Just wait ‘til next year!” This thought pops into the head of just about every player once a season comes to a close. Every player thinks about what will happen next year. We all have hopes and aspirations as players and as a team. We take steps to improve ourselves in the offseason, all in preparation for next year. Well, “next year” becomes “this year” in less than week for the men’s basketball team here at Hartwick.
This year will be extra-fresh in a lot of ways. First, we have a new coaching staff with the departure of Coach Culpo and Coach Kindlon and the arrival of head coach Todd McGuinness and assistant coach Nick Nichay. Also, five players from last year’s team were lost to graduation so Hartwick basketball will have no lack of opportunities for incoming and returning players to step up their play fill in those newly opened spots on the floor. The new season gives players a chance to show what they can do to help this team. Six incoming freshman will be tasting college basketball for the first time. Binder Gymnasium which had its name changed to “Lambros Arena” in the last game of the regular season last year still has its “new gym smell” as it’s barely a year old.
One person who can hardly be considered “new” is Mike Tracy. Tracy graduated last year but still has a remaining year of eligibility so he will return as a welcomed member of this year’s team. His leadership and experience will definitely be a valued asset to the team.
This offseason I spent a lot of time watching highlights of current and former NBA players such as Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Tim Hardaway, Pete Maravich, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili, and others. I tried to study what makes each of them great and tried to incorporate some of their game into my own. I feel that the year of college basketball experience under my belt will greatly benefit me this season. I’m pumped, I’m hyped, I’m excited for the season to start but, “Just wait…”.
Mark Blazek ‘12
This year will be extra-fresh in a lot of ways. First, we have a new coaching staff with the departure of Coach Culpo and Coach Kindlon and the arrival of head coach Todd McGuinness and assistant coach Nick Nichay. Also, five players from last year’s team were lost to graduation so Hartwick basketball will have no lack of opportunities for incoming and returning players to step up their play fill in those newly opened spots on the floor. The new season gives players a chance to show what they can do to help this team. Six incoming freshman will be tasting college basketball for the first time. Binder Gymnasium which had its name changed to “Lambros Arena” in the last game of the regular season last year still has its “new gym smell” as it’s barely a year old.
One person who can hardly be considered “new” is Mike Tracy. Tracy graduated last year but still has a remaining year of eligibility so he will return as a welcomed member of this year’s team. His leadership and experience will definitely be a valued asset to the team.
This offseason I spent a lot of time watching highlights of current and former NBA players such as Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Tim Hardaway, Pete Maravich, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili, and others. I tried to study what makes each of them great and tried to incorporate some of their game into my own. I feel that the year of college basketball experience under my belt will greatly benefit me this season. I’m pumped, I’m hyped, I’m excited for the season to start but, “Just wait…”.
Mark Blazek ‘12
