With Christmas swiftly in the past, it was time to get back on the court. December 26th brought our first practice in two and a half days.
And for a few guys, December 26th turned out to be one heck of a day...
...for myself, a short 90-minute drive from Erie before our 1:30pm practice was a piece of cake. For others, the day erupted into quite an extravaganza.
Let's see, a couple guys had a nice four or five hour drive through the rain and slush that brought them to Buffalo mere minutes before practice.
I'll let you know that immediately following practice we were bussing to the airport and flying to Orlando. So that's 1:30 practice, lift at 3:30, bus out at 5:00 for a flight at 7:00 with a layover in Atlanta then finally hit Orlando at 12:30 and the hotel by about 1:00am.
As I was saying, there were other guys who had it a little bit worse. One, from Boston, flew Boston to Buffalo at 8:30am, practiced and flew to Florida. Another, from Palm Beach, actually flew from Florida to Buffalo in the morning, practiced, then flew BACK to Florida several hours later.
Then there was my man from Arizona. This guy flew from Arizona to Detroit before things got a little wild. Turns out, the terrorist who lit his legs on fire actually did so in the exact gate my teammate's flight was boarding. He happened to be getting some food when he saw some commotion (the guy lighting his legs on fire). Needless to say, the flight was delayed and he arrived in Buffalo just in time to pack his jersey and board another plane to Florida.
Nothing like a few frequent flyer miles.
So yeah, Christmas was over and it was time to scoot down to the Sunshine State (it's raining) for a little more basketball.
Time for dinner, though. Hopefully tonight nobody spills their water.
December 28, 2009
December 22, 2009
Hockey
Before I get into anything, I'd like to introduce everyone to a great Christmas song that I've come across the last couple years.
"Christmas Wrapping" by Waitresses.
We're in Green Bay, Wisconsin right now for our game against none other than the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. We arrived here after a long day of traveling yesterday. After a 90-minute flight from Buffalo to Chicago, a two-and-a-half hour layover in the Chicago airport - where the workers sang Christmas songs over the intercom - and a 25-minute teeter totter of a flight, we finally arrived in Green Bay. But we gained an hour in Central Time, so a seven hour travel day was really only six.
Oh, and for those of you who don't plan on making a trip to Green Bay in your lifetime: it's just like they say it is on TV. It's cold, snowy and Packer-crazy. You can see Lambeau Field from our hotel. We actually ate dinner inside the stadium last night. And yes, I had cheese...I mean that's what they do in Wisconsin, right?
--Historic Lambeau Field
Brett Favre's restaurant is right around the corner from our hotel, as is UW-GB's arena, which they share with a semi-pro hockey team. I mention the hockey team because the basketball court, like in many arenas, is placed on top of the ice so the "coldness" seeps right up through. At shoot-around this morning we unknowingly decided to stretch at midcourt. I think I have frostbite.
It's almost time for our pre-game meal here at the hotel. It's a real nice hotel, only downside is that our room seems to have some quirks. For some reason we have no curtain for our window so I had to resort to piling my pillows around my face to block out the light streaming in from the parking lot all night. Our beds are missing a blanket - we have the bottom sheet and a comforter but no soft, warm layer in between. The thermostat is set to 62 degrees but the heater has been running all day and the actual temperature reads somewhere around 70 (which is also wrong - it must be almost 80 in here right now). And our sink is on steroids...turn the knob a bit to wet your toothbrush and the flood gates open, tearing the toothbrush from your grasp. But the shower is great, and that's really all you can ask for - that and comfortable beds, which we also have.
The dinner bell rings...
"Christmas Wrapping" by Waitresses.
We're in Green Bay, Wisconsin right now for our game against none other than the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. We arrived here after a long day of traveling yesterday. After a 90-minute flight from Buffalo to Chicago, a two-and-a-half hour layover in the Chicago airport - where the workers sang Christmas songs over the intercom - and a 25-minute teeter totter of a flight, we finally arrived in Green Bay. But we gained an hour in Central Time, so a seven hour travel day was really only six.
Oh, and for those of you who don't plan on making a trip to Green Bay in your lifetime: it's just like they say it is on TV. It's cold, snowy and Packer-crazy. You can see Lambeau Field from our hotel. We actually ate dinner inside the stadium last night. And yes, I had cheese...I mean that's what they do in Wisconsin, right?
--Historic Lambeau Field
Brett Favre's restaurant is right around the corner from our hotel, as is UW-GB's arena, which they share with a semi-pro hockey team. I mention the hockey team because the basketball court, like in many arenas, is placed on top of the ice so the "coldness" seeps right up through. At shoot-around this morning we unknowingly decided to stretch at midcourt. I think I have frostbite.
It's almost time for our pre-game meal here at the hotel. It's a real nice hotel, only downside is that our room seems to have some quirks. For some reason we have no curtain for our window so I had to resort to piling my pillows around my face to block out the light streaming in from the parking lot all night. Our beds are missing a blanket - we have the bottom sheet and a comforter but no soft, warm layer in between. The thermostat is set to 62 degrees but the heater has been running all day and the actual temperature reads somewhere around 70 (which is also wrong - it must be almost 80 in here right now). And our sink is on steroids...turn the knob a bit to wet your toothbrush and the flood gates open, tearing the toothbrush from your grasp. But the shower is great, and that's really all you can ask for - that and comfortable beds, which we also have.
The dinner bell rings...
December 19, 2009
Cookies
It's been awhile since we last played, and we still have a few days before we play again. We've used the week to work on a few things in practice, but big gaps in between games are always a drag.
Once you're in season you just want to keep playing.
The semester is over and the students on campus have all begun to head home for winter break. Having played basketball all my life I have never experienced the epic vacation that other students enjoy. This is a good thing, because instead of sitting on my keister eating cookies, I'm in the gym every day at practice. And there's nothing quite like being in shape.
Let's just hope once I'm done playing I don't end up looking like Santa Claus.
Things get a little slow around campus with no one around. But at least I don't live in the dorms anymore - don't have to risk forgetting my UB swipe card and becoming locked out of the residence halls in the snow for hours until the snow plow guy finagles a way through the locked doors for us (that really happened, by the way). I also don't have to worry about my roommates stealing my towel and clothes from the shower and locking me out of the room (the kind of thing that happens during long winter days in the dorms...and another true story).
So, speaking of Santa Claus, I decided to try my hand as the guy in the big red suit while I had a little free time.
He can keep his job.
There is absolutely nothing easy about finding gifts. Not that I wanted it to be easy, but c'mon - can I catch a break? Have you ever noticed that when you're looking for something specific it just seems to disappear off the shelves? I've discovered the BEST Christmas gifts in summertime only to forget them by the holidays.
What a terrible strategy.
My strategy this year? Not much better. I made a couple trips out but found nothing. Spent a couple fruitless nights surfing the web. Don't sweat it though, because even though my bags are empty, my head is full of ideas. With ideas like these, all it takes is a few quick stops at a few spots and Santa Claus is comin' to town.
And remember, there's absolutely nothing wrong with shopping on Christmas Eve.
It's actually quite a rush.
Happy Shopping
Once you're in season you just want to keep playing.
The semester is over and the students on campus have all begun to head home for winter break. Having played basketball all my life I have never experienced the epic vacation that other students enjoy. This is a good thing, because instead of sitting on my keister eating cookies, I'm in the gym every day at practice. And there's nothing quite like being in shape.
Let's just hope once I'm done playing I don't end up looking like Santa Claus.
Things get a little slow around campus with no one around. But at least I don't live in the dorms anymore - don't have to risk forgetting my UB swipe card and becoming locked out of the residence halls in the snow for hours until the snow plow guy finagles a way through the locked doors for us (that really happened, by the way). I also don't have to worry about my roommates stealing my towel and clothes from the shower and locking me out of the room (the kind of thing that happens during long winter days in the dorms...and another true story).
So, speaking of Santa Claus, I decided to try my hand as the guy in the big red suit while I had a little free time.
He can keep his job.
There is absolutely nothing easy about finding gifts. Not that I wanted it to be easy, but c'mon - can I catch a break? Have you ever noticed that when you're looking for something specific it just seems to disappear off the shelves? I've discovered the BEST Christmas gifts in summertime only to forget them by the holidays.
What a terrible strategy.
My strategy this year? Not much better. I made a couple trips out but found nothing. Spent a couple fruitless nights surfing the web. Don't sweat it though, because even though my bags are empty, my head is full of ideas. With ideas like these, all it takes is a few quick stops at a few spots and Santa Claus is comin' to town.
And remember, there's absolutely nothing wrong with shopping on Christmas Eve.
It's actually quite a rush.
Happy Shopping
December 13, 2009
Sir Smiley
Before our game against Buff State yesterday, I briefly chatted with the television commentator. I knew him from working the sidelines at UB football games, so we exchanged hellos and he said he needed some "filler" for the broadcast.
After discussing some players I'd played against in high school and some facts about my hometown (he actually graduated from Mercyhurst College, which is in Erie), he asked me for some interesting tidbits about the guys on the team.
And it came up: who has the best nickname?
Being around guys everyday in the locker room, it's almost a sure bet that you'll acquire at least one nickname. Last names are always a safe starting point, and from there nicknames can range from abbreviated pronunciations of a name to something completely irrelevant.
It's almost impossible to choose the BEST nickname.
Fortunately, I was blessed with a pretty unique last name. Smiley has served as both a namesake and a permanent nickname almost since I can remember. Alterations have been made through the years as I have been called "Smiles," "Sir Smiley," "S-Dot" (the S-Dot being the first letter of my first name and a period, as in 'S. Smiley'), among others. So for the most part I have escaped any ridiculous nicknames.
For the most part.
Somehow I've taken on the nickname "Sunshine" (most likely in reference to the California-bred quarterback from Remember the Titans) as well as "Ugly" (don't ask me why) and "Li'l White" (television show reference).
Nicknames can also stem from unique physical traits or celebrity look-alikes. I don't really look much like anyone famous - I have gotten a few Steve Blake comments - so I managed to dodge that bullet.
All in all, nicknames keep things light and add some fun to the locker room environment. They create and also strengthen memories - and nicknames almost always stick, no matter how outlandish they might seem.
So to continue my story, I wasn't able to give the broadcaster a "best" nickname.
We ended up winning the game, which is always a good feeling. A few of my buddies were up from Erie to watch, and they enjoyed themselves as I showed them a little taste of Buffalo - including a trip to Red Robin for burgers and bottomless french fries.
After discussing some players I'd played against in high school and some facts about my hometown (he actually graduated from Mercyhurst College, which is in Erie), he asked me for some interesting tidbits about the guys on the team.
And it came up: who has the best nickname?
Being around guys everyday in the locker room, it's almost a sure bet that you'll acquire at least one nickname. Last names are always a safe starting point, and from there nicknames can range from abbreviated pronunciations of a name to something completely irrelevant.
It's almost impossible to choose the BEST nickname.
Fortunately, I was blessed with a pretty unique last name. Smiley has served as both a namesake and a permanent nickname almost since I can remember. Alterations have been made through the years as I have been called "Smiles," "Sir Smiley," "S-Dot" (the S-Dot being the first letter of my first name and a period, as in 'S. Smiley'), among others. So for the most part I have escaped any ridiculous nicknames.
For the most part.
Somehow I've taken on the nickname "Sunshine" (most likely in reference to the California-bred quarterback from Remember the Titans) as well as "Ugly" (don't ask me why) and "Li'l White" (television show reference).
Nicknames can also stem from unique physical traits or celebrity look-alikes. I don't really look much like anyone famous - I have gotten a few Steve Blake comments - so I managed to dodge that bullet.
All in all, nicknames keep things light and add some fun to the locker room environment. They create and also strengthen memories - and nicknames almost always stick, no matter how outlandish they might seem.
So to continue my story, I wasn't able to give the broadcaster a "best" nickname.
We ended up winning the game, which is always a good feeling. A few of my buddies were up from Erie to watch, and they enjoyed themselves as I showed them a little taste of Buffalo - including a trip to Red Robin for burgers and bottomless french fries.
December 11, 2009
No Heat
I was not quite a junior in high school when I first stepped on the Niagara University campus. My sister would be going there in the fall - studying musical theater nonetheless - among the Vincentian monks.
Later that year, I attended a Purple Eagles' basketball game. Ironically, they were playing the University at Buffalo. At this point I knew little of UB. It was simply another college we passed in the car on our way to see my sister at Niagara.
The game was a barnburner, coming down the last final seconds. To the dismay of the home crowd, Turner Battle hit a pull-up jumper from about 15 feet to win the game for the Bulls.
Now, some six years (or maybe more - once you get to be my age, they all seem to run together) later, I found myself on that same court on the second floor of the Gallagher Center. This wasn't the first time I'd played at Niagara since I first watched that game from the stands, but it would be my last.
What a way to go out.
In another tight game, we beat the Purple Eagles 86-80 in front of the usual packed house at Niagara. I texted my sister immediately following the game- needless to say, she was a bit upset.
It's always a thrill playing at Niagara - the gym isn't big by any means (it seats maybe as many people as my high school gym) but the energy the crowd brings is great. I say this mainly because - due to its proximity to UB - there is always nearly as many Buffalo fans in the stands as there are Purple Eagle fans.
This makes for an amazing basketball environment as student sections banter back and forth with increasingly inventive and insulting cheers while the players go at each other on the floor.
::elapsed time: 30 minutes::
So I'm sitting here staring at my computer screen trying to figure out a way to tie up the end of this blog post. As you can see, it's been a half hour and I've got nothing. It's a good thing today was the last day of classes for the semester because I think my mind just left on a little vacation.
Later that year, I attended a Purple Eagles' basketball game. Ironically, they were playing the University at Buffalo. At this point I knew little of UB. It was simply another college we passed in the car on our way to see my sister at Niagara.
The game was a barnburner, coming down the last final seconds. To the dismay of the home crowd, Turner Battle hit a pull-up jumper from about 15 feet to win the game for the Bulls.
Now, some six years (or maybe more - once you get to be my age, they all seem to run together) later, I found myself on that same court on the second floor of the Gallagher Center. This wasn't the first time I'd played at Niagara since I first watched that game from the stands, but it would be my last.
What a way to go out.
In another tight game, we beat the Purple Eagles 86-80 in front of the usual packed house at Niagara. I texted my sister immediately following the game- needless to say, she was a bit upset.
It's always a thrill playing at Niagara - the gym isn't big by any means (it seats maybe as many people as my high school gym) but the energy the crowd brings is great. I say this mainly because - due to its proximity to UB - there is always nearly as many Buffalo fans in the stands as there are Purple Eagle fans.
This makes for an amazing basketball environment as student sections banter back and forth with increasingly inventive and insulting cheers while the players go at each other on the floor.
::elapsed time: 30 minutes::
So I'm sitting here staring at my computer screen trying to figure out a way to tie up the end of this blog post. As you can see, it's been a half hour and I've got nothing. It's a good thing today was the last day of classes for the semester because I think my mind just left on a little vacation.
December 5, 2009
Boilermaker
Lost a tough one today at Purdue. We learned a lot I think, and should be able to use this game to help us in the future. They're ranked number four in the nation, and were probably the best team we'll face until the postseason so it was a good experience. Disappointing still, but good.
One burning question remains...what is a Boilermaker?
It's like the age-old question Celtics fans used to post on signs during the epic Boston/LA NBA Finals battles between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. What's a Laker?
Luckily, we live in 2009 because I googled it.
Apparently a Boilermaker is some sort of craftsman, a steelworker. Good to know.
Thank goodness for Wikipedia.
Now as for a Laker? You're on your own with that one.
Resting up tonight in the hotel. Early wake-up tomorrow before a two-hour bus ride and a 90-minute flight back to Buffalo.
Niagara on Wednesday. Always looking ahead.
One burning question remains...what is a Boilermaker?
It's like the age-old question Celtics fans used to post on signs during the epic Boston/LA NBA Finals battles between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. What's a Laker?
Luckily, we live in 2009 because I googled it.
Apparently a Boilermaker is some sort of craftsman, a steelworker. Good to know.
Thank goodness for Wikipedia.
Now as for a Laker? You're on your own with that one.
Resting up tonight in the hotel. Early wake-up tomorrow before a two-hour bus ride and a 90-minute flight back to Buffalo.
Niagara on Wednesday. Always looking ahead.
December 4, 2009
Seven and a Half
That monkey was getting heavy.
Getting our first win at home took two games too long, but – like they say – the third time’s a charm. Our win over Army last night gave us this season’s first victory in Alumni Arena.
Late in the first half I caught an elbow (or a shoulder, or a clenched fist) that split my lip open pretty good. According to the rules, if you’re bleeding play stops and you have to come out of the game until you’re all cleaned up.
At this point the game was finally getting some rhythm and I was enjoying myself on the court. Naturally I didn’t want to come out of the game. Here I am, running down the court after my little collision, frantically licking my bottom lip to keep the blood from showing and/or oozing down my face. Blood tastes awful.
I felt like Edward from the Twilight saga (no, I’ve never seen the movies or read the books – I’m not a big vampire guy, but I know about Edward; he’s the main character or something).
Anyway, I made it one time up and down the court before play stopped for a foul. The referee looked at me like I was the childhood monster from his bedroom closet before I admitted to him, “Yeah, I’m bleeding, sir.”
They took me out of the game and I made my way over to our trainer, Jim. After one quick look at my lip, he goes, “Yup,” and calls the doctor down to follow us to the training room.
“Yup,” is pretty much the universal code for, “You’re going to need stitches.”
So Jim and the doctor whisked me away and sewed me right up – I only missed a few minutes of the game and was back out on the floor.
I’m sitting here now trying to count the number of times I’ve gotten stitches (almost exclusively from basketball – the only exception being when I Superman-dove off a couch and the corner of an end-table reached out and punched me in the chin when I was two years old).
Let’s see…seven and a half, final answer. (The half stems from a practice in Las Vegas where Jim was sure I needed stitches. We waited over five hours in an emergency medical center before being informed that the Steri-strips – pretty much little pieces of tape that hold your skin together – were sufficient enough.)
My chin (as mentioned above), the top of my head, twice above each eye, my elbow (ran into the cameraman under the basket) and now my bottom lip. Each instance has its own story and I remember every one vividly.
Long story short, I could pretty much give myself stitches if I had to. It goes a little like this:
Doctor: How’d it happen?
Me: I don’t know, must’ve been an elbow or something.
Doctor: Is your Tetanus shot up to date?
Me: Yes. I get stitches like twice a year.
Doctor: (as he covers my face with white paper – I guess to control bleeding?) Are you claustrophobic? Are you okay with this tissue over your face? Are you allergic to anything?
Me: No. Yes, I’m good. No.
Doctor: Okay, this is the medicine to numb the area. You’ll feel a needle pinch (I hate needles) and then a burn. (he repeats) A pinch and a burn. (again) A pinch and a burn.
Doctor: (as he pokes a needle and thread through my skin) Does this hurt at all?
Me: (depending on whether the medicine numbed the correct area) No, it’s fine. (or) Ahh! Yeah, it does.
Doctor: (usually asks me some random questions about me or the game or the season)
Me: (I politely answer the questions, however vague they may be)
Doctor: Alright, you’re all set.
Me: Thanks a lot
That’s when I take a look at my new battle scar – and in yesterday’s case, my swollen, stitched (only three stitches this time) and un-kissable lip.
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder…
…we won the game – I can deal with drinking sideways out of a straw for a few days.
Getting our first win at home took two games too long, but – like they say – the third time’s a charm. Our win over Army last night gave us this season’s first victory in Alumni Arena.
Late in the first half I caught an elbow (or a shoulder, or a clenched fist) that split my lip open pretty good. According to the rules, if you’re bleeding play stops and you have to come out of the game until you’re all cleaned up.
At this point the game was finally getting some rhythm and I was enjoying myself on the court. Naturally I didn’t want to come out of the game. Here I am, running down the court after my little collision, frantically licking my bottom lip to keep the blood from showing and/or oozing down my face. Blood tastes awful.
I felt like Edward from the Twilight saga (no, I’ve never seen the movies or read the books – I’m not a big vampire guy, but I know about Edward; he’s the main character or something).
Anyway, I made it one time up and down the court before play stopped for a foul. The referee looked at me like I was the childhood monster from his bedroom closet before I admitted to him, “Yeah, I’m bleeding, sir.”
They took me out of the game and I made my way over to our trainer, Jim. After one quick look at my lip, he goes, “Yup,” and calls the doctor down to follow us to the training room.
“Yup,” is pretty much the universal code for, “You’re going to need stitches.”
So Jim and the doctor whisked me away and sewed me right up – I only missed a few minutes of the game and was back out on the floor.
I’m sitting here now trying to count the number of times I’ve gotten stitches (almost exclusively from basketball – the only exception being when I Superman-dove off a couch and the corner of an end-table reached out and punched me in the chin when I was two years old).
Let’s see…seven and a half, final answer. (The half stems from a practice in Las Vegas where Jim was sure I needed stitches. We waited over five hours in an emergency medical center before being informed that the Steri-strips – pretty much little pieces of tape that hold your skin together – were sufficient enough.)
My chin (as mentioned above), the top of my head, twice above each eye, my elbow (ran into the cameraman under the basket) and now my bottom lip. Each instance has its own story and I remember every one vividly.
Long story short, I could pretty much give myself stitches if I had to. It goes a little like this:
Doctor: How’d it happen?
Me: I don’t know, must’ve been an elbow or something.
Doctor: Is your Tetanus shot up to date?
Me: Yes. I get stitches like twice a year.
Doctor: (as he covers my face with white paper – I guess to control bleeding?) Are you claustrophobic? Are you okay with this tissue over your face? Are you allergic to anything?
Me: No. Yes, I’m good. No.
Doctor: Okay, this is the medicine to numb the area. You’ll feel a needle pinch (I hate needles) and then a burn. (he repeats) A pinch and a burn. (again) A pinch and a burn.
Doctor: (as he pokes a needle and thread through my skin) Does this hurt at all?
Me: (depending on whether the medicine numbed the correct area) No, it’s fine. (or) Ahh! Yeah, it does.
Doctor: (usually asks me some random questions about me or the game or the season)
Me: (I politely answer the questions, however vague they may be)
Doctor: Alright, you’re all set.
Me: Thanks a lot
That’s when I take a look at my new battle scar – and in yesterday’s case, my swollen, stitched (only three stitches this time) and un-kissable lip.
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder…
…we won the game – I can deal with drinking sideways out of a straw for a few days.
November 28, 2009
Leftovers
It's been a couple days since we lost to Canisius. We've had a little time to lick our wounds and make some progress in practice.
I'm proud to say that you'll see a stronger, fresher, hungrier Buffalo basketball team on Thursday and for the remainder of the season.
But don't think I've forgotten about everyone's favorite holiday (ok, that's an exaggeration - it's not even MY favorite holiday), Thanksgiving. Amidst the commotion of the basketball season it's easy to lose track of time...if you gave me a million dollars for telling you the date today? No dice - I have no idea. I think it's still November, though.
Luckily, my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania is only about 90 minutes from Buffalo. I scooted home Wednesday night (to the surprise of my mom - I didn't tell her I was coming home) and was able to spend Thanksgiving Day with my parents. Since my mom's a mom and my dad was a Boy Scout, they were obviously prepared for Thanksgiving dinner.
Understatement of the century.
When we sat down to dinner, it was myself, my mom and my dad at the table. Happily sitting in front of us was a 30lb turkey (they really do make them that big - must be steroids or something) and HEAPING plates of mashed potatoes, stuffing (my favorite), green beans, cranberry sauce and rolls upon rolls upon rolls.
Needless to say, the back seat of my car was overflowing with leftovers that now sit in our refrigerator as breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of our lives.
As I returned to the court Friday, my dad did the same. I only had practice but Dad was suiting up for the First Annual Greenville (PA) High School Alumni Basketball Game. He had been prepping for this game for months, hitting the gym alone and with my mom lifting, shooting and everything in between so he would be in tip-top shape.
You see, my dad's basketball team was (and still is) Greenville High School's all-time winningest team. He and his teammates had a reputation to uphold.
My mom witnessed what was almost an amazing upset. The opposing team, consisting of more recent Greenville graduates took an early lead and held the lead into halftime. The old guys (literally - my dad's team was an average of 20+ years older than their opposition) mounted a furious comeback, cutting the deficit to one before finally falling to the young guns by seven.
You'll have to ask my dad for a more accurate play-by-play. But from what I hear, it was a heck of a game - and the crowd was going wild.
As we all know, Friday was also Black Friday. Did I go shopping? No.
Should I have? Yes.
Why?
Because shopping on Black Friday and on Christmas Eve (I've done both) is something everyone should experience. There's just nothing like it. So if you missed Black Friday, save those last few presents for Christmas Eve and make a game out of it: see if you can finish your Christmas shopping on time. Oh, and cross your fingers that what you're shopping for is still in stock.
Now THAT'S a good time.
Enjoy your leftovers...
I'm proud to say that you'll see a stronger, fresher, hungrier Buffalo basketball team on Thursday and for the remainder of the season.
But don't think I've forgotten about everyone's favorite holiday (ok, that's an exaggeration - it's not even MY favorite holiday), Thanksgiving. Amidst the commotion of the basketball season it's easy to lose track of time...if you gave me a million dollars for telling you the date today? No dice - I have no idea. I think it's still November, though.
Luckily, my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania is only about 90 minutes from Buffalo. I scooted home Wednesday night (to the surprise of my mom - I didn't tell her I was coming home) and was able to spend Thanksgiving Day with my parents. Since my mom's a mom and my dad was a Boy Scout, they were obviously prepared for Thanksgiving dinner.
Understatement of the century.
When we sat down to dinner, it was myself, my mom and my dad at the table. Happily sitting in front of us was a 30lb turkey (they really do make them that big - must be steroids or something) and HEAPING plates of mashed potatoes, stuffing (my favorite), green beans, cranberry sauce and rolls upon rolls upon rolls.
Needless to say, the back seat of my car was overflowing with leftovers that now sit in our refrigerator as breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of our lives.
As I returned to the court Friday, my dad did the same. I only had practice but Dad was suiting up for the First Annual Greenville (PA) High School Alumni Basketball Game. He had been prepping for this game for months, hitting the gym alone and with my mom lifting, shooting and everything in between so he would be in tip-top shape.
You see, my dad's basketball team was (and still is) Greenville High School's all-time winningest team. He and his teammates had a reputation to uphold.
My mom witnessed what was almost an amazing upset. The opposing team, consisting of more recent Greenville graduates took an early lead and held the lead into halftime. The old guys (literally - my dad's team was an average of 20+ years older than their opposition) mounted a furious comeback, cutting the deficit to one before finally falling to the young guns by seven.
You'll have to ask my dad for a more accurate play-by-play. But from what I hear, it was a heck of a game - and the crowd was going wild.
As we all know, Friday was also Black Friday. Did I go shopping? No.
Should I have? Yes.
Why?
Because shopping on Black Friday and on Christmas Eve (I've done both) is something everyone should experience. There's just nothing like it. So if you missed Black Friday, save those last few presents for Christmas Eve and make a game out of it: see if you can finish your Christmas shopping on time. Oh, and cross your fingers that what you're shopping for is still in stock.
Now THAT'S a good time.
Enjoy your leftovers...
November 22, 2009
Don't Change the Channel
Life on the road.
It's a struggle to stay afloat - I guess we're pretty good swimmers. In another nail-biter away from Alumni Arena we pulled off an overtime win at Towson.
Aside from some parents (who came to the games in Maryland) garnering a few more grey hairs, our four-day, two-game road trip couldn't have gone better. Stealing two games on the road against good teams makes the airport food taste so much better on the flight home. It was just Quizno's but I swear it may as well have been steak and shrimp.
As this was our first road trip of the year, it seems appropriate that I share some hotel and travel tips with you:
-Always gain control of the remote as soon as possible. This prevents the possibility of a "flipper"- or roommate who changes the channel every time a commercial comes on. Flipping A: causes one to miss a majority of the show you actually want to watch; B: expedites the deterioration of one's attention span; and C: causes one to miss the good commercials!
-Upon arrival to hotel, always call shower (e.i. "shotgun shower," much like calling shotgun on a car ride.). This enables the practice of proper hygiene and limits time spent laying sweaty in the bed you will be sleeping in later that night.
-Set multiple alarm clocks. Wake-up calls rarely work right or are on time, hotel clocks are NEVER set to the right time and are usually even unplugged (see next bullet.).
-Gain control of outlets for phone/computer/iPod charger. This often involves hijacking the outlet that houses the bedside lamp and/or alarm clock-radio. Failure to capture the bedside outlet can result in trans-room hikes just to charge your stuff.
-Always scoop up all the bathroom essentials you can. Hotel soap, shampoo, (conditioner if you like to be silky smooth), lotion and even laundry bags come in very handy on long road trips.
Home game Tuesday night. Let's rock.
It's a struggle to stay afloat - I guess we're pretty good swimmers. In another nail-biter away from Alumni Arena we pulled off an overtime win at Towson.
Aside from some parents (who came to the games in Maryland) garnering a few more grey hairs, our four-day, two-game road trip couldn't have gone better. Stealing two games on the road against good teams makes the airport food taste so much better on the flight home. It was just Quizno's but I swear it may as well have been steak and shrimp.
As this was our first road trip of the year, it seems appropriate that I share some hotel and travel tips with you:
-Always gain control of the remote as soon as possible. This prevents the possibility of a "flipper"- or roommate who changes the channel every time a commercial comes on. Flipping A: causes one to miss a majority of the show you actually want to watch; B: expedites the deterioration of one's attention span; and C: causes one to miss the good commercials!
-Upon arrival to hotel, always call shower (e.i. "shotgun shower," much like calling shotgun on a car ride.). This enables the practice of proper hygiene and limits time spent laying sweaty in the bed you will be sleeping in later that night.
-Set multiple alarm clocks. Wake-up calls rarely work right or are on time, hotel clocks are NEVER set to the right time and are usually even unplugged (see next bullet.).
-Gain control of outlets for phone/computer/iPod charger. This often involves hijacking the outlet that houses the bedside lamp and/or alarm clock-radio. Failure to capture the bedside outlet can result in trans-room hikes just to charge your stuff.
-Always scoop up all the bathroom essentials you can. Hotel soap, shampoo, (conditioner if you like to be silky smooth), lotion and even laundry bags come in very handy on long road trips.
Home game Tuesday night. Let's rock.
November 20, 2009
Dear Navy
Dear Navy,
I would like to compliment you on what may have been the nicest campus I've had the pleasure of visiting. We didn't go sightseeing, but got our own "tour" of your grounds when our kamikaze bus driver got lost. While getting lost is an expected occurrence on most road trips, this was a bit different. We were lost amidst hundreds of brick buildings that all looked the same on skinny streets that didn't fit our bus. And this guy thought he was Keanu Reeves in Speed.
And the fact that your campus is pretty much an island made the adventure even more thrilling as we nearly boarded a few sea-worthy vessels attempting to back out of a one-way street.
It was cool seeing all your "midshipmen" (editor's note: that's what the students are called- this was another topic of discussion. We knew at Army they are called "cadets," but we were unsure as to the proper title for Navy students; we asked one of the players during a pause in the game.) roaming campus in uniform - and we thought about how cool it would be if all of OUR clothes had our names on them. Laundry would be so much easier.
But I greatly respect what you do. The regiment you live under is incredibly demanding, I know - and that's to be commended. I certainly couldn't do it.
Also, midshipman whoever-he-was that sang the national anthem joined the ranks of Jimi Hendrix and Whitney Houston with his performance before the game. I mean it was unreal. This little baby-faced guy in uniform walked out to midcourt looking like a teenaged Matt Damon.
Then he started singing the national anthem and the voice of God just rocked the entire arena. I mean your boy made the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" guy sound like a little mouse. Seriously.
It was at about this time when things got real. We battled through a sloppy first half and just kept plugging away in the second on our way to a ten-point victory.
Then it was time to boogie back into the locker room - with a win.
Oh, Navy: thank you for the locker room accommodations. The individual vanities made me feel like Marilyn Monroe. It was beautiful. (see below)
Next time, though, could you please turn on the air conditioning? It was 60 degrees outside, which I understand may be chilly for you here in Maryland, but I don't understand why the gym roasted us like Hot Pockets. By the second half the towels on our bench may as well have been underwater.
But I have no problem with a little home-court advantage. It's things like these that make games and seasons fun.
Sincerely,
Mr. Smiley
ps. We are now in Towson to battle your neighbors, the Tigers.
Towson's Arena - sight of tomorrow afternoon's showdown
I would like to compliment you on what may have been the nicest campus I've had the pleasure of visiting. We didn't go sightseeing, but got our own "tour" of your grounds when our kamikaze bus driver got lost. While getting lost is an expected occurrence on most road trips, this was a bit different. We were lost amidst hundreds of brick buildings that all looked the same on skinny streets that didn't fit our bus. And this guy thought he was Keanu Reeves in Speed.
And the fact that your campus is pretty much an island made the adventure even more thrilling as we nearly boarded a few sea-worthy vessels attempting to back out of a one-way street.
It was cool seeing all your "midshipmen" (editor's note: that's what the students are called- this was another topic of discussion. We knew at Army they are called "cadets," but we were unsure as to the proper title for Navy students; we asked one of the players during a pause in the game.) roaming campus in uniform - and we thought about how cool it would be if all of OUR clothes had our names on them. Laundry would be so much easier.
But I greatly respect what you do. The regiment you live under is incredibly demanding, I know - and that's to be commended. I certainly couldn't do it.
Also, midshipman whoever-he-was that sang the national anthem joined the ranks of Jimi Hendrix and Whitney Houston with his performance before the game. I mean it was unreal. This little baby-faced guy in uniform walked out to midcourt looking like a teenaged Matt Damon.
Then he started singing the national anthem and the voice of God just rocked the entire arena. I mean your boy made the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" guy sound like a little mouse. Seriously.
It was at about this time when things got real. We battled through a sloppy first half and just kept plugging away in the second on our way to a ten-point victory.
Then it was time to boogie back into the locker room - with a win.
Oh, Navy: thank you for the locker room accommodations. The individual vanities made me feel like Marilyn Monroe. It was beautiful. (see below)
Next time, though, could you please turn on the air conditioning? It was 60 degrees outside, which I understand may be chilly for you here in Maryland, but I don't understand why the gym roasted us like Hot Pockets. By the second half the towels on our bench may as well have been underwater.
But I have no problem with a little home-court advantage. It's things like these that make games and seasons fun.
Sincerely,
Mr. Smiley
ps. We are now in Towson to battle your neighbors, the Tigers.
Towson's Arena - sight of tomorrow afternoon's showdown
November 19, 2009
2012
I'm sitting in my hotel room in Annapolis, Maryland getting some R&R after doing a little research on the topic of discussion last night on the bus and during dinner- 2012 and the "end of the world," according to the ancient Mayans.
You see, on the flight from Buffalo I read an article about the catastrophic results that will stem from our melting ice caps. I brought this up with a few teammates who abruptly began sharing new facts from the Discovery Channel about the ancient Mayans' prediction of the beginning of the end of the world in December, 2012.
Apparently the poles will shift, slowly causing absolute havoc complete with terrible storms, tsunamis and earthquakes. This, according to the experts on the Discovery Channel, has actually happened to the Earth before. It's our planet's way of "cleansing" itself.
We've all heard the story of the "face on the moon." Theorists believe that beings before us - who lived on the moon - built it the same way we've built the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Wall of China as a way to remind and show us that they were here. We're not sure of the relevance of this random fact, but it seemed like it had a little to do with our discussion, so we let it go.
Other members of the team pitched in theories they had heard about what will happen on 2012. Someone heard (from an unknown source) that in 2012 the energy in our bodies will become truly aligned and we will become superhuman.
Maybe someday one of our discussions will spur one of us to change the world.
Until that time, I'll simply continue to enjoy and contribute to them every way I can.
But when stuff gets crazy in 2012, don't say we didn't warn you.
You see, on the flight from Buffalo I read an article about the catastrophic results that will stem from our melting ice caps. I brought this up with a few teammates who abruptly began sharing new facts from the Discovery Channel about the ancient Mayans' prediction of the beginning of the end of the world in December, 2012.
Apparently the poles will shift, slowly causing absolute havoc complete with terrible storms, tsunamis and earthquakes. This, according to the experts on the Discovery Channel, has actually happened to the Earth before. It's our planet's way of "cleansing" itself.
We've all heard the story of the "face on the moon." Theorists believe that beings before us - who lived on the moon - built it the same way we've built the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Wall of China as a way to remind and show us that they were here. We're not sure of the relevance of this random fact, but it seemed like it had a little to do with our discussion, so we let it go.
Other members of the team pitched in theories they had heard about what will happen on 2012. Someone heard (from an unknown source) that in 2012 the energy in our bodies will become truly aligned and we will become superhuman.
Maybe someday one of our discussions will spur one of us to change the world.
Until that time, I'll simply continue to enjoy and contribute to them every way I can.
But when stuff gets crazy in 2012, don't say we didn't warn you.
November 16, 2009
Game One
The close ones are the fun ones - but also the toughest to swallow.
Last night we dropped our first game at home to Vermont by one point.
It was a sloppy yet exciting game; frustrating and fun at the same time. Both teams made runs taking the crowd out of the game then bringing them back in until a final free throw put the Catamounts up by one for good.
Games like this lead to a lot of thinking and "what ifs." It's important to focus on what we did well and correct our mistakes in practice before we suit up on Thursday at the Naval Academy.
It was a disappointing start, but there's a lot of season ahead of us. Our upcoming road trip will be a test - at Navy and at Towson - but it is also a great opportunity to play the game we love and get back on track.
Lots of schoolwork to get after today - have to get ahead, we're leaving Wednesday afternoon for Annapolis.
Last night we dropped our first game at home to Vermont by one point.
It was a sloppy yet exciting game; frustrating and fun at the same time. Both teams made runs taking the crowd out of the game then bringing them back in until a final free throw put the Catamounts up by one for good.
Games like this lead to a lot of thinking and "what ifs." It's important to focus on what we did well and correct our mistakes in practice before we suit up on Thursday at the Naval Academy.
It was a disappointing start, but there's a lot of season ahead of us. Our upcoming road trip will be a test - at Navy and at Towson - but it is also a great opportunity to play the game we love and get back on track.
Lots of schoolwork to get after today - have to get ahead, we're leaving Wednesday afternoon for Annapolis.
November 14, 2009
Jump on It
We love our fans.
There's nothing like hearing the roar of the crowd when you're out on the court.
So when we're given an opportunity to interact with fans - especially students - we jump on it.
And on Friday night we did just that - literally.
It was Stay Up UB, a huge slumber party in the student union from 6pm until 2am. Food, games, music and most importantly pajamas kept students fed and entertained. As a kick-off to our season we were asked to do a little special something at about 8 o'clock.
What did we do, you ask?
We challenged our dance team, the Dazzlers, to a little competition. And we were not to be taken lightly.
Dancing to "Jump on It," we had only minutes to rehearse the performance of a lifetime...
Once we hit the dance floor all eyes were on us, and we pulled off the upset of the century.
Buffalo Basketball 1
Dazzlers 0
Rumor has it that our monumental upset was caught on tape. I'm not sure how true that is because I thought my video of our rehearsal was all the evidence that might ever be found. So keep your eyes peeled, as will I, for what may be the greatest dance performance since Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal.
Game day tomorrow.
Time for some rest before seeking a little revenge against Vermont.
There's nothing like hearing the roar of the crowd when you're out on the court.
So when we're given an opportunity to interact with fans - especially students - we jump on it.
And on Friday night we did just that - literally.
It was Stay Up UB, a huge slumber party in the student union from 6pm until 2am. Food, games, music and most importantly pajamas kept students fed and entertained. As a kick-off to our season we were asked to do a little special something at about 8 o'clock.
What did we do, you ask?
We challenged our dance team, the Dazzlers, to a little competition. And we were not to be taken lightly.
Dancing to "Jump on It," we had only minutes to rehearse the performance of a lifetime...
Once we hit the dance floor all eyes were on us, and we pulled off the upset of the century.
Buffalo Basketball 1
Dazzlers 0
Rumor has it that our monumental upset was caught on tape. I'm not sure how true that is because I thought my video of our rehearsal was all the evidence that might ever be found. So keep your eyes peeled, as will I, for what may be the greatest dance performance since Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal.
Game day tomorrow.
Time for some rest before seeking a little revenge against Vermont.
November 11, 2009
The Floating Jersey Effect
I wear my practice jersey backwards.
Somebody has to do it. Before me, someone did. Before him, someone else. After me? I'm sure someone will.
This Smiley kid is just another crazy superstitious athlete.
False. Let me tell you how it all began.
I came into Buffalo a skinny, 155 lb freshman who needed food like a fish needs water. For a little extra "encouragement," my coaches ordered me practice gear a size too big. I would "fill out" and "grow into it," they said.
To my defense I have gained between 15 and 20 lbs since then...but I digress.
My practice jersey sagged like those hand-me-downs from your older, bigger brother. Our jerseys are fashioned like most other jerseys in the world in that they have a V-neck. Well, my XXL-Tall V-neck slung lower than the plunging neckline of a supermodel, leaving all kinds of extra jersey flailing around my scrawny little arms while I played.
Needless to say, this became a bit bothersome.
So to counteract what I like to call the "floating jersey effect," I simply flipped it around. Now, the V-neck was in the back and what was supposed to be the back of the jersey fit snugly up to my neck. All the extra jersey found itself comfortably behind me, out of the way of my arms, the ball and my shot.
Four years later, I still wear my practice jersey backwards. Now it's not so much protection from the "floating jersey effect" - it's more of a silent tribute to those who came before me as well as to the reality that a skinny little guy with a painfully high metabolism can in fact fill out over time.
So to all you little guys out there, keep eating...and be patient, for patience is a virtue, young grasshopper.
Somebody has to do it. Before me, someone did. Before him, someone else. After me? I'm sure someone will.
This Smiley kid is just another crazy superstitious athlete.
False. Let me tell you how it all began.
I came into Buffalo a skinny, 155 lb freshman who needed food like a fish needs water. For a little extra "encouragement," my coaches ordered me practice gear a size too big. I would "fill out" and "grow into it," they said.
To my defense I have gained between 15 and 20 lbs since then...but I digress.
My practice jersey sagged like those hand-me-downs from your older, bigger brother. Our jerseys are fashioned like most other jerseys in the world in that they have a V-neck. Well, my XXL-Tall V-neck slung lower than the plunging neckline of a supermodel, leaving all kinds of extra jersey flailing around my scrawny little arms while I played.
Needless to say, this became a bit bothersome.
So to counteract what I like to call the "floating jersey effect," I simply flipped it around. Now, the V-neck was in the back and what was supposed to be the back of the jersey fit snugly up to my neck. All the extra jersey found itself comfortably behind me, out of the way of my arms, the ball and my shot.
Four years later, I still wear my practice jersey backwards. Now it's not so much protection from the "floating jersey effect" - it's more of a silent tribute to those who came before me as well as to the reality that a skinny little guy with a painfully high metabolism can in fact fill out over time.
So to all you little guys out there, keep eating...and be patient, for patience is a virtue, young grasshopper.
November 7, 2009
Eight Days
I'm just sitting back relaxing on the couch in my living room after another Saturday of basketball.
Today was our first go-round suiting up and playing under the lights; an exhibition game against Daemon College brought fans into Alumni Arena for the first time this season.
We won, but similar to the scrimmage last week, tonight wasn't about the score. It's still time to learn and tonight we learned a lot about ourselves. With one week left until our rematch with Vermont, we know what we have to work on. Eight days and we rock 'n roll.
Tomorrow's staring me in the face with dirty dishes, loads of laundry and a trip to the library among other fun activities (the word "fun" here is being used very loosely) so it's time to get some rest. But not before a final snack before bed because you can never eat too much when you're a skinny little guy like me.
Refresher: darks in cold, colors in warm, whites in hot. Always hang dry to prevent shrinking but don't forget the courtesy spin through the dryer to fluff.
Enjoy your football. Happy Sunday.
Today was our first go-round suiting up and playing under the lights; an exhibition game against Daemon College brought fans into Alumni Arena for the first time this season.
We won, but similar to the scrimmage last week, tonight wasn't about the score. It's still time to learn and tonight we learned a lot about ourselves. With one week left until our rematch with Vermont, we know what we have to work on. Eight days and we rock 'n roll.
Tomorrow's staring me in the face with dirty dishes, loads of laundry and a trip to the library among other fun activities (the word "fun" here is being used very loosely) so it's time to get some rest. But not before a final snack before bed because you can never eat too much when you're a skinny little guy like me.
Refresher: darks in cold, colors in warm, whites in hot. Always hang dry to prevent shrinking but don't forget the courtesy spin through the dryer to fluff.
Enjoy your football. Happy Sunday.
October 31, 2009
A Real Opponent
Ever since our final game of the season last year, we've seen nothing but a whole lot of blue and white in the gym.
Postseason, summer and fall workouts match us up against a whole lot of ourselves. For anyone who has played pickup basketball, you know it can be fun going up against close friends - it can lead to some very competitive ball as well.
For six and a half months, the University at Buffalo Men's Basketball team has been at each other's throats. And it's not just basketball; we compete day in and day out at everything from video games to favorite sports teams' successes and failures (Steelers, Penguins and Chicago Bulls, if you were wondering. So yeah, I've had a pretty good run this year) to who can cook the best chicken.
Then we woke up this morning.
It was time, for the first time in over a half-year, to compete against somebody who doesn't wear "Buffalo" across his chest.
So at eight o'clock this morning we headed to Denny's. Our everyday breakfast spot over Christmas break (dining halls are closed, fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) would prematurely host us before our trip to St. Bonaventure...bus leaves at nine.
...you'll have to pardon me if I begin to wander or sound disjointed - I'm writing this while watching Halloween on TV. Michael Myers just seems to get to me sometimes. I don't know if it's the mask, the knife, the screaming or the fact that the guy just doesn't ever die...
We boarded the bus promptly at nine and pulled out of the parking lot even more promptly at approximately 9:30 (note sarcasm). The ride is a roller coaster of weather-beaten country roads that literally had us out of our seats on more than one occasion. In between swallowing our stomachs and clutching our seats for dear life, we spotted far more cows than people outside - as well as very limited cell phone service (by very limited, I mean zero bars).
St. Bonnie's graciously offered up their finest locker room accommodations, and 15 oversized basketball players cozily suited up in a room with ample space for no more than ten middle school cross-country runners (this much is expected on the road).
When we squeezed out of the locker room it was all business. We took the court with a gameday mindset and didn't stop working until the scheduled three 20-minute sessions had ended. Ultimately we had "won" the scrimmage, but it's about getting better at this point and I think we did some things today better than we had several days ago. That's progress, and progress over the course of our long season will put us in good situations down the road.
We were out of St. Bonnie's as quickly as we had gotten there (save a few extra minutes to shower - no soap and hand towels were readily available). Before we knew it our Subway bags were empty and we were fighting to get comfortable on the bumpy trip home.
About two hours (and a handful of early bird trick-or-treaters) later, I find myself here in bed, watching Michael Myers brutally attack anyone dumb enough to venture into a dark room without first turning on the lights. It was a long day for only 60 minutes of basketball, but it's 60 minutes I wouldn't have rather spent doing anything else.
I remember youth basketball years ago, spending Saturdays in the gym then going home to watch college basketball on TV, telling Mom and Dad I wanted that to be me when I grew up. Now here I am, on a team of great players, still having fun on Saturdays.
Oh- Michael Myers just claimed another victim.
Happy Halloween
Postseason, summer and fall workouts match us up against a whole lot of ourselves. For anyone who has played pickup basketball, you know it can be fun going up against close friends - it can lead to some very competitive ball as well.
For six and a half months, the University at Buffalo Men's Basketball team has been at each other's throats. And it's not just basketball; we compete day in and day out at everything from video games to favorite sports teams' successes and failures (Steelers, Penguins and Chicago Bulls, if you were wondering. So yeah, I've had a pretty good run this year) to who can cook the best chicken.
Then we woke up this morning.
It was time, for the first time in over a half-year, to compete against somebody who doesn't wear "Buffalo" across his chest.
So at eight o'clock this morning we headed to Denny's. Our everyday breakfast spot over Christmas break (dining halls are closed, fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) would prematurely host us before our trip to St. Bonaventure...bus leaves at nine.
...you'll have to pardon me if I begin to wander or sound disjointed - I'm writing this while watching Halloween on TV. Michael Myers just seems to get to me sometimes. I don't know if it's the mask, the knife, the screaming or the fact that the guy just doesn't ever die...
We boarded the bus promptly at nine and pulled out of the parking lot even more promptly at approximately 9:30 (note sarcasm). The ride is a roller coaster of weather-beaten country roads that literally had us out of our seats on more than one occasion. In between swallowing our stomachs and clutching our seats for dear life, we spotted far more cows than people outside - as well as very limited cell phone service (by very limited, I mean zero bars).
St. Bonnie's graciously offered up their finest locker room accommodations, and 15 oversized basketball players cozily suited up in a room with ample space for no more than ten middle school cross-country runners (this much is expected on the road).
When we squeezed out of the locker room it was all business. We took the court with a gameday mindset and didn't stop working until the scheduled three 20-minute sessions had ended. Ultimately we had "won" the scrimmage, but it's about getting better at this point and I think we did some things today better than we had several days ago. That's progress, and progress over the course of our long season will put us in good situations down the road.
We were out of St. Bonnie's as quickly as we had gotten there (save a few extra minutes to shower - no soap and hand towels were readily available). Before we knew it our Subway bags were empty and we were fighting to get comfortable on the bumpy trip home.
About two hours (and a handful of early bird trick-or-treaters) later, I find myself here in bed, watching Michael Myers brutally attack anyone dumb enough to venture into a dark room without first turning on the lights. It was a long day for only 60 minutes of basketball, but it's 60 minutes I wouldn't have rather spent doing anything else.
I remember youth basketball years ago, spending Saturdays in the gym then going home to watch college basketball on TV, telling Mom and Dad I wanted that to be me when I grew up. Now here I am, on a team of great players, still having fun on Saturdays.
Oh- Michael Myers just claimed another victim.
Happy Halloween
October 28, 2009
Welcome To Beyond the Arc
October in Buffalo is infamous for bringing cold weather.
But no matter what it’s like outside, October also brings the beginning of basketball season.
For the last four years I’ve welcomed the frigid temperatures knowing that just around the corner, I would be stepping back onto the court for another season as a Buffalo Bull.
This year, my fifth and final season donning the royal blue and white, is no different; only this time around, walking into our first official day of practice, expectations run high.
The first day of practice carries a uniqueness that is unsurpassed by any other practice all season. Everything finally comes together as last season’s successes and failures are formally put to bed while a summertime of hard work gets an opportunity to be put on display.
That in mind, we headed into practice on October 16th ready to wheel and deal. The energy was high, the mood was good and as first practices go, the night whistled along beautifully.
A great start to what should be an even greater season.
It had been just four short years ago on the same October night … I had laced up my size-12 Nikes (I wear an 11 1/2, but as a freshman have little pull in the equipment room shuffle; an extra pair of socks would have to do), and marched onto the Alumni Arena floor for my introduction to college basketball.
Coming from Erie, Pa., I had only witnessed big-time college basketball on television. Erie is home to two Division-II basketball teams who draw “large” crowds of two to three thousand fans for a big game. At Buffalo I walked into a seven thousand-seat arena everyday and have played on the road in front of as many as 25,000 screaming fans.
For one, final season, I am a part of the magic that is college basketball. Now I am living the dream I’d had since my second birthday when my inaugural shot on a brand new hoop swished cleanly through the net.
Through hard work, grueling road trips, fantastic victories and bumps in the road, the 2009-2010 Buffalo Bulls will make sure of one thing: we will never lose sight of our goal. This season follow me from Beyond the Arc through a season that promises to be one to remember.
See you at Alumni Arena!!!
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