Back to School

Posted on by Grandy Glaze1

My surgery was a success! Thank God and all the people who had me in their prayers; it means a lot. It was my first surgery ever and it was everything I thought it would not be. It was a quick flash; Doctor Carr, (our team doctor) put me to sleep and I woke up in a sling all drugged up. The first day back home was a serious struggle, I was in a ton of pain and restless. I had difficulty sleeping for about three days but I am sleeping fine now after six days post surgery. I have already started rehabilitating with Sarah, (our team physician) which has been minimal but she has been taking good care of me. The support system at SLU is truly unique, even though I am injured I still feel relevant. My managers still send me encouraging texts, my teammates and coaching staff are engaged with me and Janet (SLU Athletics) is still willing to help and ask how I feel during the process. A question that we should all ask ourselves is: “Who is going to be there when things get ugly?” Those are your true friends and they don’t have to do too much during tough times. Just some words of encouragement can go a long way so during this process I will truly discover who is in my circle (which is already pretty tight).

Davell Roby and Milik Yarbrough are emerging as very special players as they lead the team in scoring in back to back games against George Washington and Davidson. Games that we lost and now we find ourselves 8-8 on the season. It seems that Austin Mcbroom is not playing as much and it bothers me. He is an exceptional scorer but he must step his defense up in order to play substantial minutes as the season progresses. After all, defense is what we have been known for all across the nation and that starts with our point guards. Kwamain, Mike and Jordair had to do it so now it is Austin’s turn, we will go as far as he is willing to push himself defensively.

I am not looking forward to going back to school for my last semester, it is such a bitter feeling knowing that this is my last. I hate that I have to go out like this. School and rehab will be my life and I honestly feel like I am slipping behind the eight ball physically. I have been sidelined for too long and I am worried about not being the same high energy guy I once was. I have seen it happen to one of my fellow Canadian hoopers in Anthony Bennett, whom is playing terrific basketball now for the T’Wolves but gained over 20 pounds in an off season due to a dislocated shoulder. That year was a nightmare for him and I won’t be playing in the NBA next season but I will be playing against exceptional competition . I must be prepared for anything. But how can I do that when I can’t even shoot a ball let alone run or bike? It is eating me up inside to just be a spectator and at first I thought it would have been easy. Now thoughts of skipping surgery and just playing run through my mind constantly. What if I played and gave the boys leadership as a senior? What if I was playing and we had a winning record? What if I was playing and I had an outstanding season? I feel like a “what if” kind of guy. We all know them, all talk and no action just “what if.” I have a chance to change all of that but all I have is my passion and desire; I will push myself to another level just watch. I promise that I will not be a “what if” story.

Fight Back !

Posted on by Grandy Glaze1

You have to fight for what you want in life; nothing worth while comes easy and if it does,  it is an absolute guarantee you won’t cherish it. Fighting for what you want takes courage and facing the fear that, regardless of your efforts you can still fail. The key is to stay calm and continue to persevere; for as long as you are breathing, there is always an opportunity to achieve what you want. A challenge is only good once it is conquered and we have all been there. Look back at a situation you were in that seemed nearly impossible but you overcame that challenge and realized that you are stronger now. No matter what, there is always a way to succeed, you just have to put up a legitimate fight. God made it that way.

We are now 8-6 on the season. We fell short to a super Athletic Vanderbilt team earlier this week out of the SEC, then we got topped by a powerful Rhode Island team in league play today. Not the least bit of good news for us in terms of improving our record but I did see growth and flashes of greatness out of the Billikens this week, especially from Malik Yarbrough; the kid can flat out play some basketball. No, I am not searching for any moral victories however, I can see the bright side of this week. We are promised 17 more basketball games and it is up to us to make the best out of that opportunity. We have to fight and believe that we can win the A-10. All we can control is our attitude and effort, this is what fighting is all about; we have taken some punches but the real test is fighting back. I believe that we will take this week and use it as fuel for the rest of the season because we sure do not have a locker room full of losers.

I had a great New Years eve with some of my friends and will be a night I will never forget. It sure will be hard to say goodbye to them if I decide to not hoop anymore, they are genuine people who have my best interest at heart. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I am ready to start my last semester! We start next Monday and my schedule is difficult but hey, I’m almost home free so no complaining over here trust me.

It’s my last weekend before surgery and I am kind of nervous as to how the procedure will go. Of course I trust the doctors but this will be my first time ever going through with a surgical repair. On Wednesday, I was handed a red envelope that looked like it should have had a Christmas card, but instead was just filled  with a ton of instructions for pre and post surgery. This sure is going to be quite the process but I am ready for the challenge. Wish me luck and pray for me guys. Hope you have a great New Year.

God Bless.

A New Chapter Begins

Posted on by Grandy Glaze1

“The best success is shared success.” I have had great success with the SLU men’s basketball team alone with the athletic department and of course, the entire University as a whole. I mean, three NCAA tournament appearances, back to back A-10 conference championships while accumulating a 81-21 record in those three campaigns. I know right, tell you something you don’t know. I’m injured in the midst of my senior season: the defining year for collegiate student-athletes everywhere. It’s okay, I’m getting surgery and will have full range of motion in four to six months. Trust me, it’s not a downer at all, in fact it might be one of the greatest things that happened to me in college. It is truly humbling and pushes me to work harder. I miss competing, I miss practicing, I even miss being fatigued, I honestly miss everything. My senior year has ended before I even snagged a rebound because that’s what I do, no scoring please. We are 8-4 right now and I am proud of the guys with they’re approach to every single game.

This is by far the most talented team I have been apart of here at SLU in four years; these guys have a ton of God given ability. I am very excited to be apart of their development on and off the court. We have the tools that can give us an edge in the A-10, we just need to put it all together (like most teams around the country). Even though I will not be hitting the hardwood this season, I too still some growing up to do myself. I must stay in shape, strengthen my shoulder, mentor the guys and take care of my academics. Our team GPA was over a 2.6 this past semester which is not too shabby given our busy schedule as student-athletes at SLU. I added a 2.5 to that grand total but I can do better, I want at least a 3.0 next semester. It’s doable; just got to stay consistent. It is currently winter break and coach Crews was generous enough to give the team five days off for Christmas. Everybody is heading home but I will be sticking around I guess STL has grown onto me over the years. Don’t feel sorry for me, I am used to being away from home. Ever since I was 15 years old I have been living in the United States in pursuit of my dream so I am just fine. I sit back and ponder what is next for the Team and I after the break, I will be in a cast for about four weeks and we have big games coming up against teams the likes of Vanderbilt and Rhode Island. Can I come back better and mentally stronger from this setback? Can a young but talented team prove that they belong in the NCAA tournament? What is my future here? Am I going to graduate with this degree that I promised my family? My mind is filled with questions but all I can do is pray, put it in God’s hands and take action. Everything will unfold from there.

 

Happy Holidays !