This is the first of what is many posts to come. This is a site where anyone is free to post comments of their thoughts, or just put any other random thoughts down. I ask that you keep it to sports, or sports related, if possible.
So to the post:
When you think of Duquesne Men's basketball, what do you think? Most people put losing and Duquesne in the same sentence. Rightfully so, yes? I would agree with this statement to a point. Ever since Ron Everhart has come to coach Duquesne from Northeastern, the whole program has turned around. What a great find he has been. For the first time in a long time (since I can remember), they had a winning season and even made post-season play. They made the NIT and played one of the best games I have seen on any level. Aaron Jackson had one of the most dominating performances I have ever seen in any sport during the game. His 50 points were not enough to lead the Duke's to victory, but certainly is worth noting for sure. The Duke's ended up losing in 3 OT's, but to even get there was amazing. They were down about 13 points with 2 mins to go, and in my head I'm thinking this game is over with, and the end has come. I couldn't believe what I was watching. Va Tech kept missing free throws, and Duquesne kept coming down the court and scoring. It was an amazing game to watch. One of the best games in recent memory at least for me.
Another highlight of the year was the trip down to Duke to see Duquesne play Duke. I have always been a Duke fan, and whenever it was announced in the Summer that Duquesne was playing Duke, I had to get tickets. This game I couldn't miss. My favorite team is playing my school. Why would a school so good, and with such a history call Duquesne to come down and play a nationally televised game? I still do not know the answer, but anyway the game was going to happen. I remember calling everyone to tell them that Duquesne was playing Duke. I was in utter shock, and still couldn't believe it. It was a really rainy stormy night that night. I was sitting up in my room, just watching the TV in utter amazement that the game was really going to happen. It was pouring outside, and a storm was happening. My phone was about to die, and I had it on the charger, then BAM all the power went off. I continued to talk to my friend on the phone, then my phone died. I literally just sat there for about twenty minutes still amazed the game was happening. Power came back on after about 30 mins. By this time it was around 2:30 a.m.
Fastforward to the actual game........ It was a nationally televised game on ESPN 2. My dad and I went to the game, and we both couldn't believe that we were both standing in front of the mecca of all college basketball, Cameron Indoor Stadium. Seeing the arena and the court on TV a bunch of times is one thing, but in person, their is just something magical in that place. We get to our seats, and see Duquesne warming up. I still couldn't believe that I was sitting in Cameron Indoor watching DUKE, Coach K, and all the Cameron Crazies. It was a feeling I don't think I will ever have again.
Warmups pass and time for the game... Duquesne kept it close till about the 13 minute mark, then Duke just went on a tear shooting the ball, and it seemed like they couldn't miss. Jon Scheyer couldn't miss a three pointer, and the Blue Devils were just firing on all cylinders. Duke just put their foot on the gas peddle and ran away with the game. Lance Thomas played a heck of a game as well. Had a double-double I believe. Duquesne ended up losing by 18 I believe. I thought to myself not too bad. Good performance, but it just shows Duquesne has a far way to go to catch Duke, and become a premiere team on the national level.
Duquesne has a very promising year ahead of them. With them advancing all the way to the NIT, and losing in 3 OT's, and losing one starter they have much to look forward too. My personal favorite player is Melquan Bolding. I really truly believe that this kid has potential to make it to the NBA. He defintely has a NBA body. If he continues to work at his game, he's got a really good shot at making it. With all the returning starters back the projected lineup will be Eric Evans at PG, Melquan Bolding at SG, Bill Clark at the G/SF, Damian Sanders at PF, and Morkinayo Williams at C. Williams will be a big help to the roster. Being 7 foot he will be one of the biggest players in the A-10. Originally recruited by Kentucky, Williams transfered after just one year there. We have a lot to look forward to from this kid and this team
I will leave you with one bold statement. THIS IS THE YEAR DUQUESNE DOWNS PITT
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