Nov. 24, 2010
Happy Feast Week `Cat Backers!
I've been thinking, `Jeff Ryan's Basketball Blog' really doesn't have the same ring to it as `Drew's Views' but there isn't much else we can do, is there? It's like that comic strip from a while back, Rhymes with Orange--nothing rhymes with orange! Anyway, since the premiere of said blog, the team has traveled almost 3,000 miles, John Shurna has hit 11 treys, and we've come away with three victories. We're pleased with the 3-0 start, but very eager to keep the ball rolling.
This truly is one of the best times of the year for college basketball. Although we aren't playing any games this week, the next best thing is watching the great selection of early season matchups. Hence, I'm tuning into ESPN's `Feast Week' to catch some Maui Invitational and CBE Classic games as I write. It's become second nature for our team to turn on the TV before or after practice to watch highlights from games across the country, but I'd venture a guess that earlier generations of NU players didn't have quite the same experience.
The media coverage of college basketball is at an unbelievably high level today. Even looking back just five years, the growth of social media and technology has completely changed the landscape for fans--and we players consider ourselves to be fans too! If you're willing to sift through all of the content (because it seems like everyone wants to chime in with a story) it's really interesting to learn about so many different aspects of the game.
In our team's case, the Big Ten Network has been a blessing. It gives the conference the opportunity to showcase not only a great variety of collegiate athletics, but also additional events and activities from each campus, including academic programming. As a result of BTN's success, other conferences are hoping to replicate the same formula.
But speaking of blessings, and in honor of the holiday, it's time to shift gears because I'd like to highlight a few of the reasons why my teammates and I are thankful to be Wildcats.
The Fans
We can't say enough about our fans. Simply put: the more purple in the stands, the better. My teammates can attest that there's no better feeling than circling the court high-fiving you guys after a big win. Welsh-Ryan is such a great atmosphere when the student section is packed, the pep band is in full force and the fight song gets everyone on their feet. Last week's home opener was a great start; let's continue to make Evanston a tough place for opponents to play!
The Athletic Department
Without the athletic department, nothing would be possible. The wonderful people working in Anderson Hall--administrators, marketing and communications directors, academic advisors--provide us with all of the necessary resources for success on and off the court. It is a pleasure to continue representing this great group.
More Support Behind-the-Scenes
Our basketball program includes a number of other individuals who deserve special thanks. The athletic training staff, including our equipment managers and student trainers, continues to make sure that we are prepared to perform at a high level each and every day. The strength and conditioning staff works tirelessly (to motivate us to work tirelessly) so that we can compete in the best conference in the country. Finally, our student managers put in a great deal of time and effort to make sure things run smoothly in practices and games--it's a good thing we have some intelligent guys on the sideline, because the amount of stats they keep each day is mind-boggling!
Well, that's my basketball-themed homage to Thanksgiving. Enjoy your turkey and stay warm--according to the forecast, JerShon Cobb could be getting his first look at snow! We'll see you on Sunday as we take on the Creighton Bluejays.
Go `Cats!