Northwestern University Athletics
Drew's Views
12/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 21, 2009
Hello, Wildcat Fans!
Thanks to everyone who came out Saturday for our game against Stanford! It was another huge win for us that put us at 9-1 overall. It was an exciting game, we played well but Stanford put up a tough fight. It is always fun to play against good competition, and they had some talented players.
We prepared a lot for this game. Our coaches helped us understand their offensive and defensive sets, players' abilities and tendencies, and our strategy to win the game. A large part of our preparation for each game is in the film room. We talk about each opposing player and how we should guard each one. For example, if one player is a great shooter, then the coaches tell us to guard him tight and not to help off of him. Before each game we watch film of our opponent to get an understanding of what they like to do. We study their offense, defense, and players so we know what to expect when we step on the court.
Our preparation for Saturday was key to help us win that game. We understood what Stanford was trying to do and we were able to stop them for the most part (besides the couple of dunks that Landry Fields had). This game made SportsCenter's top ten plays of the day. Unfortunately it wasn't one of our plays, but one of Fields' impressive dunks. I saw the play on ESPN that night, and I was able to smile because we won the game. The final score is what matters most and that favored us! Hopefully next time we're on the top ten it will be one of John Shurna's throwdowns instead.
With the holidays coming around, it is a little strange being isolated in a hotel room when I'm used to being home with friends and family. When all of the Northwestern students were leaving the dorms for home I couldn't help but be a little jealous of all of the time they have with friends and family, but that thought only came to my mind for a second as I thought about the wonderful opportunity I have playing on the basketball team. This experience is a dream come true, and although it is a major commitment (especially around the holidays), there is nowhere I would rather be. Playing basketball at this level is such a blessing and I love every second of it. With such a great team, coaching staff, and Northwestern community, being a Wildcat is truly amazing.
Having talked about our busy schedule during the holidays, we do have a few days off around Christmastime which I am really looking forward to. I'm excited to spend some time at home, get some good home cooking from my mom, and sleep in my own bed. Since I left home to come to school, my sister decided to take over my room and attempt to make it hers, so when I get home I'm going to face a challenge in getting it back.
Being close to home wasn't a major factor for me in deciding where to go to college, but now that I'm here I am definitely happy to have that luxury. It is great to have friends and family nearby who come to watch us play, and it is very nice to be able to visit home once in a while. Around my birthday, Alex Marcotullio and Kyle Rowley came back to Naperville with me and I showed them around. I don't know of any people who are seven feet tall in Naperville, so a lot of my friends and family were shocked to see how tall Kyle is. When I come home for the holidays this week, I won't have any seven-footers with me, but I am looking forward to spend some time with my family.
Once again, thank you all for all the support! Have a great holiday season and a happy new year!
Until Next Time!
