2008 Woodie Awards
A bit too much madness
Michael Bayer
Issue date: 10/23/02 Section: Commentary
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The setting is McDonough Arena, 11:56 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. The lights in the gymnasium are out, and a single spotlight swings dizzyingly around the crowd, highlighting groups of students as they jump up and down, screaming their throats hoarse and wildly waving glowsticks through the air, before it moves to the corner of the gym where the students eagerly anticipate the introduction of the members of this year's men's basketball team. The emcees, a couple of DJs from HOT 99.5, add to the suspense as they begin to address the crowd with soft voices… and slowly move to a thunderous echo throughout the stands, "Give it up for the big man … at six foot eight … number 34 … Miiiiiiiiiiike Sweeeeeeeeeeetneyyyyyyyyy!" By this time, the gym is an ear-shattering cavern of noise, as every person with vocal chords is exercising them with full intensity, and the stands themselves vibrate from the pounding of a couple thousand Nikes on hardwood.
After a short statement from Coach Esherick, who only moments earlier had been booed upon his introduction, the players begin a friendly "scrimmage," though it is really more of a glorified dunk contest, much to the delight of the crowd. Freshmen, like blue chip Brandon Bowman, get their chance to unveil their style, as do upperclassmen like Courtland Freeman, with all the players taking the opportunity to ball it up in front of the somewhat inebriated, but completely enthusiastic, audience.
It was at this point, after the roar of the first few dunks had slowed down, that I was subjected to the first of what is likely to be many tirades against various players on the team. A few of the students behind me talked with an authoritative air, a seasoned tone that is usually reserved for paid commentators on ESPN, about our basketball program and certain players. "This guy is just a cancer to our team. I can't wait till he's gone. I hope he gets injured so he can't mess us up. If we can just get this guy and this guy to take all the shots, we'll be money."
After a short statement from Coach Esherick, who only moments earlier had been booed upon his introduction, the players begin a friendly "scrimmage," though it is really more of a glorified dunk contest, much to the delight of the crowd. Freshmen, like blue chip Brandon Bowman, get their chance to unveil their style, as do upperclassmen like Courtland Freeman, with all the players taking the opportunity to ball it up in front of the somewhat inebriated, but completely enthusiastic, audience.
It was at this point, after the roar of the first few dunks had slowed down, that I was subjected to the first of what is likely to be many tirades against various players on the team. A few of the students behind me talked with an authoritative air, a seasoned tone that is usually reserved for paid commentators on ESPN, about our basketball program and certain players. "This guy is just a cancer to our team. I can't wait till he's gone. I hope he gets injured so he can't mess us up. If we can just get this guy and this guy to take all the shots, we'll be money."