Wayne23

April 30, 2046: I just retired after 5 years as UMass head coach. I won 4 national titles, missing only in year 4, when we had a bunch of late season injuries and lost in the national title game by 4. 211-9, .959 including those 30 I coached for Dave, 186-4, .980 officially. Bobby moved to UConn 2 years ago and his team finished #3 last year. I got out partially to give him his shot at winning some titles. Dave is coaching Davey at Cranston High. Davey made 1st team all state as a soph and was an honorable mention nationally. He’s already 6-7, 248. That’s it. I’m looking forward to travel, time at our place on the Cape, and an easy life. Dave wants me to be his assistant at Cranston, but I think I’ve had enough. It was great though.

March 5: 4 leave for the NBA. No surprise. PF Rob Loos #8, PG Jeff Andt #9 on Norton. Neither is going pro. March 12: We win the A10 easily. 32-0, 18-0. #1, #1. #1 in the East. March 19: Won our 1st 2 NCAA games, by 44 and 32. March 26: Beat URI by 44, Seton Hall by 33 and we’re back in the Final Four. My toughest job is convincing my guys they need to play hard, not just show up. I have to convince myself of that, too. We sign a PG. He’s a gamble but we need players. Still chasing an SF. April 1: 89-64 over #4 seed in the Midwest, Louisville. It’s #2 seed in the South Ohio ST, 31-5 for the title. April 3: 76-54 over Ohio ST and a fourpeat! We got into foul trouble so the bench took over, scoring 33, with 18 RBs. We won’t be as deep next year but we’ll be tough. April 4: Awards: Rob Loos is Final Four MOP, Mel Shep is Def. POY, Rob and Jeff Andt make 2nd team All American. Guess who’s national COY? Yep! In conf. Rob is POY, frosh OY, Mel is Def. POY. Jeff, Rob, Mel, and Greg Rodd make 1st team, Kris Payd and sub Gee Ford make 2nd. April 9: I’m not going anywhere. I am pretty impressed by the schools that called though. We sign the SF. He's another gamble. Dave did something as a middle school coach that he never did as an NCAA coach. He signed a shoe contract. “Hey, NiBalFoot gave me $2 million a year for 5 years. My family’s all set now. I’ve resisted so far. Jean and I are all set up for a comfortable retirement. Dave spent so much on May that he really wasn’t. April 23: I ask for a facilities upgrade. Got it. A+ facilities. Shay Span is the first player in NCAA history to win 4 national titles. My record for the season is a perfect 38-0. Lifetime, 63-5, .927 (although those 25 and 5 don’t count officially).

January 1, 2042: Jean and I had a glass of wine and barely made it to midnight. I had a game and didn’t get home until after 11:00. She had the night off. Jan. 14: An 11 point win over LaSalle. We didn’t play well, and it wasn’t really that close. We were never in danger. Jan. 22: 20-0, 9-0, #1, #1. Jan. 29: All 3 recruits hit our SAT #. We still have 2 to fill but the pickings are a bit slim. Feb. 26: Starting PG Kris Payd missed 4 games with a bruised thigh. Shay Span came in for him and we won all 4 easily. We end the regular season 29-0, 18-0, up by 4 over GW, 5 or more over the rest. +27.9 PPG, +11.9 RBs, +9.0 TOs, +8.5 assists. #1, #1, 1st in the country in points, RBs, assists, blocks. Jeff Andt is #1 in assists, Mel Shep #1 in blocks, Rob Loos is #2 in RBs, #4 in blocks.

(Author’s Note: I am only going to hit the highlights until the post season.) Nov. 27: 3-0. 22 point win was the closest game. It’s really a great feeling to walk onto the floor as the head coach. Sure, I did it 30 times for Dave, but this is different. I am now an official head coach. It’s a whole lot of work but I’m loving it so far. We play #2 Tennessee this week. Nov. 29: 101-73 over #2 Tenn. After 4 wins, all members of starting 5 averaging 12.3 or more. My assistants are great. Dave really USED his assistants. Hard headed as he was he valued input and made all of his assistants feel important. I am doing my best to follow that example. Dec. 16: We beat Penn ST by only 16. Closest game of the season to date. Dec. 18: Won the Las Vegas Winter Jam (40 pt. win in the title game). We’re 9-0. Jean comes to all of our home games. “So I don’t forget what you look like.” On my way to the bench before each game, I stop and kiss her. That’s not a gesture for the crowd; it’s because after 40 years I still love her as much- heck MORE than ever. If we haven’t seen much of each other we chat for a bit. Dec. 20: Beat #3 FL by 22. Dec. 27: We end the pre-conf. season 11-0 with a 14 pt. win over KY- closest game so far. +25 PPG, +12.4 RBs, +8.4 TOs, +8.5 assists. Still 5 guys averaging 11.2 or more. We are #1 in the country in points, RBs, assists and blocks as a team. Rob Loos is #1 in RBs, Jeff Andt #1 in assists, Mel Shep #1 in blocks. We managed to get everyone together for a couple of hours on XMas day. It was great. Bobby and Jeffy both brought girlfriends. Weddings ahead? Bobby has Dartmouth at 7-5. They haven’t had a winning season in 8 years. Davey’s team is undefeated. “I’m a coachin’ genius!” Dave is the king of middle school hoops!

May 1: Preseason #1. (Author’s Note: Correction- Jeffy went with Bobby, not Dave.) June 6: We look at a couple of transfers, offer to an SG from Michigan. June 12: Nope. Being a head coach is a LOT of work. I knew that but living it is something else. Jean says she never sees me. She certainly sees me less. When I’m not on the road I have dinner at home, or we go out, and I find time to spend with her every day, but I’m on the road a lot more. June 26: 5 scholarships. Looking at 6 guards, 4 bigs. July 22: We ran kid camps for two weeks. Dave was one of the coaches and Davey was at camp, as were Bobby and Jeffy as coaches. It was great to have all of them with us. I’m still working LOTS of hours. Aug. 7: Norton list: #3 PF Mel Shep, #4 SF Greg Rodd, #5 PG Kris Payd, #6 C Gee Ford, #8 PG Jeff Andt, #9 PF Rob Loos, #27 PG Shay Span, #40 SG Ed Yan. Aug. 21: We offer to PG, 2SG, PF, C. Sept.: 18: Got PF, SG, PG, lost an SG. We’re at the Las Vegas Winter Jam. Tough schedule but we’re #1. Sept. 25: We lose two. Back to the list. Oct. 2: Maybe the best team we’ve had yet. Lost 2 more. Picked #1 in the A10. Nov. 6: This may be the best team anyone’s ever had. Frosh Kris Payd and soph Jeff Andt start outside, backed by sr. Shay Span and frosh Ed Yan. Soph Mel Shep, and frosh Gee Ford and Rob Loos are the big guys, backed by frosh Greg Robb. I have 3 other guys who could start anywhere but can’t get time here. We start here with Cent. Mich. then Iowa.

Feb. 5: 73-55 with Duquesne. 18, 11 for Jam, 15, 2, 7 for Jeff. 6 and 36. 75-39 at E. Car. 17, 13 for Jam, big games all around. 12, 45. So much for the #2 team in A10. Ty Padd hurt his arm and Mel Shep his back. Both day to day. We have a week off. Then 3 games the following week. Here with #16 Dayton, 19-5, 9-4, at Fordham, 10-10, 7-4, at URI, 14-7, 9-3. Feb. 12: Jam is #4, Jeff #13, Mel #19 on the Norton list. Evidently Dave and Beth are together. They aren’t living together but everything else. Good. I wish them both happiness. People ask me why Dave is so much less grumpy. Well, that’s not too hard. Two straight national titles, we win almost every game. He can still be tough on the guys and on the refs, but he has less occasion to be. Feb. 19: 82-44 with #16 Dayton. 19, 11 for Jam. 10, 43. 79-68 at Fordham. 16, 12, 2, 3 for Mel, 14, 10, 4, 2, 2 for Jam, 17, 4, 3 for Quin. 10, 39. 86-65 at URI. 25, 7, 2, 5 for Ram, 15, 12 for Jam, 16, 3, 9 for Jeff. 8, 34. We’re 4 up with 2 to play. Still #1, RPI #1. 15-12, 7-9 GW is here, then we’re at 10-14, 5-10 Davidson to end the reg. season. Feb. 26: 85-55 with GW. 6 in doubles, 3 others had good games. 6 and 34. 72-46 at Davidson. Lots of good games. 5 and 41. Heading into the post season we’re 29-1, 18-0. +22.4 PPG, +10.4 RBs, +7.3 TOs, +5.7 assists. 1st in the nation in RBs and blocks, 2nd in scoring and assists. Jam is #1 in RBs, #2 in blocks. Jeff is #1 in assists. March 5: We lose Jam Bard and Ram May to the NBA. Surprised it was only two! Jam is #2, Jeff #9 on the Norton list. March 6: We’ll play #9 seed Fordham, 12-16. 2 season ending injuries at this time last year. If we stay healthy I don’t think we can lose. But then we did once. March 7: 71-49 over Fordham. 16, 10, 3, 2, 3 for Jam. 11, 35. #4 seed East Carolina, 18-10, in the semis. March 8: 64-40 over E. Car. 22, 14 for Jam. 5, 36. #3 seed LaSalle, 16-14 for the title. March 9: 73-36 over LaSalle and another A10 title. 25, 8, 4 for Quin, 9 and 47. March 12: Can’t imagine we won’t be #1 overall. NOT #1 in the East! #1 in the polls and in RPI all year long. This makes no sense. “We’ll beat ‘em anyway. NOT #1 in the Midwest! Even more unbelievable. #1 South. “I said it before but the selection committee is brain dead.” Every TV, radio and newspaper sports personality in the world seems to agree. We’ll play 16-15 Campbell. “Hell, in a way it’s easier. The #1s ahead of us gotta play each other in the semifinal.” March 17: 81-54 over Campbell. 20, 14 for Jam, 12, 11, 2, 4, 2 for mel, 6 in doubles. 12 and 39. #9 seed Michigan, 20-10 is next. March 19: 89-52 over Michigan. 28, 13 for Jam, 17, 9 for Mel. 5 and 42. It’s #8 ranked, #5 seed (How does that HAPPEN!) New Mexico ST, 27-5, in the Sweet 16. We beat them by 16 to open the season. March 24: 76-49 over #8 NM ST. 11 and 34. No standout performances but lots of guys played well and the D was great. #10 seed Albany, 22-10, knocked off #7 and #2 so we play them in the Elite 8. March 26: 83-56 over Albany and back to the Final Four. 22, 17 for Jam. 5 and 45. We haven’t come close to being challenged yet. It’s a rematch with #4 ranked Louisville, 31-6, in the round of 4. We won by 15 in the title game of the NIT. April 1: 82-65 over #4 Louisville. 18, 15, 3, 2, 3 for Jam, 12, 13 for mel, good games by 7 guys. 14 and 53. We’ll play for the title against #1 overall, #2 ranked Ohio ST, 35-2. We beat them by 13 in the NIT. We’ve not been seriously challenged, or at all challenged in the 2nd half for the entire tourney. With Ohio ST we can’t let their PG do what he likes to do. It’s really that simple- to say… April 3: Threepeat! 90-69 over #2 Ohio ST. 23 each for Jeff and Ram, 22, 13 for jam. They took an early 8 point lead but we turned it around and went into the locker room up 6. We started the 2nd with an 18-5 run and that was that. April 4: Awards: Jam got the Final Four MOP, Mel Shep got Def. POY. Jam made 1st team All American, Jeff Andt made 2nd team. Dave got the national COY. In conf., Jam was POY, Jeff was frosh POY, Mel was Def. POY. All 3 plus Quin Aka made 1st team. April 9: “Give me somethin’ interestin’ an’ we’ll go.” (Author’s note: Something interesting is the game getting stuck exiting Awards. This happened a few years ago and I barely saved it. Stay tuned... Saved it!) Bobby is the new head coach at Dartmouth. I’m thrilled! Then in a MAJOR shock Dave announced that he is taking a new coaching job. “I’m the new head coach at Cranston Middle School. My family is moving back there in June and I plan to Coach Davey’s team. I signed a contract to do that for his 6th, 7th and 8th grade years an’ then to coach him at Cranston High. UMass offered me the head coaching job. With Bobby and Dave both gone I’m not sure. I got calls from schools all over the country. I always got some but folks knew I was sticking with Dave. When he made his announcement I said I was open to becoming a head coach. I traveled to visit Arizona ST, Berkeley, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma ST, Wisconsin, and Wake Forest. I then accepted the head coaching job at… UMass! Sandy loves it here, and so do I. We’re losing all our big men except one, and a couple of guards, so a fourpeat won’t be easy, but let’s see what happens- esp. to my 25-5 lifetime record! I signed a 5 year contract. I expect I’ll retire when the contract is up. I’ll be 67. Never know, of course. Jeffy also went with Dave so I’m hiring a whole new staff. April 23: I ask for a facilities upgrade. Nope. We end up 38-1 again, with our 3rd title in a row. Dave retires at 650-224, .744. Not bad! I’m at 25-5 unofficially. (Author's Note: I'll keep this going under the same name.)

January 1, 2041: 81-52 at GW. 18, 27, 3. 8 and 50. 69-50 with Rutgers. 23, 14, 2 for Jam. 10 and 41. 75-51 with ST Bonnie’s. 18, 11 for Jam, 18 for Jeff. 14 and 32. 86-57 with ST Joe’s. Good team effort except only 21 RBs. At 6-6, 3-0 LaSalle, then at 4-8, 0-3 Duquesne. We’re 14-1, 3-0. +19.4 PPG, +10.5 RBs, +5.3 TOs, +5.3 assists. #1 nationally in RBs and blocks, #2 in scoring, #3 in assists. Jam is 2nd nationally in both RBs and blocks. Jan. 8: 76-59 at LaSalle. 22, 12 for Jam, 11 and 36. 67-43 at Duquesne. 28, 19 for Jam, 9 and 46, never trailed. 9-5, 4-1 Davidson here, then at 8-5, 0-4 ST Bonnie’s. Jan. 15: 77-54 with Davidson. 5 and 33. We were a little flat tonight. Dave got on the guys pretty good after the game. “An’ I d*mn well will at practice too!” 71-54 at ST Bonnie’s. 26, 12 for Jam, 8 and 45. 1-15, 0-7 Geo. Mason is here this week. Jan. 22: 78-56 over Geo. Mason. 8, 28. 7 guys played well. We dished to everyone tonight, 22 assists on 29 baskets. 3 this week, STL, 10-7, 5-3 is here. Then we go to 7-10, 4-4 Richmond, then 10-8, 4-5 VCU is here. Jan. 29: 93-64 with STL. 19 each for Jeff and Ram, 14, 11, 3, 7, 2 for Mel. 13, 36. 86-45 at Richmond. 7 in doubles, 5, 36. 76-47 with VCU. 26, 14 for Jam. 17, 39. “They’ll hear about 17 TOs!” 6-12, 2-7 Duquesne is here, then we’re at 13-6, 9-1 East Carolina. We’re only 1 up on E. Car. 2 on URI, 4 or more on the rest. Jam is #2 on the Norton list, Jeff #9, Mel #14, Quin $17.

Dec. 11: 79-43 over Cincy. Never a game. All 5 starters in double figures and Ty Padd and B.J. Lenn played great from the bench. We played everybody. 10 and 55. “Sh*t, this is too easy. I miss the struggle.” “Be careful what you ask for, Dave.” Jean’s friend from the hospital, Beth was here the other night when Dave came over. They’re both single. They hit it off. Let’s see what happens. At #18 Temple, 6-2. We beat them by 18 in the NIT. Dec. 18: 65-74. Couldn’t make a shot, 26.5%, 27.8% on threes. “Don’t matter how good you are ya gotta make shots.” 8-3 Oregon ST is here. Dec. 25: 67-48 over Ore. ST. 5 and 44, good games all around. A 4 game week to start conf. play. At 7-3 GW, then home for 3, 6-4 Rutgers (not in the A10), 8-1 ST Bonnie’s, and 6-3 ST Joe’s. It was a quiet XMas with Dave and the boys and our family. Sandy and Barb, who’ve been together for quite a while, told us they plan to get married. Bobby dates, but there’s never been anyone special. He says he’d love to meet the right person. He very much wants a family. Jeffy has been dating the same girl for almost a year. He’s not saying anything about plans. “I been seein’ Beth. Goin’ over later this evenin’.” Jean really likes Beth. They’ve been friends for years. It’s sort of surprising Beth and Dave never met since both are here often- well, Dave all but lives here. Beth is about 10 years younger than Dave and I. She has two grown daughters.

Nov. 20: 78-62 over N. Mex. ST. 20, 3, 3, 3 for Jeff Andt, 21, 3 for Mel Shep, 15, 7, 3, 3 for Quin Aka, 13, 5 for Jam Bard but he fouled out in only 25 min. 12 TOs, 32 RBs. #12 seed, #16 ranked Temple, 1-0, is next. 91-73 over #16 Temple. 17, 12, 2 for Jam, 19 each for Jeff and Quin, 14, 3 for Ram May. 12 and 38. #1 seed, #1 ranked Ohio ST in the semis. 87-74 over #1 Ohio ST. 19 each for Jeff and Quin, 14, 9 for jam. 12 and 34. We have LOTS of weapons, both inside and out. #2 seed, #4 ranked Louisville for the NIT title. 85-70 over #2 Louisville for the NIT title. 20 eaxch for Jam and Quin, 15, 3, 4 for Jeff, 13, 9, 3, 4, 4 for Mel Ship at PF. “I’m guessin’ we’re gonna go a long way again this year.” At 0-1 OK ST, and then at 1-1 KY this week. Nov. 27: 79-63 at OK ST. 20, 11 for Jam, big #s all around, 14 and 38. 71-59 at KY. 22, 13 for jam, 20, 5, 4 for Jeff but 9 TOs. 16 and 41. 1-2 LSU is here, then we go to 2-0 Memphis. Dec. 4: 92-50 with LSU. 21, 6, 8 for Jeff, 21 for Quin. 5 and 45. 64-51 at Memphis. 17, 5, 4 for Quin. 38 RBs, but 20 TOs. Home with 3-3 Cincinnati this week.

June 6: Nobody in the transfer pool. #2 preseason behind Ohio ST. Jeffy finished his graduate work in statistics in May and he is now our scouting assistant. He’s not that great with people but he’s magic with analysis and with numbers. I’m the bench coach and Bobby is the recruiter, but he helps a lot at practice, too. He really is ready to be a #1. Hopefully in the spring. "Nah, I think we’ll win it again." June 26: Ric Hemp drafted #3. We have 6 to fill. At least 3 guards. Davey was with us for both weeks of kid camp. He was the best PF of all the kids except for a few h.s. jrs. And srs. Aug. 7: 7 on the Norton list: #3: PF Mel Shep, #4: C Jam Bard, #5: PG Jeff Andt, #6: SF Ram May, #12: SF Quin Aka, #25: SF Ty Padd, #30: PG Shay Span. “No woman on the horizon, Dave?” “I just ain’t interested. I guess I ain’t over May yet.” “It’s been a long time.” “I know, but inside it ain’t been very long at all.” “If you meet the right person that will change.” “I already met the right person- twice.” Aug. 21: We offer to 3 bigs, 3 guards. Sept.: 18: Got a PG, an SG, an SF, and a C. Lost 2. Going to the NIT against New Mex. ST. Mostly ranked teams before conf. play. Sept. 25: Got a PF but everyone else we’re watching signed elsewhere. Looking at some new guys. Oct. 2: We’ve got 9 who could start for anybody. Only 3 guards though; the 4th isn’t ready. We’re picked 1st in the A10 again. Oct. 9: Lost another recruit. Nov. 6: Frosh Jeff Andt and senior Quin Aka at the guards, backed by junior Shay Span. Frosh Ram May and senior Ty Padd will split the time at SF. SOph Jam Bard and frosh Mel Shep start inside, backed by senior B.J. Lenn. As was the case last year, senior Dave Mert is fighting for minutes. We’re the #4 seed at the NIT, playing New Mex. ST.

March 5: As expected, Ric declare for the draft. We’re shocked that Jam didn’t! Jam is still #2 on the Norton list. March 6: We’ll face #9 seed Fordham, 13-15, in the round of 8. March 7: 90-44 over Fordham in an immensely costly win. Ric Hemp broke his arm and he’ through for the season. Jam banged his head and only played 9 min. (but he’s fine and will be back for our next game), and Ric’s injury happened late in the first half. Shay Span at guard had 16, 5, 4, and Dave Mert, inside, had 17, 6, 3, 2. Those two, as well as B. J. Lenn, will get more minutes. “I STILL think we can win the whole thing.” #5 seed LaSalle, 16-13, 10-8, in the semis. March 8: 75-53 over LaSalle. 23, 5, 3, 3 for Quin, 16, 10 for Jam. We never trailed. #3 seed Dayton, 21-8, 12-6, for the title. March 9: 71-60 over Dayton for the title. 17, 7, 4 for Jam, 14, 3, 4 for Quin, 12 and 12 for Dave. 14 and 39. The big question is whether we’ll get the #1 seed. Sometimes they take a major injury into account. “I don’t care. We gotta beat ‘em all anyways.” March 12: #1 in the East! March 14: We play Milwaukee, winner of the play in. March 16: 73-54 over Milwaukee. 16, 8, 2, 1, 3 for Jam, 17, 2, 4, 2 for Quin, 14 for Shay, 9, 5, 2 for Jay. #8 seed DePaul, 25-8, is next. March 18: 89-66. 20 for Jam, 21 for Quin, 15 for Jay, 14 for Shay. We lose a guard and our RBs go down? All 4 games since Ric left. #4 seed, #18 ranked UConn in the Sweet Sixteen. They’re the only team that beat us this season. March 23: 67-57. It’s amazing. B.J. Lenn fell and broke his leg! 25, 3, 3 for Shay, 11, 8, 2 for Jam, 11, 5, 5, 3 for Quin. 14 and 30. “Yeah, I guess ya could say we had our share a bad luck this post season. But I’ll tell ya what, an’ alla you write this down. Don’t count us out. We’re plannin’ ta defend our title! My boys are ready ta take what we’re dealt and move on.” #3 seed, #3 ranked Charlotte, 33-2, 15-1, is up in the Elite Eight. How does the #3 team get a #3 seed? March 25: 64-56 and we’re in the final four! 18, 15, 2, 2, 5 for Jam, 10, 11 for Dave, 11, 2, 6, 4 for Quin, 12, 3, 3 for Jay, 9, 7, 3, 4 for Ty Padd from the bench. 8 and 40. “We gotta play together and we are!” It’s #2 ranked Tennessee, 33-4 in the round of four. We beat them by only 4 to win the Coaches’ Classic. This won’t be easy! Davey has been with us for the entire postseason and, of course, he’s here in Atlanta for the big games. March 31: ST Louis won the NIT. April 1: 89-70! We beat Tennessee and we play for the national title for the third straight year, looking to win it for the second! 26, 2, 5, 4 for POG Quin, 24 and great D for Jam, 12, 9 for ty from the bench. +5 TOs. #4 Louisville, 33-5, for the title. We beat them by 18 when we were at full strength. “If we win this d*mn thing people better say we earned it! Playin’ #2, 3, 4, right in a row, 2 guys out with injuries.” April 3: 87-67! We never trailed! 24, 12, 4 blocks for Jam, 25, 3, 2, 2 for jay, 18, 4, 5, 3, 3 for Quin, 9, 9 for Dave, 5, 4, 9 for Shay who did all we asked after Ric went down, and 6, 9, 1, 3, 2 for Ty from the bench. What a year, and especially, what a postseason! We lose Ric, Dave, Jay, and Clif Perl, but we have some great guys back and some really promising kids coming in. B.J. will be healthy and ready in plenty of time. April 4: Awards: Jam got the Final Four MOP and 1st team. I’m absolutely shocked that Ric didn’t make All American, even 2nd team. Dave got national COY again. In conf., Jam was POY, frosh OY, Def. POY, 1st team with Ric and Quin. I thought Jay might get 2nd, but it didn’t happen. “Any chance we move, Dave?” “It would be tough. I’d love ta threepeat. Only Wooden ever did that.” We stay. Dave said some very good schools called. Bobby got a couple of offers. He very much wants to be a head coach but he didn’t think the schools that called were the right ones. He and I discussed it while he was thinking it over, and I agreed. No hurry. April 23: We ask for a budget increase. Wow! $45,000 increase! I guess back to back titles counts for something! The A.D. says we’ve brought a lot of money and recognition to UMass. Dave and all of us also got raises. We end with another title and with only a loss to UConn early, 38-1. Dave is now 612-223, .733. Reputation is 91.

Jam Bard is #2 on the Norton list and Quin Aka #25. No clue why Ric Hemp wasn’t nominated. Feb. 5: 68-47 with Richmond. 16, 14, 2, 2, 2 for Jam, 19 for Ric, 14, 4 for Jay. 11 and 35. 83-51 vs. E. Car. 20, 3, 1, 3 for Quin, 12, 12 for jam, 21 for Ric. 10, 33. At #19 Dayton, 17-5, 10-3, then here with 4-17, 0-12 Duquesne. Feb. 12: 65-55 at #19 Dayton. 15, 14, 3, 2, 6 for Jam. Seems like whenever we needed something he gave it to us. 14, 6, 3 for Ric. They played us tough. Our D made the difference. Dave got a T after a horrible call. It was his first of the season. 80-50 with Duquesne. 21, 12 for Jam, 15, 4, 7 for Ric14, 3, 5, 4 for Quin. 4 TOs all game. At 19-4, 12-2 URI They’re the only team that can catch us, 2 back with 4 to play. Then at STL, 14-9, 9-5. Tough week. Dave is letting the guys know that they need to bring it. Jam is still #2 on the Norton. Feb. 19: 77-69 at URI. 19, 2, 7 for Ric, 16, 7 for Jam, 16, 4, 2, 6 for Quin. We had to fight for this one, and we did! 92-65 at STL. 44, 16, 3 for Jam (WOW!). 8 and 37. We’ve clinched the regular season. 8-18, 4-13 VCU here, then at 8-17, 3-13 Richmond to end the reg. season. Feb. 26: 71-55 with VCU. 20, 20 for Jam, 13, 3, 5 for Ric. 11 and 43. 72-51 at Richmond. 17, 12 for Jam, 21, 7, 6, 4 for Quin, 15, 3, 5 for Ric. 7 and 36. Jam is 2nd in RBs, 2nd in blocks nationally. As a team we’re 1st in scoring, RBs, assists, 2nd in blocks. 29-1, 18-0, 4 up on URI, 6 or more on the rest, #1, #1.

January 1, 2040: 87-50 with Syr. 8, 15, 5, 2 for Jam, 18 for Ric, 17 for Quin. 9 TOs (+17). Clif Perl sprained a toe. About 10 days. 11-1 in the pre conf. season. 75-51 at Duquesne. 26, 10 for Jam, 18, 7, 3 for Ric. 4 and 30. 84-57 with Davidson. 22, 4, 7 for Ric, 17, 9, 2, 3, 6 for Jam, 15, 9, 4 for Quin. 11 and 34. 76-55 at LaSalle. 22, 19 for Jam, 12 each for Ric and Dave Mert. 13 and 51. Ric hurt his back. Day to day. 10-3 GW is here this week. Jan. 8: 86-52 over GW. 22, 19 for Jam. 7 and 52. At 5-9, 1-4 Geo. Mason this week. Jan. 15: 75-40 over Geo. Mason. 20, 2, 4, 3 for Quin, 17, 12 for Jam, 15, 3, 4, 2 for Shay. 5 TOs, 34 RBs. 9-6 ST Bonnie’s here, then at 7-8, 4-2 Fordham, then here with 13-2, 6-0 URI. Jan. 22: 94-62 with ST Bonnie’s. 24, 3, 7 for Ric, 18, 8, 4, 2, 3 for Jam. 10 and 32. 89-71 at Fordham. 27, 5 for Ric, 18, 5, 2 for Jam. 9 and 33. 79-38 with URI. 20, 4, 3, 2 for Quin, 13, 10 for Jam. 40 RBs. Home with 8-10, 3-6 ST Joe’s, then at 6-12, 2-7 VCU. Jam is leading the nation in rebounding, 4th in blocks, Ric is #5 in scoring. As a team we’re #1 in the country in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks. “Ain’t much challenge coachin’ this team. Ric an’ Jam might be the two best in the game right now an’ Quin ain’t all that far behind. Then we got about 5-6 others would start for anybody. Just don’t frig it up is all I gotta do!” Jan. 29: 76-43 with ST Joe’s. 15, 10 for Jam, 16, 6 for Ric. 6 and 29. 60-53 at VCU. They played excellent D, denying, doubling the ball… We were never in danger but they made us look bad. Home with 7-13, 2-9 Richmond and 14-6, 9-2 East Carolina. 21-1. 10-0, 2 game lead, #1, #1.

Dec. 11: 72-75 at UConn. 23, 7 for Ric, 8, 17 for Jam. Shots didn’t drop, 32.5%, 21.6% on threes. D could have been tighter. We took 10 more shots made 1 less FG. Dave was not happy. #22 Temple, 7-2, is here. Dec. 18: 84-60 over #22 Temple. Real balance, 7 guys scored between 6 and 18, 3 others scored. 8 and 36. #11 Louisville is here. Dec. 25: 81-63 over #11 Louisville. 22, 13 for Jam, 21, 9, 5 for Ric, 17, 5, 5, 4 for Quin. 14 and 41. 4 this week. Due to a glitch we play 5-4 Syracuse here, and 4-4 Duquesne there tomorrow. Then 2-6 Davidson is here and then we go to 3-5 LaSalle. XMas was better than last year. We took a moment to remember and talk about May but the rest of the day we tried very hard to have fun and to be positive.

Nov. 20: 88-70 with UCLA. 31, 5, 6 for Ric Hemp. 17, 3, 3 for Quin Aka, 10, 8 for Jam Bard, 13, 4, 3 for Jay Howl. 6 TOs, 39 RBs. #14 seed Oregon, 1-0, next. 87-71 over Oregon. 25, 8 for Jam, 21, 9, 9 for Ric, 3 others in doublesw including 2 subs. 7 TOs, 32 RBs. Next is #2 seed, #6 ranked Ohio ST, in the semis. 89-71 over #6 Ohio ST. 25, 6 for Jam, 22, 5, 6 for Ric, 13 for Jay. 8 and 32. It’s #4 seed, #3 ranked(?) Tenn., 3-0, for the title. 85-81 over #3 Tenn. for the title. 28, 9, 4 for Ric, 21, 9 for Jam, 19 for Quin, 12 for Shay. 14 and 34. “We got so many friggin’ weapons I don’t know if anybody can stop us. We didn’t play at all well tonight an’ we beat #3 in the country.” 0-1 LSU here, then at 1-1 KY. Nov. 27: 72-51 with LSU. 18, 9, 2 for Ric, 14, 9 for Jam. 12 and 38. 89-68 at KY. 24, 14, 2 for Jam, 18, 2, 4 for Ric, 17, 4, 3 for Quin. 6 and 28. This week #6 Ohio ST, 4-1 is here, then we go to 0-3 Gonzaga. Dec. 4: 77-46 with #6 Ohio ST. 25, 5, 5, 2 for Ric, 13, 2, 2 for Jay, 5, 11, 4, 2 for Jam. 7 and 38. 87-68 at Gonzaga. 26, 11, 2 for Ric, 24, 7, 3, 2 for Jam, 12, 5 for Ty, 10, 4, 8, 2 for Quin. 12 and 40. At 3-3 UConn this week. No one except Tennessee has come close to challenging us so far. Dave is being tough on the guys, in order to keep them focused, he says. Davey is not 10 yet and he’s in 4th grade. He’s playing with the 7th and 8th graders in the local kid basketball league and holding his own. He gets all As in school but still has trouble with his temper.

June 5: No one of interest in the transfer pool. #1 ranked preseason. June 26: 6 to fill, we had one left over from last season. Looking at 5 guards, 5 bigs. Davey is coming to both weeks of our summer hoops camp. He’s 2 years younger than anyone else but he’s as big as most of the 7th and 8th graders. July 13: “Davey did okay, didn’t he, Red.” Davey was a better PF than anyone else below high school age and as good as a few of those. Aug. 7: C Jam Bard is #4, SF Ty Padd #19, SG Quin Aka #22, and PG Shay Span #37 on the Norton list. Aug. 21: We offer to 2 PGs, 1 SG, 1 SF, 2 PFs. Sept. 18: Got an SF and a PG, lost a PG and a PF. We offer to a PG and an SF. Going to the Coaches Classic, against unranked UCLA 1st. Sept. 25: All but one pre-conf. opponent after the tourney is ranked. Got a PF, lost the other 3. Looking at 6 new guys. Oct. 2: Lost 5 of the 6. Offered to the other, a PG. Still 2 to fill. We offer to a C and a PG. We’re good and we’re deep. No surprise that we’re picked to win the A10. Oct. 16: Got a PG. Nov. 6: If exhibitions mean anything we may have the two best players in college hoops this year, guard Ric Hemp, and C, Jam Bard. And Dave Mert, MOP for the A10 last year is not starting at this point. Okay, frosh Ric Hemp, soph Shay Span and senior Jay Howl are at guard. Jr. transfer from KY Quin Aka, will start at SF. Frosh Jam Bard will start at C, and the rest of the big man minutes will be split about evenly between juniors B.J. Lenn, Dave Mert, and juco Ty Padd. One guard spot and one in spot are there for the taking. Dave Mert is waiting. He is NOT happy with limited PT. We start at the Coaches Classic with UCLA. We’re #1 in the nation and the #6 seed, which, as usual, makes no sense. Dave is more like himself but there’s a sadness that never leaves. The title meant a lot and helped a lot though. That and his two boys make things WAY better.

March 5: Redshirt SG Jamal Neal declares for the draft. Cory Logg is #6 on the Norton list. March 6: We’ll play #8 seed STL, 17-11, 9-9 in the round of 8. March 7: 78-57 over STL. Team effort on both sides. 13 and 38. 19-10, 11-7 Dayton in the semis. We just crushed them a couple of weeks ago. March 8: 91-62 over Dayton. Never a game. 21, 6 for B.J., 20, 4, 6 for Shay, 16, 8, 3, 3 for Dave. 10 and 30. Lots of bad calls but it didn’t matter and Dave mostly ignored the lousy officiating. Sub Clif Perl hurt his arm. He’ll miss the title game but not much else. #3 seed URI, 19-11, 12-6, for the title. March 9: 74-54. 18, 14, 2, 5 for Cory, 16, 5, 5, 3 for Shay, 14, 4, 2 for Dave. 12 and 34. We expect the #1 or #2 seed overall since we’re ranked #2, RPI #1. Duke lost in the semis so #1 overall is not out of the question for us. March 12: Not in the East. Not in the Midwest. #1 in the South. We play #16 seed Silly Hat, 18-12. “I’ll take it. Let Syracuse and Tennessee bang heads if they get that far. This is fine.” March 17: 77-53 over Silly Hat. 24, 2, 4 for Shay, 6 TOs but only 19 RBs. Didn’t matter, it was never close. Next is #9 seed VA, 18-13. Dave is pushing the guys. “I don’t want ‘em ta think all they gotta do is walk out on the court. We got a real shot at winnin’ it all but one down game ends it. March 19: 76-66 over VA. Down 5 with 11:33 to go. At the TV time out at that point Dave raised all kinds of h*ll. B.J., who was in foul trouble all night, had just fouled out, playing a total of 13 minutes, and we were in serious trouble. “I ain’t changing a thing. They’re beatin’ us cuz they want it more. If you daon’t care, fine, go out there an’ frig it up.” We caught fire and went on a 17-4 run, and we never looked back. 18, 5, 5 for Shay, 17, 5 for Dave, some decent bench play. B.J.’s foul trouble and 17 TOs caused the mess, but +14 RBs, +8 after the tirade, saved us. #4 seed, #5 ranked (How does that happen!) Gonzaga, 29-5, in the Sweet Sixteen. March 24: 89-76 over #5 Gonzaga. 16, 8, 6, 3 for B.J., 17, 4 for Dave, 16, 1, 4 for Jay. 19 TOs and only 20 RBs, but we won handily. It’s #2 seed, #9 ranked Temple, 29-5, in the Elite Eight. They beat us badly, by 21, in December. Dave is making sure the guys remember. March 26: 74-57. 21, 3, 3 for Jay, 13, 11, 3, 3 for Cory, 10, 12 for Dave, 14 for trey. It was close for the 1st half. Their C was scoring too easily. Dave adjusted, held him to 4 in the 2nd, and we won easily. Our 2nd final four in a row. Great feeling. We’ll play #6 ranked LSU, 29-5. We beat them by 9 early in the season but that was a LONG time ago. All 4 #1 seeds made it to the final four. April 1: 76-69 over #6 LSU and we play for the title again! We led most of the way, by as many as 14. They made a late run, but the final was as close as it got. 10 guys scored. 15 TOs, and 32 RBs. Dave Mert tweaked his back. It’s not serious and he’ll play but he’ll be at less than 100%. Not good. #3 Tennessee, 20-10, edged Syracuse by 3. We beat them by 17 in the preseason NIT but that was an eternity ago. On paper they look tough, esp. inside. Having Dave at less than 100% means B.J. and our subs will need to step up, and we’ll need to be hitting outside shots. April 3: 66-60 and the title! We led most of the way, but never by more than 10. They led 4 times but never by more than 1. We came back every time they took the lead. No one stood out hugely but our bigs on the bench saved us. B.J. played through foul trouble and Mick Bins and Clif Perl played well, esp. defensively. B.J. fouled out, but we were up 10 with 1:31 to go when it happened. With 3:01 to go we were up 1, but Shay hit back to back threes and then Cory hit one. That pretty much did it. “I need ta say first that Tennessee came ta play an’ they gave us all we wanted. I couldn’t be prouder of my guys. Dave played hurt, B.J. had some huge plays, and the bench hung in an’ did their job great. It was a battle, an’ I’ll jus’ say winnin’ it all is one H*LL of a feelin’!” Davey and his grandmother were with us at the final four. I couldn’t be happier, esp. for Dave. After all he’s been through this is fantastic. I’m so proud of Bobby. He played a big part in this. April 4: Awards: Cory was the Final Four MOP and 1st team All American. In conf., Dave was POY and 1st team, Cory was Def. POY and 1st team, and Shay was frosh OY and 1st team. Jay and B.J. made 2nd team. Dave was COY both nationally and in conf. April 9: Will we move? Not very likely since we have enough coming back to have a shot at repeating. Losing only one starter and we’ve got 2 top 10 recruits coming in. Nope, we’re staying. The SF signed. April 23: We ask for a facilities upgrade. We get it, going from B+ to A. 36-3, 17-1, conf. reg. season and tourney titles, national championship. Not a bad year! Dave’s at 574-222, .721 lifetime and his reputation is 91. “Red, if we win again we’ll prob’ly stay, but we’re both 60. If we don’t win it just might be time ta go for the money so’s we’re all set when we retire.” “How about winning one at URI?” “D*mn! I guess if we got the chance we’d need ta think about it.”

Feb. 5: with Richmond. 78-53. Never trailed. 24, 13, 2, 2 for Dave who is having a great season. 17 for Shay. 11 and 35. 13-9, 6-7 STL and 10-11, 6-6 Geo. Mason are here this week. Feb. 12: 79-58 vs. STL. 20, 3, 2, 2 for Jay, 14, 9, 3, 3 for Cory, 13, 8, 2 for B.J. 69-49 with Geo. Mason. 14, 5 for Shay, 12 each for Jay and Cory who had 9 assists. 11 and 29. Cory drops to #7 on the Norton list. At 10-14, 5-10 Davidson and then here with 16-7, 8-6 VCU. We offer to the SF. Feb. 19: 74-53 at Davidson. 23, 8, 3, 2 for B.J., 12, 6, 3, 3 for Cory. 12 and 29. 78-49 with VCU. 21 for Shay, 5 in doubles. 8 TOs, 28 RBs. 5 up on the conf. with 2 to play. We’re at 9-15, 5-10 E. Car., then at 17-8, 10-5 Dayton. Dave continues to be pretty quiet except when he’s with the team. He does all he can to maximize his time with Davey, takes him places, does things with him… Davey turns 9 in a couple of months. Feb. 26: 65-81 at E. Car. 28,7 for Dave and not much else. We were asleep. 81-59 at Dayton. 21, 7 for Dave, 16 for Shay. 9 and 30. #1 Syracuse lost. The E. Car. loss blew our shot at #1. We win the A10 by 4 over GW.

January 1, 2039: 65-41 with URI. 5 guys with between 10 and 15, 7 TOs, 41 RBs, we never trailed. 91-70 vs. Fordham. 25, 7 for Dave, 20, 2, 5 for Shay, 18, 5, 4, 4 for Cory. 8 TOs. 6-6 St. Joe’s is here. Jan. 8: 74-62 with St. Joe’s. 19 for Shay, 10, 8 for Dave, 12 TOs. 3 this week, at 7-6, 1-3 St. Bonnie’s, her with #21 GW, 12-4, 4-1, at 9-5, 2-3 STL. Jan. 15: 85-79 at St. Bonnie’s. 16, 7, 3 for both Dave and B.J., 7 in doubles. 11 TOs. 69-50 with #21 GW. We never trailed. 14, 5 for Dave, 11, 7 for B.J. 10 TOs. 76-72 at STL. 23, 9, 4 for Jay, 23, 4 for Dave, 14, 11, 2 for B.J. We led most of the way, by as many as 15. 12 TOs, 33 RBs. 3 again this week, at 9-6, 3-3 Richmond, at 6-8, 2-3 Fordham, home with 7-8, 3-3 East Carolina. We’re 16-2, 6-0, #3, RPI #1, 2 up on the conf. Jan. 22: 77-51 at Richmond. 17 each for Jay and Cory, 5 in doubles, 7 TOs. 85-64 at Fordham. 27, 5 for Dave, 21, 6, 7, 3 for Cory. 11 TOs. 73-59 with E. Car. 6 guys with between 11 and 16 points, 8 TOs. This week we’re on the road with 7-11, 4-5 LaSalle, and then 6-11, 3-5 Duquesne. #2 in the country, 2 up on GW, 4 or more on the rest. Jan. 29: 71-53 at LaSalle. 20, 6, 3, 7 for Dave, 13 TOs, 29 RBs. 79-65 at Duquesne. 19 for Shay, 17 for Jay, but 20 TOs, which is unusual. Dave was all over the guys about that. 11-8 Richmond here this week. Cory Logg is #4 on the Norton list and Shay Span #24. Dave has been rough on the guys, especially considering the fact that we’re 21-2, with a 3 game lead in conf. Our two signed recruits hit the SAT score but the guy we’re chasing didn’t. We’re looking at an SF. It’s either him or we bank the scholarship. We’ll decide soon whether to offer to him or pass. Davey is still getting in lots of trouble at school. The school psychologist sees him every week. She says it’s all about missing May, which makes sense.

Dec. 11: 79-61 with #14 Memphis. Team effort. 12 TOs, good D, 10 people scored. 87-72 at #24 GA Tech. 21 each for Jay and Dave, 19 each for B.J. and Shay. 13 TOs, 37 RBs. Ranked #1 in the country! RPI #1. At #15 Temple, 6-1, this week. “H*ll of a feelin’ ta be #1. Hope we can keep it for a while.” Dec. 18: 52-73 at #15 Temple. 19, 6 for Dave and no one else did much. We were flat. -9 RBs. “So much for #1.” At 6-3 Brigham Young to end the pre-conf. season. Dec. 25: 90-64. 20, 4, 7, 2 for Trey, 21, 6, 6 for Shay, 5 in doubles. 11 TOs, 31 RBs. 10-2 in pre-conf. play. Home with 5-4 URI, then 4-5 Fordham to start A10 play. XMas was quiet. We had Dave and the boys and Dave’s mom over for the day and it was sad. We talked about May, probably more than we should have. Eventually we moved on, and we even played, “Skewer,” that hot new game. It was fun and there were lots of laughs. Still, it was not a great holiday, too many memories. Dave hasn’t really turned any corners with all of this. The team takes his mind off of May but he’s not himself.

Nov. 20: 86-76 over #9 MD. 20, 9, 6, 5 for Cory Logg at SF, 14, 9 for Dave Mert at PF, all 5 in doubles, good bench play, 14 TOs, 37 RBs. #23 ranked, #7 seed Cincinnati, 1-0 in the NIT quarters. The highest ranked seed still playing is #4. Jay Howl hurt his hand but it’s minor and he’ll play. 87-74 over #23 Cincy. 24, 5, 4, 4 for Shay Span at guard, 17 for B.J. Lenn at C, 17, 5, 3 for trey Ross from the bench. #6 seed, #3 ranked (WTF?) Tenn., 2-0 in the semifinal. 74-57 over #3 Tenn. 16, 10 for Dave, 12, 6, 2, 5 for Cory, 15, 2, 5, 3 for Jay, 8, 12, 4 for B.J. 14 TOs, for the 3rd straight game, and 38 RBs. It’s #9 seed, #4 ranked FL for the title. We’re up to #6. 68-79. 16, 4, 5, 4 for Mick Bins from the bench. B.J. fouled out in 19 min. 18 TOs, only 20 RBs. I got my 1st T ever. “Suspend the bum!” Dave couldn’t stop laughing. This week it’s #8 LSU and #13 Central Michigan, both here. Then Dave is in charge again. Nov. 27: 72-63 with #8 LSU. It was close for about 28 minutes. Then we went on a 17-5 run. 18, 3, 3, 2 for Jay, 14, 7 for Dave, 15, 4, 5 for Shay. 78-59 vs. Cent. Mich. 21, 7 for Dave, 14, 10, 3, 3 for B.J., 14, 3 for Jay. 5 TOs. I’m 25-5 lifetime, but Dave can have the job. We’re at 2-2 Gonzaga, then back home for a rematch with #1 FL, 6-0. Dec. 4: 82-69 at Gonzaga. 23, 8 for Dave, 19, 6, 4, 2 for Cory. 12 TOs, 35 RBs. 81-54 over #1 FL. We scored the 1st 11 and never looked back. 21, 7, 5 for Cory, 19, 4 for Dave, 16 for little used guard Clif Perl. 7 TOs. Trey hurt his hand. Day to day. “Fun ta be back!” This week it’s #14 Memphis, 4-1, here, then at #24 GA Tech, 3-3.

June 12: We get 2 transfers, a PF and an SG. Ranked #20 in the first preseason poll. June 26: 3 scholarships. Looking at 4 guards, 4 bigs. Aug. 7: PG Shay Span is #28, and SG Cory Logg #30 on the Norton list. Dave has a kind of a sad feel about him. He has Davey with him often when he’s here working, and of course Jeffy is part of the staff so he’s always around. Those two are the only thing keeping Dave together. Aug. 21: We offer to 2 PGs and a C, all top 10 right now. Sept. 18: Got a PG and a C, lost the other PG. We offer to a C. We’re in the preseason NIT again, against #9 MD. All but 2 pre-conf. opponents are ranked. “We’re goin’ for the title this year. We might be a year away but we only lost one guy so I think we got a shot.” Thankfully, Dave isn’t saying that publicly. He’s just saying we should be competitive with anyone. Sept. 25: We lose the C. We offer to another C, from Canada. Oct. 2: We’ll go as deep as 7, and #8 and #9 might well play their way into the rotation. We’re picked #1 in the A10. We lose the C. We don’t want to but may need to bank the final scholarship. Oct. 23: Chasing a good looking SG. #13 in the latest poll. Nov. 6: 7 man rotation for now. Highly regarded frosh Shay Span and returning junior Jay howl at guard, backed by senior Trey Ross. Senior Cory Logg at SF backed by Span and Ross. Returning sophs Dave Mert and B.J. Lenn inside, backed by senior Mick Bins and Logg. We feel we’re very strong. Dave is suspended for the first two weeks which means I’ll coach the NIT and #5 LSU and Central Mich. My 20-4 record could take a hit! We start with #9 MD.

March 6: We’ll play #8 seed St. Louis, 14-14, 8-10. Beat them by 11 and 15. March 7: 82-60 over STL. In charge for the last 36 minutes. 15, 9, 2 for Dave, good games all around. 12 TOs, 31 RBs. It’s URI, 23-6, 13-5, in the semis. Beat them by 8 at home. “So Dave, would you go back to URI?” “I’ve thought about that. It would be nice to go back to RI an’ try ta win it all at our old school. But then we’re gonna be 59 soon. It might be nice ta set up for retirement if the UConn job opened up; I ain’t got sh*t for money. Takin’ care a May took it all. Not that I wouldn’t a done it, a course. I don’t know. I guarantee though, either one more move or none. I’m sure a that.” March 8: 65-68 to URI in the semis. 17, 7 for Dave, 16, 4, 2 for Trey, 12, 6, 2 for Jay. We blew a 16 point lead. In the last minute they hit a 3, stole the inbound pass, hit another 3, stole another pass, and hit another 3. Then we missed, they got it, Key blocked a three beautifully with .02 left, and the ref called a foul. 20 replays later it is obvious that there was no contact. The guy hit all three and that was that. Dave went as ballistic at the refs as I’ve ever seen. I was truly afraid he would hit one of them. He did some bumping, although really, to me it looked like the ref bumped him, but no hitting, thankfully. March 10: URI won the tourney. March 11: Dave was fined $10,000, and was suspended for the first two weeks of next season. March 12: Losing in the semis will hurt but were 25-6, 16-2, #9, RPI #7, so we should get a 2, I think; no worse than a 3. Not in the East. Not in the Midwest. Not in the South. #2 West behind Tenn., ahead of KS, OK ST, URI, Penn… We’ll play 16-14 Wm & Mary 1st. “I like this draw, Red. If we have our sh*t together we can go a long way.” I agree, but in the Dance, one false step (pun intended) and you’re gone. March 17: 75-67 over Wm & Mary. We put the subs in late and they closed the gap from 15 to 8. 20, 8, 2, 2 for Dave, 14, 5 for Key, 12, 5, 2 for Cory. 22-9 Mich. ST next. Tough draw for round 2! March 19: 85-56. 24, 4, 4 for Dave, 17, 4, 3 for Trey, 14, 3, 3 for jay and the others all played well. We looked really good tonight. “I think anybody woulda had trouble with us tonight. Now if we can keep it up…” #3 seed, #20 ranked Kansas, 24-8, is next. Beat ‘ewm by 15 to open the season but that was a LONG time ago. March 24: 91-83 over KS. 28, 7, 3 for Jay, 14, 5 for Dave, 13, 7 for Key, 11 each for Mick, Trey and Cory. 10 TOs, 34 RBs. #1 seed, #6 ranked Tenn., 28-6 for a trip to the final four. “We got a shot, Red. I like our chances if we play our game.” So do I! March 26: 73-61 over Tenn., and we’re in the final four! 6 in doubles, +6 TOs (11), and we made the right play whenever we needed to. We led most of the way, and in the last 10 minutes they never got closer than 5 points. We were deliberated. We were focused. We were the better team. Mick had a big game, 17, 7, 5, 3 but everybody showed up. It will be #5 seed, #23 ranked Wake Forest, 24-9, in the semis. March 31: Here’s an excerpt from one of the press conferences. “Dave, please don’t be offended by the question but it’s been a season of terrible downs and wonderful ups-” “Yeah, that’s for sure. I gotta say that I’d gladly give up all the hoop success ta have May back, but I guess all of ya prob’ly know that. I just gotta also say how happy I am for our kids- the team, an’ Bobby an’ Jeffy. This team grew as time went by. We’re 19 outta our last 20 an’ playin’ great ball, an’ the kids deserved ta make this trip. An’ we ain’t done yet. Anybody plans ta beat us better bring their ‘A’ game!” “To follow up, how are you dealing with all of this?” “It ain’t easy. Sure, the team is helpin’, no doubt. But I gotta tell ya, the nights are long. I wanna thank my wonderful mother-in-law an’ my great sons, an’ the best friend a man ever had, Red O’Connor, an’ his family. No idea where I’d be without all of ‘em.” We’re a 3 point favorite over Wake Forest. April 1: 87-83. It was back and forth. With 7 minutes left we went on an 11-3 run to take a 7 point lead and we traded until they hit a 3 at the buzzer. 23, 9 for Dave, 20 for Cory, double figures for 6, 13 TOs, 28 RBs. It’s #2 Arizona, 34-3, for the title. Their starting PG tore up a knee in the Sweet 16 but they won both games since. Dave has been playing Mick Bins in key situations all season. “I got a feelin’. Cory Logg’s gonna be in if it gets ta be crunch time. I just got a feelin’.” April 3: 70-74. They led by as many as 16 in the first. We came back and led by 5 with 6:03 to go, but Trey fouled out on the next possession. He had 22 to lead us. Dave’s feeling wasn’t on target, Cory had a poor night, but because of Trey Cory was in at crunch time. Mick and Key played really well. 21 turnovers did more harm than anything else. “I couldn’t be prouder a my guys. This ain’t about the refs, I got no compl,aint, but one or two calls go different, a pass connects instead a bein’ picked off, we get a key Rb, an’ it comes out different. Still, I’m good. It was a h*ll of a season for this team, an’ like I said, I’m proud as h*ll.” April 4: Awards: Dave Mert got Frosh OY, Key Murk got Def. POY, Dave got COY. Mert and Jay Howl made 1st team. Key and Trey Ross made 2nd team. Dave had told me for the past couple of months that he is REALLY dreading the off season. He doesn’t want the extra free time at all. “Oh, I’ll spend all the time I can with Jeffy an’ Davey but still, there’s gonna be way too much friggin’ time.” April 9: We’re staying here. April 23: We ask for a budget increase. Nope. We end up 30-7, 16-2, made it to the national title game. Dave is at 538-219, .711, Reputation 86. There will never be a season quite like this one. Losing May overshadows everything, including our moist successful season ever.

Feb. 5: 69-67 at GW. 21, 4 for Jay, 20, 3 for Dave. 11 TOs. GW scored the last 4 and missed a desperation 3 at the buzzer. 71-65 at VCU. We were down 10 early in the 2nd half but we adjusted. 18, 3, 4 for Trey, 13 each for Mick and Key. 11-10, 5-7 Geo. Mason and 11-9, 6-5 St. Joe’s are here this week. Dave is back. I went 8-0 and I’m now 20-4 lifetime. Feb. 12: 57-36 with Geo. Mason. 21, 4 for Mick. We had a total of 2 TOs, and 36 Rbs, and we played stifling D. 80-55 vs. St. Joe’s. 23, 3, 3 for Jay, 20, 2, 5, 4 for Cory Logg, 15, 1, 6 for Trey. 8 TOs but only 17 RBs. We’re handling the ball really well, but we don’t rebound well. 3 of our last 4 are on the road. This week we’re at 8-16, 5-10 St. Bonnie’s, and 11-12, 6-8 STL. Trey hurt his hand. Day to day. We’re a ½ game back of GW and a ½ ahead of URI. 20-5, 12-2, #10, RPI #4. Feb. 19: 81-53 at St. Bonnie’s. 6 in doubles including seldom used big, Al Carr. 9 TOs, 35 RBs. 66-51 at STL. 18, 4, 2 for Mick, 12, 10, 2 for Dave, 17, 3, 3 for Jay. ½ game up on GW. We have 2 to play they have 3. 1 ½ on Dayton, 2 on URI. Last week of the season. We’re at 8-16, 5-10 Fordham and close at home with 14-11, 9-7 Duquesne. Dave is quiet, interested in the team and in his family, but not much else. “May’s ma is staying. We need her ta help with Davy, and we just want her here. She’s a good person. She’s startin’ ta get a little frail but she’s mentally sharp as can be. “It’s hard, Red. I think about havin’ a drink every night… I would if it wasn’t for the kids.” Feb. 26: 69-50 at Fordham. Team effort and great D overcame 21 TOs. 67-55 with Duquesne. 18, 15 for Dave, 15 for Jay. 7 TOs, 32 RBs. #1 seed, tied at 16-2 with GW. End the regular season at 24-5, 16-2, #8, RPI #6. Won our last 14.

January 1, 2038: 57-79 at Richmond. 16, 8 for Dave, 16, 5 for Jay, but no one else did much offensively. 11 TOs. Richmond beat up on us and the whistles didn’t blow. Dave got T’d up but nothing changed. 61-72 at Duke. 4 starters in doubles but it wasn’t enough. Duke was better than us. 65-43 at Davidson. 16, 11 for Dave, 14, 7, 2, 2 for Key. Back on track in the conf. opener. 7-4 in pre-conf. play. Mick hurt his hip. Day to day. Tough week, #25 GW, 11-1, is here, then we go to #15 Dayton, 10-2. Jan. 8: 82-63 with #25 GW. Balanced O. 5 in doubles, 8 TOs, and a very active offense. “When they friggin’ move we win!” 52-71 at #15 Dayton. +10 TOs, -16 RBs. 3 of our guys scored more than 4 points. “MOVE, d*mn it! You guys was standin’ around like pimple faced 8th grade boys at a friggin’ school dance. MOVE! Best designed O in the world don’t work if ya don’t friggin’ execute it! MOVE or SIT! You guys on the bench be ready. Guys stand around I’m puttin’ you in there.” Key hurt his foot. Day to day. “I guess we ain’t ready yet. Didn’t really think we were. It’ll take maybe 2 more years.” 8-6, 3-2 LaSalle, then 12-2, 4-1 Richmond- they beat us by 22 there. Both here this week. January 10: “Red, ya gotta come over, Sandy too.” “Sandy’s at work, Dave. It’s 2:15 in the morning, what’s going on?” “The night nurse says May had a stroke. Looks like a bad one. Her ma and me wanta go to the hospital but I’m too shook up ta drive. Somebody’s gotta watch Davey.” “Where’s Jeffy?” “Oh sh*t, that’s right. He’s here. Can ya come over an’ drive me ta the hospital!” “On my way.” The stroke was massive. May is unconscious and on life support. I’m running the team again. January 15: 83-53 vs. LaSalle. 6 in doubles, 10 RBs for Key. 8 TOs. We led all the way. 67-53 with Richmond. 5 in doubles and Key had 10 Rbs. 8 TOs, 31 RBs. 9-6, 5-1 East Carolina is here and then we go to 2-13, 0-6 VCU. Dave spends most of his time at May’s bedside, hoping for some sign of life. There has been none. January 16: They pulled the plug late last night, and May died about an hour later. Jean and I were there. Dave thought Davey should be there as well. He and Davey discussed it and Davey wanted to be with his mom when she died. May’s mother and Jeffy were both there as well, of course. Dave told me he was taking a leave of absence. Jan. 22: 92-73 with E. Car. 26, 7, 3, 4 for Dave, 14, 5, 5, 6 for Key, 18 each for Jay and Mick. 12 TOs. 76-65 at VCU. 21, 3, 3 for Trey, 13, 11, 3 for Dave. 9 TOs. This week it’s 15-3, 6-2 URI, and 8-20, 3-6 STL, both here. Not much to say about the funeral. It was sad, kinda like you'd expect. Dave comes over every evening. We do some hoops stuff but his heart isn’t in it. He’s really taking May’s death hard and seems to have no thoughts about returning to work. I have the guys in good shape but a big part of that is that they want to win for Dave. Jan. 29: 75-67 with URI. 21 for jay, 16 each for Mick and Trey. 88-77 vs. STL. 40, 6, 2 for Jay. He’s been sort of quiet this season, playing well but not scoring a lot. He was on fire tonight. Key hurt his hip. Day to day. On the road at #11 GW, 19-2, 10-1, then at East Car., 9-11, 5-6. We’re alone in 2nd, 1 ½ back of GW. 16-5, 8-2, #18, RPI #5. “Maybe they won’t want me back; you’re 6-0.” “Yeah but now we’re on the road. That’ll change. And Dave, they want you back.” “Maybe next week… or the week after.”