Keeping the Faith
Being a fan isn’t always easy, but games like the A10 final in 2012 make it all worth it for diehards.
ONE & TEN… That’s right, after last night’s win in Newark, the Blue Hens of Delaware are now 1-10. I made the decision not to write up a post-game immediately following the loss, not because I’m lazy, but because I was furious, ashamed, embarrassed… perhaps the best word to describe it was ‘disgusted.’
The 2014-2015 Jekyll & Hyde Bonnies is what people are saying. “Everyone has off nights.” The reality is that this team, these Bonnies, are mediocre at best. Sure, there is talent on the floor. We have a seven footer averaging 10.6 ppg / 11.6 rpb /3.0 bpg. His front-court counterpart is averaging 13.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg. Our back-court tandem is a pair of players who rank 2nd and 25th in the league in scoring; and our SF is holding his own, pouring in 10.8 ppg along with 5.7 rpg. That’s a starting 5 that looks damn good on paper, right? So what does this talented group equate to? 7 wins and 4 losses. The truth is, this team has beaten NOBODY and lost to some awful teams.
Bonnie’s fans are a one-of-a-kind. We root for our Brown and White with burning passion, we hold onto hope and set lofty expectations, and we never give up. It’s not an easy ride. This year’s roller-coaster season has been nothing short of sickening. After last week’s loss to UMES, I slammed my macbook so hard that my girlfriend screamed at me. Told me that I needed to chill, that it’s just a game. After last night’s loss, I gently closed my macbook, walked to the bathroom and took a hot shower. Maybe she was right? Maybe it’s just a game? Nahhhh. It’s not just a game. Anyone who has taken in a game at the Reilly Center knows that. It’s a family. It’s the desire to win, and when you don’t, it’s the faith you must have that eventually you will.
I intentionally did not list player names to each individual’s statistics above. Of course, we all know who they are, but it doesn’t matter. Those numbers don’t mean anything. The only thing that matters in any sport is wins and losses. Basketball is a TEAM game where the success of any team is determined by their cohesiveness as a unit.
I tweeted last night that this team simply does not know how to win. We go on runs, take leads and then play carelessly loose and give them away. We make poor decisions and “freshman mistakes.” Well I’ve had enough. I’m tired of pits in my stomach and rage in my heart. This team is desperately searching for an identity. And I am desperately hoping that they find the answer.
Tomorrow is a New Year and Saturday is the start of the second half of the season – Conference Play. I’ll remain hopeful. I’ll have faith that this team will mature, adapt and evolve into something better. Then again, I’m just a Bonnies fan.
