing like the feeling of saving your team from running by hitting a free throw to end a drill. Or netting a three-pointer to win an intersquad scrimmage. Or grabbing a rebound over a taller opponent.
These last two years have showed me that there is no way to replace being on a team. I can’t stand not competing. I am glad to be back. It’s been a while.
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