March 2, 2006
In a time when so many players leave college early for the NBA draft, it is refreshing to know that this week there will be Senior Day all over America. So many kids who have given their best in pursuit of excellence for their respective universities will be honored. A couple of players being honored stand out to me. It was touching watching Illinois recently honoring Dee Brown and James Augustine at its final home game. The outstanding tandem gave so much to the Illini program, and they were honored prior to the team's big win over Iowa.
This weekend, do you think there will be some emotion at the Carrier Dome when Syracuse says farewell to Gerry McNamara? Wow, that should be quite a scene when the Orange take on Villanova and over 30,000 fans salute the hard-working guard. Having the Wildcats as an opponent should get the fans fired up, but honoring McNamara will also get them going. McNamara is the school's all-time leader in 3-pointers. Think about what he has done … including the night as a diaper dandy when he made six trifectas as Syracuse won the national championship. Thank you for all the memories, Gerry. You have been a quality player and person.
Down at Cameron Indoor Stadium, it would be meaningful enough having the Dukies take on North Carolina. Coach K vs. Roy Williams is enough of a drawing card. Then add the final home appearance for J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams. Do you think there will be a few tears shed? Think there will be a few moments of jubilation and emotion when those two are introduced for the final time there?
You'd better believe this is the best combination in America this season. They are the main reason the Blue Devils are expected to make it to Indianapolis and the Final Four. They'd love to give Krzyzewski his fourth national championship. It has been quite a career. Who would have ever thought as a freshman, seeing the diaper dandy shoot, that we would be watching the ACC's all-time leading scorer? Yes, we knew he was incredible on the foul line! Think about people who have worn that uniform in the conference, names like Michael Jordan, David Thompson and on and on -- Redick is numero uno.
Williams has been a shot-blocking force and rebounding machine. The Landlord has been solid in the post. It has been a real treat to sit courtside at many of their games and see them play with great passion and feeling, representing that Duke jersey in an All-American way. Congratulations to all seniors across the land, and thank you for staying all four seasons and enjoying being a kid!
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
