21 seniors will file out of the locker rooms in the United Center this weekend, some wearing candy stripped warm ups and some bearing the insult of corporate America in form fitting uniforms. From the elites Alando Tucker and Carl Landry to the anonymous such as Chris Harltey, they will hit their stride and embrace the familiar rituals in a rhythmic cadence of lay up lines and jump shots. Over the course of their respective careers, these seniors have become part of the Big Ten fraternity, from John Wooden to Lucas Johnson, from Jerry Lucas to Jerry Francis.
While their respective home arenas have honored them with Senior Nights where their moms and dads have embraced them and offered tears, over the next several days in Chicago, these seniors will cast one final, parting gift upon the Big Ten Conference and its devotees. Whether from the hardwood or the bench, these seniors, both the stars and the practice players, will serve notice as a reminder of the value of commitment.
Competing in Division I basketball, especially the Big Ten, is nothing short of an extraordinary and unattainable thought to most of us. Many doddering Midwestern boys dream of playing Big Ten ball but a scant few realize it as height, talent and athleticism, or lack thereof, encroach. To some, such as Indiana’s Errek Suhr and Wisconsin’s Tanner Bronson, both former walk-ons, such deficiencies are not perceived as boundaries. They compensate with the consistent and intense effort many more skilled players fail to emulate or achieve. Still, most of the Big Ten seniors will not play professionally. Such dreams are left under their bunk beds, alongside their baseball card collections and SI swimsuit magazines. Rather, their decision to play four years is not about playing at the next level; it is a decision founded upon their passion for the game.
At any point over four years, from the solitude of humid July workouts within the belly of Camp Randall, to 6:00 a.m. daybreak runs along the IU Golf Course in Bloomington, to practicing in football pads in East Lansing, these Seniors could have quit. They didn’t and their choice is worthy of our recognition and praise.
Illinois
Warren Carter, although we miss the big hair we’ll miss his laugh even more.
Rich McBride, the pride of Springfield Lamphier and all those three pointers taken.
Marcus Arnold, dedicated enough to sit out one year for the chance to play for Weber.
Indiana
Errek Suhr, all 5′8″ of him.
Roderick Wilmont, a shooter every shooter could love.
Earl Calloway, a well-traveled mustache under four coaches from Lou Henson to Mike Davis to Kelvin Sampson.
Iowa
Adam Haluska, an Academic All-American, a great athlete and tough competitor.
Mike Henderson, the pride of Waterloo, Iowa and Mr. and Mrs. Henderson.
Ohio State
Ron Lewis, sitting out one year to play for Jim O’Brien only to play for Thad Matta.
Ivan Harris, a McDonald’s All-American who accepted his fate as competent role player.
Michigan
Courtney, Dion, Lester, and Brent, a bittersweet end to such a promising beginning.
Northwestern
Tim Doyle, his tan, his coif, and his crafty passes will be missed.
Joe Kennedy, the son of a coach with a physique tailor made for the Lake Forest YMCA.
Vince Scott and his pancake breakfasts and subsequent pancake dinners.
Penn State
David Jackson, who went from grocery store clerk to Division I hardwood.
Purdue
Carl Landry, the hardest working competitor in recent memory.
David Teague, a testament to perseverance over injury.
Chris Hartley, a five year Boilermaker who endured the program’s darkest nights.
Wisconsin
Alando Tucker, simply a great Big Ten player.
Jason Chappell, does whatever Ryan wants
Kammron Taylor, the key to what’s left of Wisconsin’s season.
