Wayne23

Dysfunctional Dave McGee, a DDS:CB3 Dynasty

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March 6: Weā€™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.

Itā€™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.

Weā€™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.


ā€œDisrespected again. Whatta supprize!ā€

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.

ā€œWhoooo!ā€

Len banged up a knee but it doesnā€™t look serious.

Itā€™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.

ā€œWhatta frigginā€™ game!ā€

We got hot at the right time, 13 straight wins, 16 of 17, 20 of 22.

Itā€™s #1 seed, #1 ranked Syracuse, 30-3, 17-1 in the Elite Eight. This is as far as weā€™ve ever gotten in the Dance. Their start SF and leading scorer is out.

ā€œWeā€™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.

ā€œIf we can replace Len, and if a couple a rookies anā€™ transfers develop we could be tough next year.ā€

No change in Mayā€™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: ā€œWe leave this year or next. Letā€™s see who calls. Course UConn anā€™ UMass is the only places Iā€™d go this year.ā€

Weā€™re going to UMass. Iā€™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 Ā½ 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. Iā€™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.

ā€œIā€™m planninā€™ ta win it all in 3 years from now.ā€

Fortunately he isnā€™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.

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May 1: Moving May from Cranston to Amherst was a bit of an ordeal. She doesnā€™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 ā€œMay accessibleā€ as possible.

ā€œAnd 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. Weā€™d a had about $30,000 a year left after medical costs at URI cuz their insurance wasnā€™t as good. So we had ta make this move.ā€

June 6: Looking at some transfer guards.

June 12: We get 2 guards.


June 15: I guess weā€™re all settled into ā€œnormal.ā€ Jean is working here at the satellite hospital affiliated with UMass. Sheā€™s a shift supervisor. Since sheā€™s new itā€™s third shift but sheā€™s done that before, and both 1st and 2nd shift supervisors are over 60.

Sandy followed in momā€™s footsteps and got her R.N. Sheā€™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. Heā€™s not a bully, heā€™s just big, and a little clumsy. He has a heart of gold but he also has his fatherā€™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 sheā€™s a huge help.

May is no better, and wonā€™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 itā€™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.

Weā€™re picked to finish 4th in the A10.

Nov. 6: Hereā€™s our lineup: At guard itā€™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 itā€™s head for the fallout shelters.


We open here with Rutgers and then at UMass Lowell.

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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 arenā€™t rebounding.

Ranked! #25.

Jay Howl will start at guard.


This week 1-0 Washington is here then weā€™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.

ā€œLooks like we just might be okay!ā€

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 didnā€™t help and we stood around on O.

ā€œWeā€™re beatinā€™ ranked teams on the road anā€™ we lose ta Maine? Frigginā€™ ridiculous!ā€

2-3 Texas A & M is here this week.

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Dec. 11: 71-78 vs. Texas A & M. 26, 3, 3, 2 for Sam, 14 for Mick, 8, 8, 4 for Jay.

ā€œMaybe we wonā€™t be okay at that. D*mn!ā€

Art Pita is going to get some of Binsā€™ minutes and most of Carrā€™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 isnā€™t a whole lot of talent there, and weā€™re undersized. Weā€™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 weā€™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. Sheā€™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 couldnā€™t do last year. Physical and occupational therapy are helping. Thereā€™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. Weā€™re all hoping.

Itā€™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 thereā€™s only so much we can do about it.

Sandy has a steady ā€œfriend.ā€ Her name is Barb, and sheā€™s a middle school art teacher.

Davey continues to grow like an oak. Heā€™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.

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January 1, 2037: 54-61 at STL. 13, 14 for Key but we didnā€™t make our foul shots (11-21), didnā€™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. Bonnieā€™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 didnā€™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.

ā€œD*mn, I hate ta lose!ā€

2 at home but #22 URI, 12-3, 4-0 is one of them. Then itā€™s 4-8, 2-1 Fordham.

ā€œWe need at least one win this week or weā€™re in deep sh*t.ā€

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 didnā€™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 heā€™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 weā€™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.

Weā€™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. Joeā€™s here, then weā€™re at 2-16, 0-9 LaSalle.

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Feb. 5: 84-59 with St. Joeā€™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.

Weā€™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.

Weā€™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 weā€™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. Joeā€™s. We won by 25 here.

Feb. 26: 66-58 at St. Joeā€™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.

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March 6: Weā€™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.

Itā€™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. Iā€™d say weā€™re border line for the Big Dance, 19-10, RPI #56. Iā€™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.

ā€œNever figured weā€™d get ta this point!ā€

Next is #1 seed, #2 ranked Ohio ST, 29-5, 13-3. We got hot at the right time and weā€™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.

Hereā€™s what Dave had to say after the game.

ā€œI donā€™t wanna say the refs beat us because that would insult Ohio ST, anā€™ I want ta congratulate them. But they played man all night, we played man about Ā½ the time anā€™ never pressed ā€˜til the last minute anā€™ they went ta the line 31 times, we went 15. Draw your own conclusions. Anā€™ I hope you writers anā€™ TV anā€™ radio people will tell it like it is.ā€

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: ā€œSo Dave, what happens if UConn calls.ā€

ā€œD*mn! I sorta hope they donā€™t!ā€

I know thereā€™s nowhere else weā€™d even consider.

They didnā€™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.


ā€œWe ainā€™t gettinā€™ any younger, kid!ā€

Weā€™re both 58.

May is about the same, able to do a bit more but still needing 24/7 care.

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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 didnā€™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 Bobbyā€™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. Weā€™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.

ā€œWAY too early to talk about that. I like my team. I think weā€™re gonna have a real good season.

Weā€™re#12, RPI #9 right now, but yes, itā€™s early.

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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 Ā½. Heā€™s struggling at school- not with academics, heā€™s a great student. Itā€™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.

ā€œSh*t, I spend all the time I can with him. I guess I could have him do his homework during team study halls but heā€™s a distraction. The guys play with him instead a studyinā€™; same when I bring him ta practice. I donā€™t know what ta do that I ainā€™t already doinā€™. Anā€™ 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 didnā€™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.

ā€œItā€™s real hard ta take, Red. I love her so much anā€™ she just ainā€™t got much of a life.ā€

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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 didnā€™t blow. Dave got Tā€™d up but nothing changed.

61-72 at Duke. 4 starters in doubles but it wasnā€™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.

ā€œWhen they frigginā€™ move we win!ā€

52-71 at #15 Dayton. +10 TOs, -16 RBs. 3 of our guys scored more than 4 points.

ā€œMOVE, d*mn it! You guys was standinā€™ around like pimple faced 8th grade boys at a frigginā€™ school dance. MOVE! Best designed O in the world donā€™t work if ya donā€™t frigginā€™ execute it! MOVE or SIT! You guys on the bench be ready. Guys stand around Iā€™m puttinā€™ you in there.ā€

Key hurt his foot. Day to day.

ā€œI guess we ainā€™t ready yet. Didnā€™t really think we were. Itā€™ll take maybe 2 more years.ā€

8-6, 3-2 LaSalle, then 12-2, 4-1 Richmond- they beat us by 22 there. Both here this week.

January 10: ā€œRed, ya gotta come over, Sandy too.ā€

ā€œSandyā€™s at work, Dave. Itā€™s 2:15 in the morning, whatā€™s going on?ā€

ā€œThe night nurse says May had a stroke. Looks like a bad one. Her ma and me wanta go to the hospital but Iā€™m too shook up ta drive. Somebodyā€™s gotta watch Davey.ā€

ā€œWhereā€™s Jeffy?ā€

ā€œOh sh*t, thatā€™s right. Heā€™s here. Can ya come over anā€™ drive me ta the hospital!ā€

ā€œOn my way.ā€

The stroke was massive. May is unconscious and on life support.

Iā€™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 Mayā€™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. Mayā€™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 itā€™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 isnā€™t in it. Heā€™s really taking Mayā€™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. Heā€™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.

Weā€™re alone in 2nd, 1 Ā½ back of GW. 16-5, 8-2, #18, RPI #5.

ā€œMaybe they wonā€™t want me back; youā€™re 6-0.ā€

ā€œYeah but now weā€™re on the road. Thatā€™ll change. And Dave, they want you back.ā€

ā€œMaybe next weekā€¦ or the week after.ā€

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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. Joeā€™s are here this week.

Dave is back. I went 8-0 and Iā€™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. Joeā€™s. 23, 3, 3 for Jay, 20, 2, 5, 4 for Cory Logg, 15, 1, 6 for Trey. 8 TOs but only 17 RBs. Weā€™re handling the ball really well, but we donā€™t rebound well.

3 of our last 4 are on the road. This week weā€™re at 8-16, 5-10 St. Bonnieā€™s, and 11-12, 6-8 STL.

Trey hurt his hand. Day to day.

Weā€™re a Ā½ game back of GW and a Ā½ ahead of URI. 20-5, 12-2, #10, RPI #4.

Feb. 19: 81-53 at St. Bonnieā€™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.

Ā½ game up on GW. We have 2 to play they have 3. 1 Ā½ on Dayton, 2 on URI.

Last week of the season. Weā€™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.

ā€œMayā€™s ma is staying. We need her ta help with Davy, and we just want her here. Sheā€™s a good person. Sheā€™s startinā€™ ta get a little frail but sheā€™s mentally sharp as can be.

ā€œItā€™s hard, Red. I think about havinā€™ a drink every nightā€¦ I would if it wasnā€™t for the kids.ā€

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.

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March 6: Weā€™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.

Itā€™s URI, 23-6, 13-5, in the semis. Beat them by 8 at home.

ā€œSo Dave, would you go back to URI?ā€

ā€œIā€™ve thought about that. It would be nice to go back to RI anā€™ try ta win it all at our old school. But then weā€™re gonna be 59 soon. It might be nice ta set up for retirement if the UConn job opened up; I ainā€™t got sh*t for money. Takinā€™ care a May took it all. Not that I wouldnā€™t a done it, a course. I donā€™t know. I guarantee though, either one more move or none. Iā€™m sure a that.ā€

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 Iā€™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, Pennā€¦ Weā€™ll play 16-14 Wm & Mary 1st.


ā€œI like this draw, Red. If we have our sh*t together we can go a long way.ā€

I agree, but in the Dance, one false step (pun intended) and youā€™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.

ā€œI think anybody woulda had trouble with us tonight. Now if we can keep it upā€¦ā€

#3 seed, #20 ranked Kansas, 24-8, is next. Beat ā€˜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.

ā€œWe got a shot, Red. I like our chances if we play our game.ā€

So do I!

March 26: 73-61 over Tenn., and weā€™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: Hereā€™s an excerpt from one of the press conferences.

ā€œDave, please donā€™t be offended by the question but itā€™s been a season of terrible downs and wonderful ups-ā€

ā€œYeah, thatā€™s for sure. I gotta say that Iā€™d gladly give up all the hoop success ta have May back, but I guess all of ya probā€™ly know that. I just gotta also say how happy I am for our kids- the team, anā€™
Bobby anā€™ Jeffy. This team grew as time went by. Weā€™re 19 outta our last 20 anā€™ playinā€™ great ball, anā€™ the kids deserved ta make this trip. Anā€™ we ainā€™t done yet. Anybody plans ta beat us better bring their
ā€˜Aā€™ game!ā€

ā€œTo follow up, how are you dealing with all of this?ā€

ā€œIt ainā€™t easy. Sure, the team is helpinā€™, no doubt. But I gotta tell ya, the nights are long. I wanna thank my wonderful mother-in-law anā€™ my great sons, anā€™ the best friend a man ever had, Red Oā€™Connor, anā€™ his family. No idea where Iā€™d be without all of ā€˜em.ā€

Weā€™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.

Itā€™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.

ā€œI got a feelinā€™. Cory Loggā€™s gonna be in if it gets ta be crunch time. I just got a feelinā€™.ā€

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. Daveā€™s feeling wasnā€™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.

ā€œI couldnā€™t be prouder a my guys. This ainā€™t about the refs, I got no compl,aint, but one or two calls go different, a pass connects instead a beinā€™ picked off, we get a key Rb, anā€™ it comes out different.
Still, Iā€™m good. It was a h*ll of a season for this team, anā€™ like I said, Iā€™m proud as h*ll.ā€

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 doesnā€™t want the extra free time at all.

ā€œOh, Iā€™ll spend all the time I can with Jeffy anā€™ Davey but still, thereā€™s gonna be way too much frigginā€™ time.ā€

April 9: Weā€™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.

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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 heā€™s here working, and of course Jeffy is part of the staff so heā€™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.


Weā€™re in the preseason NIT again, against #9 MD. All but 2 pre-conf. opponents are ranked.

ā€œWeā€™re goinā€™ for the title this year. We might be a year away but we only lost one guy so I think we got a shot.ā€

Thankfully, Dave isnā€™t saying that publicly. Heā€™s just saying we should be competitive with anyone.

Sept. 25: We lose the C. We offer to another C, from Canada.

Oct. 2: Weā€™ll go as deep as 7, and #8 and #9 might well play their way into the rotation.

Weā€™re picked #1 in the A10.

We lose the C.
We donā€™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 weā€™re very strong.

Dave is suspended for the first two weeks which means Iā€™ll coach the NIT and #5 LSU and Central Mich. My 20-4 record could take a hit!


We start with #9 MD.

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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 itā€™s minor and heā€™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.

Itā€™s #9 seed, #4 ranked FL for the title. Weā€™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.

ā€œSuspend the bum!ā€ Dave couldnā€™t stop laughing.

This week itā€™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.

Iā€™m 25-5 lifetime, but Dave can have the job.

Weā€™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.

ā€œFun ta be back!ā€

This week itā€™s #14 Memphis, 4-1, here, then at #24 GA Tech, 3-3.

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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.

ā€œH*ll of a feelinā€™ ta be #1. Hope we can keep it for a while.ā€

Dec. 18: 52-73 at #15 Temple. 19, 6 for Dave and no one else did much. We were flat. -9 RBs.

ā€œSo much for #1.ā€

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 Daveā€™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, ā€œSkewer,ā€ that hot new game. It was fun and there were lots of laughs. Still, it was not a great holiday, too many memories.

Dave hasnā€™t really turned any corners with all of this. The team takes his mind off of May but heā€™s not himself.

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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. Joeā€™s is here.

Jan. 8: 74-62 with St. Joeā€™s. 19 for Shay, 10, 8 for Dave, 12 TOs.

3 this week, at 7-6, 1-3 St. Bonnieā€™s, her with #21 GW, 12-4, 4-1, at 9-5, 2-3 STL.

Jan. 15: 85-79 at St. Bonnieā€™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.

Weā€™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 weā€™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 weā€™re 21-2, with a 3 game lead in conf.

Our two signed recruits hit the SAT score but the guy weā€™re chasing didnā€™t. Weā€™re looking at an SF. Itā€™s either him or we bank the scholarship. Weā€™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 itā€™s all about missing May, which makes sense.

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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.

Weā€™re at 9-15, 5-10 E. Car., then at 17-8, 10-5 Dayton.

Dave continues to be pretty quiet except when heā€™s with the team. He does all he can to maximize his time with Davey, takes him places, does things with himā€¦ 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.

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March 5: Redshirt SG Jamal Neal declares for the draft.

Cory Logg is #6 on the Norton list.


March 6: Weā€™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 didnā€™t matter and Dave mostly ignored the lousy officiating.

Sub Clif Perl hurt his arm. Heā€™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 weā€™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.


ā€œIā€™ll take it. Let Syracuse and Tennessee bang heads if they get that far. This is fine.ā€

March 17: 77-53 over Silly Hat. 24, 2, 4 for Shay, 6 TOs but only 19 RBs. Didnā€™t matter, it was never close.

Next is #9 seed VA, 18-13.

Dave is pushing the guys.

ā€œI donā€™t want ā€˜em ta think all they gotta do is walk out on the court. We got a real shot at winninā€™ 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.

ā€œI ainā€™t changing a thing. Theyā€™re beatinā€™ us cuz they want it more. If you daonā€™t care, fine, go out there anā€™ frig it up.ā€

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.ā€™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.

Itā€™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. Weā€™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 LS
U 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. Itā€™s not serious and heā€™ll play but heā€™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 weā€™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.

ā€œI need ta say first that Tennessee came ta play anā€™ they gave us all we wanted. I couldnā€™t be prouder of my guys. Dave played hurt, B.J. had some huge plays, and the bench hung in anā€™ did their job great. It was a battle, anā€™ Iā€™ll jusā€™ say winninā€™ it all is one H*LL of a feelinā€™!ā€

Davey and his grandmother were with us at the final four.

I couldnā€™t be happier, esp. for Dave. After all heā€™s been through this is fantastic. Iā€™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 weā€™ve got 2 top 10 recruits coming in.

Nope, weā€™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! Daveā€™s at 574-222, .721 lifetime and his reputation is 91.


ā€œRed, if we win again weā€™ll probā€™ly stay, but weā€™re both 60. If we donā€™t win it just might be time ta go for the money soā€™s weā€™re all set when we retire.ā€

ā€œHow about winning one at URI?ā€

ā€œD*mn! I guess if we got the chance weā€™d need ta think about it.ā€

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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. Heā€™s 2 years younger than anyone else but heā€™s as big as most of the 7th and 8th graders.

July 13: ā€œDavey did okay, didnā€™t he, Red.ā€

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.

Weā€™re good and weā€™re deep.

No surprise that weā€™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. Weā€™re #1 in the nation and the #6 seed, which, as usual, makes no sense.

Dave is more like himself but thereā€™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.

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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.

Itā€™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.

ā€œWe got so many frigginā€™ weapons I donā€™t know if anybody can stop us. We didnā€™t play at all well tonight anā€™ we beat #3 in the country.ā€

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 heā€™s in 4th grade. Heā€™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.

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Dec. 11: 72-75 at UConn. 23, 7 for Ric, 8, 17 for Jam. Shots didnā€™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.

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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 Bonnieā€™s here, then at 7-8, 4-2 Fordham, then here with 13-2, 6-0 URI.

Jan. 22: 94-62 with ST Bonnieā€™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 Joeā€™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 weā€™re #1 in the country in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks.

ā€œAinā€™t much challenge coachinā€™ this team. Ric anā€™ Jam might be the two best in the game right now anā€™ Quin ainā€™t all that far behind. Then we got about 5-6 others would start for anybody. Just donā€™t frig it up is all I gotta do!ā€

Jan. 29: 76-43 with ST Joeā€™s. 15, 10 for Jam, 16, 6 for Ric. 6 and 29.

60-53 at VCU. They played excellent D, denying, doubling the ballā€¦ 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.

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Jam Bard is #2 on the Norton list and Quin Aka #25. No clue why Ric Hemp wasnā€™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 Theyā€™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.

Weā€™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 weā€™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.

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March 5: As expected, Ric declare for the draft. Weā€™re shocked that Jam didnā€™t!

Jam is still #2 on the Norton list.


March 6: Weā€™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 heā€™ through for the season. Jam banged his head and only played 9 min. (but heā€™s fine and will be back for our next game), and Ricā€™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.

ā€œI STILL think we can win the whole thing.ā€

#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 weā€™ll get the #1 seed. Sometimes they take a major injury into account.

ā€œI donā€™t care. We gotta beat ā€˜em all anyways.ā€

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. Theyā€™re the only team that beat us this season.

March 23: 67-57. Itā€™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.

ā€œYeah, I guess ya could say we had our share a bad luck this post season. But Iā€™ll tell ya what, anā€™ alla you write this down. Donā€™t count us out. Weā€™re planninā€™ ta defend our title! My boys are ready ta take what weā€™re dealt and move on.ā€

#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 weā€™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.

ā€œWe gotta play together and we are!ā€

Itā€™s #2 ranked Tennessee, 33-4 in the round of four. We beat them by only 4 to win the Coachesā€™ Classic. This wonā€™t be easy!

Davey has been with us for the entire postseason and, of course, heā€™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.

ā€œIf we win this d*mn thing people better say we earned it! Playinā€™ #2, 3, 4, right in a row, 2 guys out with injuries.ā€

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. Iā€™m absolutely shocked that Ric didnā€™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 didnā€™t happen.


ā€œAny chance we move, Dave?ā€

ā€œIt would be tough. Iā€™d love ta threepeat. Only Wooden ever did that.ā€

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 didnā€™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 weā€™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.

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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. Heā€™s not that great with people but heā€™s magic with analysis and with numbers. Iā€™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 weā€™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.

ā€œNo woman on the horizon, Dave?ā€

ā€œI just ainā€™t interested. I guess I ainā€™t over May yet.ā€

ā€œItā€™s been a long time.ā€

ā€œI know, but inside it ainā€™t been very long at all.ā€

ā€œIf you meet the right person that will change.ā€

ā€œI already met the right person- twice.ā€

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 weā€™re watching signed elsewhere.
Looking at some new guys.

Oct. 2: Weā€™ve got 9 who could start for anybody. Only 3 guards though; the 4th isnā€™t ready.

Weā€™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.


Weā€™re the #4 seed at the NIT, playing New Mex. ST.

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