JOSH BENNETT - Josh epitomizes the term student-athlete. He has been a diligent student who has posted outstanding grades in our school of business. When our guys come into the program we always talk about "can you juggle"? We tell them that employers are looking for people who can "juggle" different responsibiites and be successful at all of them. Josh gets this concept as a student, starting guard on our team, and a successful run in all of his employment opportunities. His hard work the last 4 years resulted in a terrific job offer in his field last Fall. Three things have also stood out to us over the last few years. The first was how hard he worked to recover from a terrible ACL injury and returned to the court. The second was how he made a real effort to lead our team in the pre-season when coaches are not allowed to be around the players on the court. Josh is a quiet guy but he really took charge this Fall. The final impressive thing about Josh is that he was one of the best teammates we have had here at SMU. He was always concerned and supportive of all of his teammates. One of our themes this year was "be the teammate you would want your teammates to be". No one did this better than Josh. His parents set a tremendous example for Josh and we are so very proud of him. It was my privilege to be his coach and I cannot thank him enough for sharing the last 4 years. He is one of the best people I have ever met. Best wishes Josh, I would love to have your future.
MICHAEL BURFEIND - "Is he tough enough"? "He is tall but can he compete in your league"? Kevin and I laugh now when we remember back to when we started to recruit Mike from Lewiston HS. We never questioned any of those things as we saw a very good player who could only get better. Mike was a very important recruit for us and took a leap of faith coming to a school with no basketball tradition. We were lucky that Mike comes from a tremendous family who wanted to be able to watch Mike and Matt (younger brother in HS) play most of their games. The Burfeinds were also gracious enough to host team meals at their home which the team always looked forward to. In 39 years of college and pro coaching it is easy to place Mike on the list of guys we have coached who really improved and got the most out of their gifts. Mike made him himself a two-time all MIAC player through year round hard work and being a willing learner. He has been a key guy from day 1 and our "go to" guy. He has proven, as one of the top scores in the league, that he can get it done inside or outside. Mike's toughness can never be questioned as he has suffered concussions, knee problems, an elbow that needs surgery, hand injuries and just the wear and tear of the physical pounding he takes every night in the MIAC. Quiet Mike did his leading by example and displaying a very intense personality on the court. We have really enjoyed our relationship with Mike and wish him nothing but success in the future. He is a terrific, unselfish, caring guy who was always looking out for his friends and teammates. Along with that competitive fire these attributes will serve him well as he enters the next phase of his life. Mike is a winner!
TOM GORES - It has been so good to see Tom relatively healthy this year. Not 100%, but healthy enough to play with a bad hip and shoulder. It has not kept him from competing every night. Every team needs a few guys with that sense of humor that engages others and creates the banter needed in all locker rooms. Tom knows his teammates and can deliver the right line at the right time. He is what we call in basketball, "a glue guy". Sometimes I get the feeling that we will all be working for Tom some day. One quality that runs deep with this senior class is that they really are good teammates. Tom's mother Lulu has hosted more dinners and overnight stays in Rochester than you can imagine. If Tom mentions that "you guys can come to my house" we almost have to find a bus. We are so gratefull to the Gores family for all of their hospitality. Tom and the other seniors have always been gracious in inviting the younger guys to their house in Winona, or as one freshman described it to his mom, the "basketball house". On the court Tom has displayed a good feel for the game and a real toughness needed to compete at the college level. He has also had the penchant for making the big play when his team needed it. We really appreciate how Tom has played with alot of pain and stepped up to lead when we needed it. His personality, desire to succeed, intelligence, and his ability to "juggle" make him a blue chip recruit for a business out there. Why do I think my wife will turn on one of those shows about great homes on the beach in the future and we will see Tom showing the view of the beach as a CEO of some company? Thanks Tom and have a great journey through life.
JOE MURRAY - Admittedly there are some players in my 39 year coaching career that we have just rooted for harder to find success. Joe is in that category. Joe was a HS football and basketball player at one of Illinois' largest high schools. He went to college on a football scholarship as a well decorated prospect. Joe is an extremely bright guy and he soon realized that basketball practice was alot more fun than football. "Coach, I never touched the ball unless I carried the ball bag out to practice". Well it was our first full year recruiting and when we had the chance to add a 6-6 young man who was a good athlete we were excited. Joe did change his mind a few times but finally chose SMU. Joe is an incredible worker and willing listener. He has been a starter, a valuable reserve, and a team leader. He may also be the most well liked guy on the squad. The ultimate teammate is one who enjoys his teammate's success as much as he does his own. Every guy on our team felt that way about Joe. That is why we play, why we coach, and it is the ultimate compliment.. Joe received that numerous times. There were a few times when Tom Gores may have put his health in jeopardy by a comment made to Joe. All of the players and coaches would fully endorse Joe if he wanted to stuff Tommy in his locker. Besides all of these incredible qualites as an athlete and teammate, Joe is an outstanding student with a double major, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to succeed. We love all of our guys and will miss them dearly. Joe thanks for showing your team that hard work does result in improvement. You really improved. You are a young man that will always be on my favorite guys to coach list. Best wishes in the future. Believe me it will be a great one.
BRIAN THOMAS - This is a different story. Kevin and I met with a group of St. Joe's students, that included Brian, during our first year here. Brian played for the powerful St. Joe's squad and was also a leader in student government at the high school. He was a very impressive and mature young man who we thought would be a good addition to our team and the campus. Brian chose to come to Winona and played his freshman year. The following year he had some injuries and also wanted to explore other things the campus had to offer. His junior year he briefly thought about hoops but instead did something pretty incredible instead: he wrote a book. Brian is a published author. In the spring Brian and I crossed paths and he expessed some interest in returning to the team. I did not take it seriously until he met with me early in the Fall of 2012. When we met I painted a rather bleak picture so that he understood the situation. I told him that if he and an underclassman were performing at the same level I would play the younger guy. He accepted that and started the year outside the top 15 (out of 19). Brian is a great example that if you work hard, listen, compete, do your job, never get discouraged, and be ready when your chance arrives, good things may happen. Well injuries, seminary duties, etc. created an opportunity for Brian. He delivered. More injuries and now he will start the final few games of his career. Brian's maturity on and off the floor, his example of a committment to education, and his persistence have hopefully served as good lessons for our younger players. I am so happy that Brian will end his college career as an important member of our basketball team. The sky is the limit for you. The future is bright. Enjoy the ride. Thank you. |
