Wayne23

Dec. 11: 82-66 vs. FL. 21, 6, 2 for Dave, 22 for Jay, 12 TOs. At 4-3 Texas A & M this week. #10, RPI #3. Davey is a little more than 7 ½. He’s struggling at school- not with academics, he’s a great student. It’s about temper and anger management. He sees the school psychologist and she thinks his anger is about his mom being so sick. She suggested that Davey spend more time with Dave. “Sh*t, I spend all the time I can with him. I guess I could have him do his homework during team study halls but he’s a distraction. The guys play with him instead a studyin’; same when I bring him ta practice. I don’t know what ta do that I ain’t already doin’. An’ Jeffy tries ta spend lots a time with him too. Dec. 18: 51-83 at Texas A & M. We were awful. We shot 33.3%, 20% on threes. Guys didn’t work hard enough to get open. 11 TOs but only 24 RBs. 2nd of 5 straight on the road this week. At 4-5 USC. Dec. 25: 81-55 at USC. Much better! 21, `0, 3 for Dave, 20, 5, 2, 2 for Mick. At 7-1 Richmond next, then 7-1 Duke, then 1st conf. game at 5-3 Davidson. It was a sad XMas. May can barely move enough to use the tabuter. Davey opened her presents, books, movies, TV series, and music on CD and DVD. “It’s real hard ta take, Red. I love her so much an’ she just ain’t got much of a life.”

Nov. 14: 87-72 over #5 seed, #12 Kansas. 24, 9 for Dave Mert, 6 guys in doubles. We have 6 and they all played well on both ends. 37 RBs. Sub Ben Andt hurt his arm. About a week. #4 seed, #7 ranked Charlotte, 1-0, is next. Tough tourney! Nov. 15: 75-70 vs. #7 Charlotte. All 6 in doubles again. 12, 12 for Dave. -12 RBs, -2 TOs (19) but we gutted it out. Our D was really tough, esp. outside. They went 3-23 on threes. A big win. Next is #9 seed, #22 ranked Utah, 2-0. They upset #1 Ohio ST. Nov. 16: 56-59 vs. #22 Utah. +5 RBs, +3 TOs, but we didn’t make shots late and they did. 15, 10 for Dave, 13, 12 for Key Murk. Trey Ross fouled out late and that hurt. He plays a lot of PG, esp. in tough situations. Still, a good run! Nov. 20: Ranked #25. At 1-1 New Mexico ST, then here with #15 UConn. No easy teams yet! Nov. 27: 70-67 at NM ST. 28, 9 for Dave, 15, 7, 2, 4 for Key. 12 TOs. We scored the last 7 points. 72-54 with #15 UConn. Dave made a couple of halftime adjustments, one based on Bobby’s suggestion, and we owned the 2nd half. 18, 13 for Dave, 18, 4 for Jay Howl, 15 for Trey. 8 TOs, 39 RBs. 1-3 Illinois is here then we go to 3-0 Mississippi. Got the PG. We’re all set with recruiting. Dec. 4: 70-61 with Ill. 13, 13 for Key, 15, 5, 6 for Trey. 32 RBs. 76-61 at MS. 17, 7 for Jay, 12, 8, 4, 3 for Key, 14, 3, 3, 3 for mick. 32 RBs again. 2-2 FL is in this week. At the MS postgame a reporter asked Dave if we were contenders for the national title. “WAY too early to talk about that. I like my team. I think we’re gonna have a real good season. We’re#12, RPI #9 right now, but yes, it’s early.

March 6: We’ll play #5 seed Davidson in the quarters. March 7: 80-73 with Davidson. 19 for Jay, 15, 5 for Sam. 11 TOs but 19 RBs. It’s #12 URI in the semis. They beat us by 10 there. March 8: 58-70. 18 for Jay. 24 TOs, only 24 RBs. March 12: URI won it all. I’d say we’re border line for the Big Dance, 19-10, RPI #56. I’m guessing NIT. Play in game vs. Valpo, 19-11. March 14: 92-69. 24, 7, 2 for Jay. All 5 starters in doubles and three subs with 8 each. 11 TOs, 32 RBs. This one gives us a 20 win season in our first here at UMass. #5 seed, #25 ranked Stanford, 22-8, in the round of 64. March 17: 62-57. 16, 3, 3 for Sam, 15, 4, 2, 2 for Mick. Good bench play, 32 RBs. #4 seed, #15 ranked UConn in the round of 32. March 19: 87-65! Sweet Sixteen!!! 19, 4, 4 for Sam, 15, 4, 3, 3 for both Mick and Key. 11 TOs. “Never figured we’d get ta this point!” Next is #1 seed, #2 ranked Ohio ST, 29-5, 13-3. We got hot at the right time and we’ll definitely need to be red hot. March 24: 71-73. 18, 4, 4 for Jay, 13, 2, 7 for Sam, 12, 5 for Key. Here’s what Dave had to say after the game. “I don’t wanna say the refs beat us because that would insult Ohio ST, an’ I want ta congratulate them. But they played man all night, we played man about ½ the time an’ never pressed ‘til the last minute an’ they went ta the line 31 times, we went 15. Draw your own conclusions. An’ I hope you writers an’ TV an’ radio people will tell it like it is.” Dave kept his cool during the game, knowing that it was too close to get a T. We were robbed though. Still, great season, great run in the Dance. April 4: URI went out in the Elite 8 again. #3 Memphis won it all. Awards: Jay Howl got A10 frosh OY and 1st team. Key Murk made 2nd team. April 9: “So Dave, what happens if UConn calls.” “D*mn! I sorta hope they don’t!” I know there’s nowhere else we’d even consider. They didn’t call. April 23: We ask for a budget increase. We got $6000. We end the season 22-11, pretty good for our first year here. Dave is now at 508-212, .706 for 23 seasons. Reputation is 81. “We ain’t gettin’ any younger, kid!” We’re both 58. May is about the same, able to do a bit more but still needing 24/7 care.

Feb. 5: 84-59 with St. Joe’s. 25 for Sam, 9, 10, 2, 4 for Key, 13, 1, 6 for jay. 8 TOs. 77-57 at LaSalle. 19, 7 for Key, 20 for Mick. We’ve looked good for the past 4 games, really. At 7-14, 5-7 Fordham then home with 15-6, 8-4 Davidson. Feb. 12: 74-73 at Fordham. Sam hit a three with 1.2 left and had 17, 3, 5 but 12 TOs (we had 21). 11, 14 for Key. 34 RBs. 70-53 with Davidson. 16, 4, 3 for Mick, 14, 3, 5 for Sam, 15 for Jay. 13 TOs, 36 RBs. We’re up to 7th place. 9-14, 5-9 VCU is here followed by #13 Dayton, 19-5, 11-3. A win against Dayton would be huge but we’ll need to play really well. Feb. 19: 77-49 with VCU. 27, 2, 5 for Jay, 14 for Sam, 12 for Jack. 9 TOs but only 21 RBs. 74-67 vs. #13 Dayton. 21, 3, 4, 3 for Jay, 10 RBs each for Key and Jack. 35 RBs. One game left in the regular season, at 10-14, 6-9 St. Joe’s. We won by 25 here. Feb. 26: 66-58 at St. Joe’s. 17, 4, 3 for Sam, 18 for Jay, 12, 12 for Key. 12 TOs, 32 RBs. Sub Al Carr sprained an ankle. Out about a week. We end up with the #4 seed.

January 1, 2037: 54-61 at STL. 13, 14 for Key but we didn’t make our foul shots (11-21), didn’t make our threes (5-15), and we had 18 TOs. 60-46 with Richmond. Good play by all of our starters, 41 RBs. 71-73 at St. Bonnie’s. Poor free throw shooting, poor rebounding (-9), poor ball handling (18 TOs) did us in. Dave got his 1st T at UMass. At 10-4, 2-1 GW, then here with 6-5, 2-0 STL, who beat us by 7 there. Jan. 8: 65-81 at GW. 25, 4 for Jay, 12, 10, 3 for Key, but we didn’t play much D. 53-64 with STL. Flat and slow. 26 fouls to 14 but Dave never got a T. We were grabbing, and most of the fouls were legit. “D*mn, I hate ta lose!” 2 at home but #22 URI, 12-3, 4-0 is one of them. Then it’s 4-8, 2-1 Fordham. “We need at least one win this week or we’re in deep sh*t.” Jan. 15: 81-91 with #22 URI. 4 of our starters fouled out. Andy Earl had 35 from the bench, which kept it reasonably close. Dave got a T but it was tactical. Every call was going against us. All in all we didn’t do badly against our old team. 77-52 vs. Fordham. 24, 3, 3, 3 for Jay, 17, 11 for Key, 16, 4 for Mick. 13 TOs, 35 Rbs, and a MUCH needed win. At 13-3, 6-1 Davidson. Jan. 22: 88-69 at Davidson. 20, 6 for Key, 21, 0, 4 for Sam, 19, 2, 3 for Jay. 11 TOs, but only 20 RBs. 3 game week, 2 on the road. At 9-8, 5-3 East Carolina, then home with 5-12, 4-4 George Mason, then at 6-12, 4-5 Duquesne. Jan. 29: 51-84 at E. Car. We were awful. 27 TOs, 28 fouls. Dave got 2 Ts. First time he’s been booted since we got to UMass. No big temper tantrum, fortunately. 73-50 vs. Geo. Mason. 18 for Sam, 14, 5, 4 for jay, 12, 8 for Key, 8, 10 for Jack, 9, 2, 3 for Mick. 10 TOs, 32 RBs. This is as good as we’ve looked all season. 63-70 in OT at Duquesne. Sam fouled out in the 1st minute of OT and that did us in. 24, 4, 2, 5 for Jay. We’re 11-9, 4-7, tied for 12th. Terrible. As usual URI and Dayton are battling for the lead. This week we have 9-11, 5-6 St. Joe’s here, then we’re at 2-16, 0-9 LaSalle.

Dec. 11: 71-78 vs. Texas A & M. 26, 3, 3, 2 for Sam, 14 for Mick, 8, 8, 4 for Jay. “Maybe we won’t be okay at that. D*mn!” Art Pita is going to get some of Bins’ minutes and most of Carr’s. 4-3 Bradley is here this week. Dec. 18: 82-72 with Bradley. 20 with 6 assists for Sam, all 5 in doubles, 8 RBs for Key and 6 for Jack but only 21 in all. At 5-5 Xavier this week. Dave and I are working every day with our inside guys but frankly, there just isn’t a whole lot of talent there, and we’re undersized. We’re recruiting bigs and hoping one more spot will come open in the spring. Dec. 25: 81-66 over Xavier. 20, 5, 3 for Sam, 16 for Jay, but the best news was 35 RBs. We end pre-conf. play at 7-2. This week we’re at 4-4 STL, then we host 5-3 Richmond, then at St. Bonnie's, 3-6. XMas was nice. May is not in much pain. She’s not able to do much more than she was but she has a bit more movement. She was able to open her presents, which she couldn’t do last year. Physical and occupational therapy are helping. There’s a new med which is supposed to take some of the pressure off of the nerves. If it works she could make some progress. We’re all hoping. It’s been great working so closely with Bobby. His strengths are shooting form, getting open, and defensive position. He now has all but total control of the guys who play the 1, 2, and 3 spots. Dave and I work with the bigs. Dave shows complete confidence in Bobby. Jeffy continues to provide us with statistical analysis that really points at things we need to work on. We know our problems are inside, and we also know there’s only so much we can do about it. Sandy has a steady “friend.” Her name is Barb, and she’s a middle school art teacher. Davey continues to grow like an oak. He’s very bright, and he does well in school, but his temper gets him in trouble often. He has a teacher who seems to really understand him this year, which helps a great deal.

Nov. 20: 91-84 with Rutgers. Jay Howl got 35 from the bench in 27 minutes. We had 11 TOs but 0nly 22 RBs. 70-66 at UMass Lowell. Jay and Sam Tunn had 14 each. 13, 7, 2 for Key Murk at C. We aren’t rebounding. Ranked! #25. Jay Howl will start at guard. This week 1-0 Washington is here then we’re at #22 GA, 2-1. Nov. 27: 66-54 with Wash. 22, 3, 4, 2 for Jay, 18 for Sam. 9 TOs, 28 RBs. 77-66 at #22 GA. 31 for Sam, 11, 7 for Key, 9, 9 for Jack Morr. “Looks like we just might be okay!” 2-1 Temple is here, and we go to 1-3 Maine. Dec. 4: 69-60 vs. Temple. 19 for Sam, 15, 5 for Mick Bins, 10, 6, 6, 3 for Jay, 13, 7 for Al Carr from the bench. 55-62 at Maine. 13, 8, 2 for Key. -8 RBs didn’t help and we stood around on O. “We’re beatin’ ranked teams on the road an’ we lose ta Maine? Friggin’ ridiculous!” 2-3 Texas A & M is here this week.

May 1: Moving May from Cranston to Amherst was a bit of an ordeal. She doesn’t travel easily. We wound up renting a limo. It was cheaper and more comfortable than an ambulance. May 4: May is settled into her new home. Everything is as “May accessible” as possible. “And we can afford ta live on my new salary. Ta keep May at home costs about what it would cost ta have her in a convalescent home, about $500 a day. Insurance pays 1/3 of it. With my salary here at UMass I can afford the other 2/3 and still have plenty of money for living, and even save some. We’d a had about $30,000 a year left after medical costs at URI cuz their insurance wasn’t as good. So we had ta make this move.” June 6: Looking at some transfer guards. June 12: We get 2 guards. June 15: I guess we’re all settled into “normal.” Jean is working here at the satellite hospital affiliated with UMass. She’s a shift supervisor. Since she’s new it’s third shift but she’s done that before, and both 1st and 2nd shift supervisors are over 60. Sandy followed in mom’s footsteps and got her R.N. She’s doing hospice nursing back in R. I. We try to get her here once or twice a month. You know about Bobby and Jeffy. Davey is now six, and the terror of his school from what we hear. He’s not a bully, he’s just big, and a little clumsy. He has a heart of gold but he also has his father’s temper. In a six year old that equals trouble. His grandma expects to be in school regularly to speak to the Vice Principal when school opens in the fall. She was at the school in Cranston so often they gave her a permanent hall pass. Grandma is showing her age but hanging in, and she’s a huge help. May is no better, and won’t get better barring some sort of medical advance. Some new meds control her pain better, but they give her an itchy rash at times, and keep her awake at night at other times. She says it’s worth it; she is frequently pain free, and as long as she takes the meds on schedule the pain is never more than 4-5 level, and usually less. June 26: 2 scholarships. We need bigs. Aug. 21: We offer to a PF and a C. Sept. 18: Got the PF. No in season tourney. We put together a fairly tough schedule. Sept. 25: Got the C. Oct. 2: We have some talent but we are not deep. Bobby did a great job in helping to nab the two bigs we need. One is currently rated in the 30s and one in the 40s. We’re picked to finish 4th in the A10. Nov. 6: Here’s our lineup: At guard it’s senior Andy Earl, and frosh Sam Tunn and Jay Howl. At least for now Tunn will get the most time. Soph Mick Bits starts at SF and backs up inside. Frosh Earl Carr backs up at SF. Inside will be junior Key Murk and soph Jack Morr. I like our first 7. #8 is just okay and after that it’s head for the fallout shelters. We open here with Rutgers and then at UMass Lowell.

March 6: We’ll play #9 seed Richmond, 15-13, 9-9, in the quarters. March 7: 72-63 over Richmond. 24, 4 for Mick, 15, 9 for Len, 12 TOs, 29 RBs. #5 seed UMass, 20-9, 11-7 in the semis. They beat us by 8 there. March 8: 71-44 over UMass. 33 for Mick, 10, 9, 3 for Len. It’s #3 seed GW, 19-10, 12-6, for the title. We won by 20 here. March 9: 79-64 with GW and the title! 22, 6 for Mick, 19, 8, 3 for len, 14, 4, 10, 3 for Jay. 11 TOs. We’re 22-8. We ended with 10 wins, 13 of 14, 17 of 19. RPI is 30. I think we can hope for a #5 or #6 seed. March 12: Not in the East. Not in the Midwest. #10 in the South. We play #7 UCLA, 20-10. “Disrespected again. Whatta supprize!” March 17: 73-66 over UCLA. 21, 2, 7 for Jay, 10, 11 for Len, 14, 5 for Mick. #2 seed, #5 ranked Kansas, 28-4, 15-1 in the 2nd round. March 19: 73-56 with KS! All 5 starters in doubles, 11 RBs for Len, 35 RBs. Tough D all night. “Whoooo!” Len banged up a knee but it doesn’t look serious. It’s #3 seed, #6 ranked BYU, 28-5, in the Sweet Sixteen. March 24: 88-86 in OT with BYU. 26, 10 for Len, 24, 2, 5 for Mick. Len blocked a shot at the end of regulation to get us to OT, then he sank a 6 foot half hook for the win. 27 lead changes, 16 ties. “Whatta friggin’ game!” We got hot at the right time, 13 straight wins, 16 of 17, 20 of 22. It’s #1 seed, #1 ranked Syracuse, 30-3, 17-1 in the Elite Eight. This is as far as we’ve ever gotten in the Dance. Their start SF and leading scorer is out. “We’re gonna need ta play the game a our lifes, but we could do it. March 26: 51-70 with Syracuse. No contest. They were simply better. Our guys never quit but they also never had a chance. 15, 9 for our only senior, Len. 18, 2, 2 for Mick. “If we can replace Len, and if a couple a rookies an’ transfers develop we could be tough next year.” No change in May’s status. She remains cheerful through a living h*ll. April 4: #1 Syracuse won it all by a single point over #2 Ohio ST. Awards: Mick Lee and Ted Brag made A10 1st team, Tom More made 2nd, and Dave got COY. April 9: “We leave this year or next. Let’s see who calls. Course UConn an’ UMass is the only places I’d go this year.” We’re going to UMass. I’ll be the #1 assistant, Bobby #3, and Jeffy will transfer to UMass for his sophomore year. Dave salary almost triples and the insurance package is a little better so we really had no choice. My salary doubles, and Bobby will make 1 ½ times what I was making. Lots of work to do. We may take a step backward for a year or two but Team Prestige here is 65 as opposed to 45 at URI and the budget is bigger. We hire the 2nd assistant coach. I’m the bench coach and Bobby recruits, so #2 is the scouting coach. April 23: Lots of work done. We ask for a facilities upgrade. “I’m plannin’ ta win it all in 3 years from now.” Fortunately he isn’t saying that publicly! Our last season at URI ends 20-11, and we won season and tourney. We got to the Elite Eight. Great season! Dave is at 486-201, .707 for 22 seasons. Reputation is 77.

Feb. 5: 60-64 with Duquesne. 20, 11 for Len, 20 for Mick, but we were flat. 74-54 at GW. All 5 in double figures, 19, 12 for Len. 10 TOs, 33 RBs. At 5-16, 4-8 LaSalle and then 5-16, 2-10 Geo. Mason. Feb. 12: 71-43 at LaSalle. 29, 4, 2 for Mick, +13 TOs. 62-38 at Geo. Mason. 16, 10 for Len, 15, 9, 2 for ted, 17 for jay. 9 TOs. 4 to play, 3 at home. This week 10-13, 6-8 ST Joe’s and 10-13, 6-8 Davidson are here. We’re one game up on GW. Feb. 19: 68-50 with ST Joe’s. 22 for Mick, 16 with 7 assists for Jay. 95-76 with Davidson. A huge game for Mick, 47. Len hurt his shoulder. Day to day. 2 up with 2 to play. At 7-18, 4-12 VCU, then here with 13-12, 8-8 Richmond. Feb. 26: 69-62 at VCU. 23, 2, 3, 2 for Mick, 15, 4, 2, 3 for Tom, 11 TOs. 77-64 with Richmond. 6 in doubles, 11 TOs, 35 RBs. We end the regular season 19-8, 15-3, 3 up on the rest. RPI #34.

January 1: 2036: 69-52 with VCU. 20 for Mick, solid play by the starters and some help from the bench. Still too many TOs, 16. 51-46 vs. Hawaii. 16, 4, 4 for Ted, 14, 4, 1, 5 for Tom, but 17 TOs. 54-62 at UMass. 17 for Mick, 13 for Jay, 11, 7, 2 for Ted, but we didn’t get stops when we needed them and their bench out performed ours. 59-40 with Fordham. 22, 7 for Ted, 18, 3 for Mick, 8 TOs (!), 28 RBs. “I guess I’ll take it. 3 outta 4.” Dave kept his cool even during the tense moments in the games with Hawaii and UMass. It would be ironic if we wound up coaching at UMass, given that as undergrads we called them “Um Ass.” We close the pre-conf. season 5-5, and we’re 1-1 in conf. play but Len will be back for our next game. On the road, 1st at 8-4 Duquesne, then at 6-7 St. Bonnie’s. Jan. 8: 86-73 at Duquesne. 16, 11 and good D for Len in his return. 10, 12, 2 for Ted. 19 for Jay. All 5 in doubles plus Marc Camm from the bench. 12 TOs, 35 RBs. 81-68 with St. Bonnie’s. 24, 11 for Len. 13 TOs. “It’s GREAT ta have Len back. 2 road wins in conf. That’s BIG!” This week we’re home with 8-5, 3-1 East Carolina, tied with us and STL for 2nd. Jan. 15: 83-67 with E. Car. 30 for Mick, 14, 8 for Len, 15, 4, 3, 4 for Tom. This week we’re home with 9-7, 2-4 Dayton, not having their usual season but LOTS of guys graduated. Then 10-6, 5-2 ST Louis is here. Then we’re at St. Joe’s. Jan. 22: 48-63 with Dayton. 24, 5 for Mick but no one else did much. 18 TOs. 70-58 vs. STL. 19, 7, 4, 2 for Mick, 14, 8, 2, 4 for Len. 65-62 over St. Joe’s. 23 for Jay, 11, 9 for Len, 11, 3, 4 for Mick. 12 TOs. At 8-9, 4-4 Davidson this week. We’re alone in 2nd, one back of GW. 11-7, 7-2. Jan. 29: 65-56 at Davidson. 19, 15 for Len, 12, 13 for Ted, 18, 4, 2, 4 for Jay. 11 TOs, 39 RBs. Dan Grim twisted his back. Day to day. 12-7, 6-4 Duquesne is here, then we go to 12-6, 7-2 GW. In 1st, ½ game up on GW, 1 ½ on two others.

Dec. 11: 45-62 at Loyola-Chi. 14, 5 for Tom, but we were awful. 18 TOs, only 21 RBs, standing around on O and a step slow on D. Frankly, I think Dave might have snapped us out of it but I sure couldn’t. I'm 12-4 lifetime now. Dave’s back for our next game. The 5-2 Fryers are in this week. Dec. 18: 75-61 with Prov. 24, 4, 4, 2 for Jay but 12 TOs; the team had 21. At 5-3 Charlotte this week. Dec. 25: 73-84 at Charlotte. 18, 7 for Tom, 17 each for Ted and Mick, but 19 TOs. “D*mn! We NEED Len!” A FOUR game week: 3-6 VCU here, followed by 5-6 Hawaii. Then we start conf. play at 6-2 UMass, and back home with 4-4 Fordham. And all without Len. We went to the McGee household for XMas again this year. The food was great (cooked by May’s mom and Jean, with help from Jeffy and Sandy), the presents were terrific, and there were lots of laughs. There was also that wonderful, brave woman in the recliner, who couldn’t unwrap her own presents, couldn’t eat without someone feeding her, couldn’t get out of the recliner unless lifted out of it. All twisted up from the rheumatoid arthritis known as Kupferschmidt Syndrome. And yet she was cheerful for the entire party, attentive to the needs of 5 ½ year old Davey, seemingly having a great time. So sad, and yet so uplifting.

Nov. 20: 87-77 at #20 Kansas. 14, 8 for Len before he got hurt. 15, 3, 4 for Jay Rain. Mick Lee had 19, 3, 2. 12 TOs, 36 RBs. I guess Len Nich is brittle. He broke his ankle; last year it was his leg. Out about 7 weeks. 50-57 at Ark. 17, 3 for Mick, 7, 7, 4 for Ted Brag in the middle. Not much bench, and that hurt. At #16 GA, 2-1, then home debut with 1-1 Washington. Nov. 27: 52-69 at #16 GA. 22 for Mick, 14, 3, 4 for Jay Rain, 12, 5, 2 for tom More but 17 TOs and only 25 RBs. 62-63 with Wash. The guys, especially the bigs, played well. A horrendously bad call on the last play of the game did us in. Ted went to the hoop and was flattened to the floor by a forearm. No call. It happened with .3 seconds left. Dave went ballistic, totally out of control, got 2 Ts. On his way out he threw three chairs onto the court. He’ll be paying for that one. Nov. 29: The NCAA, citing Dave’s financial issues caused by May’s illness, fined him only $1,000, but they suspended him for two weeks and put him on probation until the end of the season. The sports channels have been showing the chair flipping clip over and over, talking about how the officiating has been worse than usual this year (Is that possible?), how the call was atrocious, and how hotheads like Dave shouldn’t be allowed to coach at the college level. You know, the usual blather. So it’s my team. I get to coach us against #21 Oklahoma, 3-1, here. I’m 11-3 lifetime while filling in for Dave. They count as part of his record though. Dec. 4: 77-54 against #21 Oklahoma! 29, 3 for Mick, 15, 5 for Tom, 12, 7 for Ted, 11 TOs, great D! “Oughta let you coach the d*mn team all the time!” Truth is that I’ve gotten several calls regarding head coaching jobs over the years. It’s tempting, but Dave and I are a team, and in lots of ways it’s a nicer life to be #2 than #1. Certainly less pressure and a few less hours. Now the $... At 5-0 Loyola-Chi this week.

May 1: Dave and I talked about May and about his finances. “It ain’t good. She’s either doped up or in a h*ll of a lot of pain, and she’s in pain even when she is doped up, just not as much. “As ta the money. We can stay here this season, maybe one more, but that’s it. I’m outta money some time late in that second season the way I figure it. Hope something turns up next year cuz that second year we’ll need ta go ta where the money is, like it or not.” Dave wants to fulfill his dream of winning a national title at URI, but I’m not sure we can do that within two years. We’re getting better all the time but I don’t see us as quite at the level we need to be at to win it all. June 16: We get 2 transfers, junior sf Scot Hall from Houston, and junior PF Matt Roy from Geo. Mason. June 26: Marv Gany was drafted #28. That’s a steal. He’s much better. 2 scholarships and we need guards. Looking at 10. July 4: Down to 5. July 25: Down to 3 but we hope to get commitments from 2 of them. All are interested. Aug. 21: Offered to 2 PGs who have us highly rated. Sept. 18: Still chasing the 2 PGs. No in season tourney. 4 ranked teams on the schedule. Sept. 25: Lost one. Oct. 2: Got both PGs we're now offering to. Lots of questions about this team, but it’s early. Apparently others have questions. In what is a weak conf. this year we are picked 4th, behind Dayton, UMass, and GW. “Hope they’re full a crap!” May is weaker. She spends at least half the day in bed. They get her into a recliner when possible. She gets PT and OT services as well, but she spends a lot of time reading and watching TV. She has an electronic reader because it is easier to manipulate than a book. She is very brave about all that she is going through. She doesn’t complain. Nov. 6: Junior Mich. ST transfer and junior Mick Lee will start at guard with soph Marc Camm subbing. Junior juco Tom More will start at SF backed by junior Dan Grim. Inside soph Ted Brag and senior Len Nich return. Tom More will play inside some. We start at #20 Kansas, and then at Arkansas. Real tests to open.

March 6: We play #7 seed Davidson, 14-14, 10-8. March 7: 71-52 over Davidson. 16, 5, 4, 5 for Marv, 11 TOs. Bud Smit hurt his shoulder. Day to day. #6 seed Richmond. 17-13, 10-8, in the semis. March 8: 77-68 over Richmond. 28, 7, 3, 4 for Marv, 19, 3 for Len, 15, 3 for Ted. 7 TOs. Mick Lee got a pretty bad bruise on his head when he went to the floor. He’s probably out of the title game. #1 in the country Dayton, 32-1, 18-0. March 9: 67-62 over #1 Dayton for the title! 25, 3, 1, 5 for tourney MOP Marv, 14, 6, 1, 4 for Ted, 12, 7, 4 blocks for Len. We overcame -13 RBs to be the #1 team in the country. March 12: We think the win over Dayton could get us a #2 seed. 27-6, 15-3, #15, RPI #4. #4 East, We play #13 Presbyterian, 23-7. Dave is really angry. “We shoulda been at least a #3, prob’ly a #2, and not in the toughest bracket.” March 16: 81-62. 6 in double figures over Presbyterian, 11 RBs for Ted. 9 TOs, 35 RBs. Next is #5 seed, #18 ranked Arizona, 21-8. March 18: 85-64 over Arizona. 21, 8, 4 for Ted, 15, 11, 2, 6 for Marv, 18, 4 for Len, 13, 5, 3 for Ben.13 TOs, 35 RBs. #1 seed, #9 ranked FL in the Sweet Sixteen. March 23: 54-74. 3-19 on threes, 17 TOs. FL was just better tonight. Last game for Marv, Jed and Ben. #1 Dayton also lost so the A10 is out. April 4: #2 Syracuse won it all. Awards: Marv made 2nd team All American. In conf., Marv was MOP, Def. MOP, 1st team. Ted Brag was frosh OY and 1st team. Ben Fine made 2nd team. April 9: Some very good schools called but none in New England. April 23: We ask for a facilities upgrade. Nope. We end the season at 29-7. Ranked 14, RPI #4. Dave’s #s are: 461-192, .706, Reputation up to 71, after 21 seasons. (Author’s Note: Almost lost the association. We crashed exiting the Awards screen. Both saves and one backup were locked up. The second backup saved me... for now anyway.)

Feb. 5: 72-58 at LaSalle. 31, 10 for Len. 11 TOs. 66-50 at St. Joe. Double doubles for Len and Ted, 19 for Jed. 82-65 vs. Fordham. 20, 10, 3, 3 for Marv. 6 TOs. Here with 13-8, 7-5 Duquesne, then at 11-10, 5-7 East Carolina. Feb. 12: 63-34 with Duquesne. Terrific D, 12 TOs. Mick Lee led with 17. 86-71 at E. Car. All 5 in doubles. Ted had 11 RBs. Marv Gany is #6 on the Norton list. Still 2 back of Dayton, but 3 up on 3rd place GW. At 11-12, 7-7 ST Louis this week. Feb. 19: 69-76 with STL. 13, 10 for Len, 16, 5, 2, 3 for Marv, but we slumped late and lost one we should have won. 4 games in 6 days to close the regular season. 17-8 Loyola-Chi in the Bracket Breaker, then 14-10, 9-6 Richmond, 6-19, 3-13 Geo. Mason, and 12-14, 8-8 ST. Bonnie’s, all at home. Feb.: 26: 80-48 with Loyola-Chi. 23, 10, 2 for Len, 25, 4, 4, 5 for Marv, 12, 12, 3, 5 for Ted. 3 TOs, 35 RBs. 75-57 vs. Richmond. 19, 6, 5, 8 for Marv, 14, 6, 4 for Len. 60-38 with Geo. Mason. 25, 5 for Mick Lee from the bench. 72-48 with ST Bonnie’s. 22, 11 for Len15, 5, 2 for Ben. 12 TOs, 35 RBs. We end the regular season 24-6, 15-3, alone in 2nd place. Ranked #17, RPI #9. Marv Gany is #7 on the Norton list.

January 1, 2035: 89-86 in OT with #17 Memphis for the JAG title. 18, 4, 8, 3 for Ben, 6 in double figures. 27 TOs but somehow we hung in. Great bench play. 75-60 vs. NC ST. 20, 8, 2, 3 for Marv, 17, 5, 5, 2 for Ben. 7 TOs. 70-81 at Davidson. 18 TOs, -5 RBs, not a lot of D. 61-45 with VCU. 26, 3, 3 for Jed, 10, 15, 3, 2 for Marv. 10 TOs, 35 RBs. 53-40 vs. UMass. 4, 10, 7, 12 for Marv. 8 TOs, 30 RBs. This week we’re at Geo. Wash., 9-2, and we host ST Louis, 5-7. Jan. 8: 76-69 at GW. 20, 10, 2 for Ted, all 5 starters in doubles. 103-94 vs. ST. L. 25, 12 for Marv, 29, 2, 3, 2 for Mick, 21 for Jed, 16, 1, 6, 2 for Ben. 9 TOs. Ranked! #21. RPI #3. A one game week and the last missed game for Len Nich. At 6-9, 2-3 St. Bonnie’s. Jan. 15: 77-58 over St. Bonnie’s. 20, 4, 2, 4 for Marv, 19, 3, 2, 2 for Mick, 15, 8 for Ted. At #4 Dayton, 16-1, 5-0, then at 7-7, 3-2 VCU. Jan. 22: 62-76 at #4 Dayton. -11 RBs. Len played well in his first game back but the rust showed. Tonight Dayton was better than us. [/bMarc Camm strained a knee. About 10 days. 85-75 at VCU.] 25 for Jed, 20, 5, 4, 6 for Marv. Having Mick Lee coming from the bench really helps us. 9-9 East Carolina is here this week. Jan. 29: 83-70 with E. Car. 22, 4, 4, 8 for Marv, 21, 5 for Ted, 8 TOs. (Author’s note: Yet ANOTHER scheduling glitch. For the 2nd time this season URI has 2 games on the same day. It happened on 12/26 and now on 1/30.) This week we’re at 8-10, 3-6 LaSalle, and 1-19, 1-10 St. Joseph’s. Then we host 5-15, 5-6 Fordham. We’re alone in 2nd, 2 back of Dayton.

Dec. 11: 59-67 at #11 Charlotte. 14, 11, 2 for Ted, 14, 5 for Jed, 11, 4, 3, 2 for Ben, but 20 TOs. Part of that was fatigue. Our starters are playing a lot of minutes, and this is as tough a team as we’ll play before conf. play starts. “Not bad with only a week a practice without Len. This week we're at the Fryers, 7-1. Dec. 18: 63-81 at Prov. They jumped all over us early and we never got in it. There were a lot of bad calls, most against us. Dave got a T, mostly out of frustration. He kept it together though. 15, 5, 3 for Ben. “It’s gonna be a long d*mn month.” Yes it is. This week we host #10 Tulsa, 8-2, and then off to the JAG Holiday, where we play 9-1 #16 Penn. Dec. 25: 58-43 with #10 Tulsa. The D was incredible. 17, 10, 5, 5 for Marv, 12, 10 for Ted, 11, 2, 2, 5 for Ben. We forced 24 TOs. 86-68 with #16 Penn. The shooting was on fire. 23 for Mick Lee, 18, 5, 8, 8 for Marv, 17, 2, 3 for Ben, 15, 3, 2 for Jed, 8, 10, 2 for Ted, 9 TOs. “They’re lookin’ great but they’re tired. These back ta back games are tough. 8-3 Xavier in the semis, 62-49. 20 for Jed, 13 for Marv, good D, good bench play, +9 RBs. Later tonight it will be #17 Memphis, 8-4, for the title. This coming week, due to a computer error, we have 2 games tomorrow- yeah. We play NC ST, 9-1, at home, and 3-6 Davidson, there. Then back home for VCU, 3-5, and ending 7 games in 8 days at home with 4-4 UMass. XMas on the road. May can’t travel by plane so we spent some televideophone time together with Davey and her on the big screen for present opening. Jean and Sandy were also part of the vid.

Nov. 13: We start with Marquette at home, then it’s off to #25 Utah. We’ll learn a lot from these two tough games. Two of our committed recruits fell in the ratings like they had rocks attached to their ankles, and the third lost ground as well. Oh well, it happens. Maybe they’ll be okay. “It can’t be easy, Dave.” “I love her, Red. When you’re a kid you don’t see it goin’ the way it went but maybe I realize how much she an’ Jeffy, an’ Davey of course, mean ta me more because of all this. I guess it ain’t easy but it don’t matter. I’m with her all the way, no matter what. I just wish she had less pain. An’ I don’t worry about the money part. We’ll do what we gotta do. Wouldn’t want ta be doin’ all a this without you, buddy.” “No worries on that, Dave.” Nov. 20: 87-60 with Marquette. 32, 6, 4, 4 for Marv. 12, 5, 2 for Len Nich, and 12, 3, 5 for Jed Troy. 8 TOs. This was an impressive debut. We really played well. 56-71 at #25 Utah. Tough team. 10, 12 for Nick but he fouled out. 12, 9 for Ted Brag, 11 each for our guards Jed and Ben. They really focused on stopping Marv and they held him to 9, 6, 2. Lots of foul calls, about even but they’re deep and we play 6 guys. We needed 10 tonight and #7-10 are not ready for prime time. This week one game, 0-1 Mississippi ST here. Nov. 27: 71-52 with MS ST. 18, 5, 1, 8, 2 for Marv, 16, 4, 7 for ben, 12, 8 for Ted. 13 TOs, 31 RBs. At 2-2 Rutgers this week. Dec. 4: 63-55 at Rutgers. 20 for Ted, 13 each for Jed and Mick, 5 and 9 for Len before he went down. 11 TOs, 31 RBs. It was a hugely costly victory. Our starting center, Len Nich, broke his leg. He is out for 6-7 weeks. At #11 Charlotte, 5-2, this week. "It stinks but better now than later. Len'll be back in January, for most a the conf. season- if the docs are right."

May 1: Bobby will work with our guards and forwards on outside shooting, and defense, since those were the things he did best. It will be great working with him. Jeffy is a freshman here and he’ll do stats for us and sit in on the coaches’ meetings. June 26: 4 scholarships. Looking at 20 recruits. Aug. 7: Marv Gany is #16 on the Norton list. Aug. 21: We offer to 3 PGs. We want a big but don’t see one we like. Sept. 18: We get a PG. We’re going to the JAG Holiday. Tough schedule with a few ranked teams. Oct. 2: We got a PF. We have a few good players back, and a few newbies who looked good at practice today. Ted Brag looks really good inside. Bobby wasn’t shy in his new role, which is great. We’re picked behind Dayton again. May is about the same. Dave says he really needs a caregiver there whenever he and Jeffy are not at home. May’s mom is great but she doesn’t have the strength to help May get to where she needs to go. With the state of health insurance these days that will cost a fortune but there’s no choice. We’ll be moving within a couple of years. “Either that or my family will go on welfare.” Oct. 23: We got a 2nd PF. Just want a 2nd PG now. Nov. 6: We’re going with a 6 man rotation again. We don’t like it but it is what it is. Seniors Ben Fine and Jed Troy, and soph Mick Lee will be at guard. We had hoped to play senior Marv Gany at PF, his natural position, and he’ll play some there, but he’ll start at SF. Inside are frosh Ted Brag and junior Juco Len Nich. We really think this team can go someplace. Bobby has made a noticeable difference with our outside shooting. We’ll see if it sticks. Jeffy is giving us some really expanded stats. Having him on board has been a definite help. Our kids are doing Dave and I proud. Oh, Dave officially adopted Jeffy on Jeffy’s 18th birthday. It was a beautiful thing to be part of. Davey continues to grow like a very wide weed. At 4 ½ he has 7 year olds for breakfast. He was born to be a linebacker but don’t let Dave hear that. He was also born to be a Power Forward and he already plays with a basketball. Dave is smart enough not to push, but Davey comes to practice now and then and loves all the attention he gets from the players. May is confined to a wheelchair, of course, but she will continue to come to all of our home games, and she comes to practice now and then, too. Dave is an incredibly wonderful dad and husband. I am proud to call him my friend.

March 6: #9 seed Duquesne, 11-18, 8-10 is up in the round of 8. March 7: 73-59 over the Dukes. 22, 5, 3, 2 for Wai, 14, 8, 3, 3 for Marv. 10 TOs, 31 RBs. #5 seed UMass, 22-10, 10-8 is in the round of 4. March 8: 60-46 over UMass. 15, 4, 3, 3 for Wai but a real team effort. Solid D, 12 TOs, 29 RBs. It’s #5 Dayton, 27-6, 13-5, for the title. It took some time but they adjusted to losing their PG, and they’re back. March 9: 69-65 over #5 ranked Dayton for the title. 20 for Troy from the bench, 16, 6 for Wai. Marv had a migraine. He played, but he wasn’t himself. 12 TOs, 30 RBs. “If we don’t get a #1 or at WORST a #2 seed there’s gonna be h*ll ta pay!” May is kind of stable, but not in a great place. Her meds keep her pain under control but she’s a bit sedated, out of it. Her mom is showing her age and taking care of May is a bit too much for her. “I’m thinking 3 four hour shifts of help. We’ll need to be real careful with money though.” Pete wound up #3 in the country in scoring. Bryant is too small a school for him to get consideration for All American but he’s had a terrific career. They won their conference so he’ll end his career in the Big Dance. Dave says he gets the next coaching vacancy with us. March 12: We’re 31-2. 17-1, won regular season and tourney, #4, RPI #3. Not in the East. #2 in the Midwest behind Maryland. We’ll play 16-14 Louisiana-Lafayette. March 16: 70-53. 17, 7 for Marv, 12, 5, 6, 2 for Ben, 13, 2, 6, 2 for Jed. #10 seed, 19-11 Arizona won in an upset. They’re next. March 18: 55-43 with Arizona, and back to the Sweet Sixteen. Team effort but 19 TOs. They had 22. It was close for 30 minutes. #3 seed, #17 ranked Pitt, 26-6. March 23: 70-60 with #17 Pitt. and our first trip ever to the Elite Eight! 20, 3, 6 for Wai, 8, 13 for Kris. Both he and Bill fouled out, but Dan Grim and Marv, who moved inside, got it done. Another great team effort. Dave got a T but we were in control of the game when he got it. It’s #1 seed, #5 in the country MD, 29-5, next. They’re tough everywhere so we need to come to play. March 25: 54-68 vs. #5 MD. They were the better team tonight. At the post game press conf. Dave said, “Our guys played their hearts out but it just wasn’t our night. Congrats to MD and I hope they win it all.” April 4: #19 ranked FL beat #2 KY for the title. Awards: Marv Gany got and deserved A10 POY. He and Kris made 1st team. Wai and Bill made 2nd team and Dave got COY- that’s NATIONAL COY! April 9: UMass and UConn had good seasons so the head coaching jobs there didn’t come open. “I can do this for 2-3 more years then I run outta money.” Some very high power schools called but Dave won’t leave New England. April 23: We ask for a budget increase. Approved. We get $11,000. We end the season at 34-3. Team Prestige is up to 43. Dave is at 432-185, .700. Off- 65, Def- 75, Recruit- 70, Scout- 10, Pleyer Development- 70, Reputation- 67. He gets an $8,000 salary increase. My son, Bobby, is coming here as a grad assistant. He’ll get his Masters in Sports Management. We lose our front line, Bill Cole and Kris Brown, and guard Wai Star, but some really good people coming back, and some good looking recruits.

January 1, 2034: 72-59 with Fordham. 17, 8 for Marv, 15, 4, 5, 2 for Ben, 10, 9, 3 for Bill. Good bench play, 10 TOs, 33 RBs. 54-71 at #1 Dayton. 9 TOs, 31 RBs. 14, 5 for Kris, 12, 7 for Jed, but without Marv we didn’t have the weapons. Oh well. Marv Gany got a badly bruised triceps in his shooting arm 10 minutes in. He’s out at least a week and a half. 83-51 with Duquesne. 23 for Wai, 12, 2, 3 for Jed in his first start, 12, 5, 3 for Mick Lee, filling in. 11 TOs. Mick looked really good! This week we’re at 5-6 Richmond, and home with 8-4, 3-0 East Carolina, a real surprise. We don’t think Marv will be ready. Jan. 8: 84-69 at Richmond. 23, 4 for Wai, 15, 6, 5 for Ben, 17, 4, 2, 3 for Jed. Mick had 9, 3, 5 from the bench. 20 TOs didn’t make Dave happy. 80-62 with E. Car. 20, 3, 5, 3 for Jed, 20, 6, 3 for Ben. 12 TOs. Dan Grim, who rarely plays, logged 25 min., because the refs were whistle happy. Dave got a T but he was not out of control; it was tactical. A one game week at 6-7, 1-3 Fordham. Jan. 15: 73-71. 18, 9 for Kris, 13, 4, 2, 3 for Marv, 11, 4, 7, 2 for Ben. 18 TOs. The last three possessions: We turned them over, we threw it away, we turned them over. Wai hurt his calf. Day to day. Dayton lost 3 this week. They lost their PG to grades and I think it will finish them. At 7-9, 3-4 George Washington, then here with 9-7, 3-4 St. Bonnie’s. Jan. 22: 79-68 at G. Wash. 25, 3 for Wai, 15, 14, 2, 3 for Kris. 37 RBs. All 5 starters had good games. 74-57 vs. ST Bonnie’s. 5 in doubles, led by sub Jed Troy with 21, and Kris with 14, 14, 2, 5. We’re alone in 1st, 1 up on UMass and E. Carolina. At home this week, 10-8, 5-4 ST Louis. Jan. 29: 92-41 vs. ST Louis. 22, 8 for Marv but we could do no wrong in this one. 11 TOs, 41 RBs. We now hold a 3 game lead in conf. One of our recruits didn’t hit the SAT score. A 3 game week, here with 9-9, 5-4 George Mason, at 12-8, 7-4 East Carolina, and home with 8-11, 5-5 VCU. #127 Today, 03:02 PM Wayne23 DDS:CB Team Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,843 Feb. 5: 79-45 vs. Geo. Mason. 20 for Jed who has been really hot, 15 for Wai, 10, 11 for Kris who has 3 or 4 straight double doubles. 59-58 at E. Carolina. 17, 4, 2, 2 for Marv, 16 for Wai, and a little luck. WE got a late steal, and Wai drove for the go ahead hoop. Then Kris got our only shot block of the night and the clock ran out. 74-50 with VCU. 5 in doubles led by Marv’s 18, 10, 3, 2. 7 TOs, 30 RBs. 6-12, 4-7 Richmond is here, then we go to 10-12, 4-9 ST Bonnie’s. Feb. 12: 79-57 with Richmond. 33, 10 for Marv, 31 RBs. 69-45 at ST Bonnie’s. 20, 4, 2, 2 for Marv, 12, 5, 2 for Bill. 3 up on Dayton, 4 on UMass, 5 or more on the rest, with 4 to play. We’ve been steadily climbing in the rankings. We’re #6, RPI #5. 23-2, 13-1. 2 on the road, 11-12, 7-7 LaSalle, #20 UMass, 19-7, 10-5. Feb. 19: 74-58 at LaSalle. 23, 8 for Bill, 21, 5, 2, 2 for Marv, 11, 8 for Kris. 61-50 at #20 UMass. 23, 4, 4, 8 for Marv, 11, 9 for Bill, 7, 13, 5 for Kris. 35 RBs. Way out in front of everyone in conf. Tonight we play #2 Charlotte here in the Bracket Breaker. Then 12-12, 8-7 Davidson comes to town. We end the regular season at 9-15, 5-10 ST Joe’s. Feb. 26: 78-75 in OT with #2 Charlotte. 6 guys with between 9 and 16 points. A great game. We were up as many as 17, down as many as 12. Neither team would give up. We got to OT on a three by Ben, and won it on a steal by Wai with 3 seconds left. They couldn’t catch him as he dribbled out the clock. 83-60 vs. Davidson. 14, 2, 9, 5 for Marv, 19, 2, 3 for Ben, 17, 2, 5, 2 for Jed, 14, 4 for Kris. 68-56 at ST Joe’s. 18, 9 for Bill, 19 for Wai, 15, 5, 2 for Marv. 18 TOs, but they had 19. We end the regular season at 28-2, 17-1, Ranked #4, RPI #3. +14.7 PPG, +1.7 RBs, +6.7 TOs, +3.1 assists, +4.4 steals.

January 1, 2034: 72-59 with Fordham. 17, 8 for Marv, 15, 4, 5, 2 for Ben, 10, 9, 3 for Bill. Good bench play, 10 TOs, 33 RBs. 54-71 at #1 Dayton. 9 TOs, 31 RBs. 14, 5 for Kris, 12, 7 for Jed, but without Marv we didn’t have the weapons. Oh well. Marv Gany got a badly bruised triceps in his shooting arm 10 minutes in. He’s out at least a week and a half. 83-51 with Duquesne. 23 for Wai, 12, 2, 3 for Jed in his first start, 12, 5, 3 for Mick Lee, filling in. 11 TOs. Mick looked really good! This week we’re at 5-6 Richmond, and home with 8-4, 3-0 East Carolina, a real surprise. We don’t think Marv will be ready. Jan. 8: 84-69 at Richmond. 23, 4 for Wai, 15, 6, 5 for Ben, 17, 4, 2, 3 for Jed. Mick had 9, 3, 5 from the bench. 20 TOs didn’t make Dave happy. 80-62 with E. Car. 20, 3, 5, 3 for Jed, 20, 6, 3 for Ben. 12 TOs. Dan Grim, who rarely plays, logged 25 min., because the refs were whistle happy. Dave got a T but he was not out of control; it was tactical. A one game week at 6-7, 1-3 Fordham. Jan. 15: 73-71. 18, 9 for Kris, 13, 4, 2, 3 for Marv, 11, 4, 7, 2 for Ben. 18 TOs. The last three possessions: We turned them over, we threw it away, we turned them over. Wai hurt his calf. Day to day. Dayton lost 3 this week. They lost their PG to grades and I think it will finish them. At 7-9, 3-4 George Washington, then here with 9-7, 3-4 St. Bonnie’s. Jan. 22: 79-68 at G. Wash. 25, 3 for Wai, 15, 14, 2, 3 for Kris. 37 RBs. All 5 starters had good games. 74-57 vs. ST Bonnie’s. 5 in doubles, led by sub Jed Troy with 21, and Kris with 14, 14, 2, 5. We’re alone in 1st, 1 up on UMass and E. Carolina. At home this week, 10-8, 5-4 ST Louis. Jan. 29: 92-41 vs. ST Louis. 22, 8 for Marv but we could do no wrong in this one. 11 TOs, 41 RBs. We now hold a 3 game lead in conf. One of our recruits didn’t hit the SAT score. A 3 game week, here with 9-9, 5-4 George Mason, at 12-8, 7-4 East Carolina, and home with 8-11, 5-5 VCU.

Dec. 11: 68-51 with W. KY. 20, 6, 2, 4 for Marv, 13, 6, 2 for Ben, 8 TOs. 33 RBs. Another 1 game week. The 2-6 Fryers are here. Dec. 18: 64-63 with Prov. We escaped. Prov. led for the first 38 min., then it went back and forth 7 times. We had the last possession and Marv hit a 16 footer with a hand in his face. 17 for Marv, 15 for Ben. +9 TOs, but -10 RBs. “Refs were horrible they hurt them more’n us for once!” #16 UConn, 9-1, there this week. “I gotta say May’s mother’s been great. I never thought she liked me but she’s been a huge help, an’ she’s been nothin’ but nice ta me, an’ she’s wonderful with the kids. I guess she sees that I’m home as much as I can be, an’ that when I ain’t playin’ with the kids I’m with May until she falls asleep. May keeps sayin’ I should leave; she’s useless ta me. That’s an easy one ta answer. I just tell the truth- I love her too much ta EVER leave.” I completely believe that. Dave has some faults, some bad ones, but he’s a great father and husband now that he isn’t drinking. Oh, I predict he won’t have a drink as long as May’s alive. If she were to pass it might be different, but with the kids, I’m not so sure it would be. Dec. 25: 71-49 at #16 UConn. 19 for Wai, 12, 10, 2 for Bill, 11, 8, 3 for Marv, 12 for Troy. 13 TOs, 32 RBs. It stayed close all through the first half. In the locker Dave said he saw something. He felt like UConn’s bigs were getting tangled up on D when they had to switch off in their man D. He set up three plays to force switches, and they all worked. By the time UConn’s coach figured it out we were up 17. This was a really subtle little thing that involved some base line cuts combined with picks, and it was a thing of beauty to watch- not for the UConn fans, of course! “We’re for real, baby! Look out!” Dave said that in the locker room right after the game and the guys erupted in cheers. Home with 5-4 Fordham, at #1 in the country Dayton, 12-0, then back here with 2-8 Duquesne. “I’m plannin’ ta beat Dayton!” Dave is telling the guys he sees them as the best team in the conf., which of course would mean in the country. I’m not so sure. We’re good, but that good? Dave and May worked very hard to make XMas a happy day. We went there because it was easier than them coming here. May took her meds so she wasn’t in nearly as much pain as I’ve seen at other times. Mind, it never takes the pain away completely, but she says it brings it down to a “5,” at least for a while- sometimes. Anyway, it was a fun day. May thanked us on the way out and there were hugs all around. My famous son, #3 in scoring in the country in this, his senior season, was with us for most of three days, including the holiday. He and Sandy both had “friends” with them for most of the holiday. Oh well, they are at that age. Bobby seems serious with his girl but Sandy is just dating. She’s really not gotten serious with anyone yet. Good!

Nov. 15: May saw the specialist. She has Kupferschmidt’s syndrome, an extremely rare form of rheumatoid arthritis that spreads quickly, and immobilizes the patient greatly. It is not fatal but there is a great deal of pain, and such simple things as walking, writing… become difficult, if not impossible. May’s dad is dead but her mother is in good health and will be moving in with the family to help out. “This will help a h*ll of a lot. We’ll only need outside help for three two hours shifts, which we can afford. BUT, the old lady’s 76, and not in great health herself, so this won’t work for a real long time. Still, we’re real thankful." Nov. 20: 60-56 over Arkansas. 14, 11, 2, 3 for Marv Gany, 14, 3, 4 for Wai Star, 11 for Jed Troy from the bench. 6 TOs, 31 RBs. 68-79 at Morehead ST. 23 for Wai, 18, 11 for Marv. They took 13 more trips to the foul line, but our D wasn’t all that sharp. “That’s friggin’ embarrassin’. How the frig do ya lose ta a sh*tty team like that!” We’re at 0-2 Lipscomb, and then off to the Alaskan Classic with 1-1 Duke, the #2 seed. Nov. 27: 65-54 at Lipscomb. 4 guys had 11-13 points but D won this game. None of their starters had more than 7 points. 75-57 with Duke in the 1st round of the Alaskan Classic. 22, 8 for Bill, 19, 3, 0, 3 for Marv. Jed Troy had 11, 3, 5, 5 from the bench. 19 TOs, but they had 20. “I guess we got Duke’s number. Beat ‘em again!” It’s #13 ranked, #3 seed FL ST in the semis. 81-63. 21, 8, 5, 3 for Marv, 19, 8, 2 for Bill, 17, 4, 3 for Jed. 9 TOs, 31 RBs. We’ll play #5 seed Murray ST, 4-1, for the title. Later this week 2-1 Auburn, and then #11 New Mexico, 4-1. Are at our place. Dec. 4: 80-61 over Murray ST for the Alaskan Classic title. We led all the way, by as many as 30. 22, 5, 2, 5 for Marv, 18, 2, 3, 2 for Wai, 16, 4, 6, 2 for Ben Fine. 10 TOs. 74-58 vs. Auburn. Back and forth for about 28 min., then we went on a 15-4 run. Marv Gany just missed a triple double, 11, 9, 3, 10. We were stealing everything, Kris had 12. 15, 7 for Bill, 17, 3 for Wai, 16 for Jed. 8 TOs. 75-60 with #11 New Mexico. We crushed a contender, never trailed. 26, 6, 1, 5 for Marv, 13, 11 for Kris, 8 TOs, 30 RBs. Wai Star hurt his hip. Day to day. We are ranked #16, RPI #12. This week only 1, against 4-3 W. KY here. May is in a lot of pain. She doesn’t take the steroidal meds as often as she needs to. Dave says she doesn’t like the side effects, but they do help a lot with the pain. Davey is having a very hard time with this. He’s only a little more than 3 ½ and he doesn’t really understand.