“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 !