Senior Night '08

IWU will honor four impressive young men tonight at the Shirk Center - seniors (from left to right) Kevin Bryant, Jason Bloom, Darius Gant, and Brian Nussbaum.

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First a few thoughts on the three who have not played a lot this year -K.B., Jason, and Nuss. These three have been absolutely terrific leaders and role models this season. After falling out of the playing time mix, these guys could have left the team - I certainly wouldn't blame a senior who doesn't play for not being willing to put in all of the time and effort - or become negative. Instead, Bloom, Bryant, and Nussbaum have been three of the hardest workers on the team and three of the most positive influences on the bench. The coaches have all said numerous times this year that the work these three have put in on the "white" team in practice has had a tremendous impact on the "green" team. Just last Saturday, when the buzzer sounded at Wheaton, I remember seeing this trio get to the floor to celebrate a big win with the guys in the game before anyone else.As an alum I'd really like to thank Jason, Brian, and Kevin for everything they've done for the program. They're first-class young men and they're a big reason the Titans went into the final week of play with a shot to win the CCIW championship.

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As for Darius, what a season it's been. More than any single factor, the emergence of Darius as a leader on and off the floor is the reason this IWU team is having such a good season. I will always remember his 22 point, 20 rebound performance in the home win over Carthage on 2/2/08. When I think back about great Titan individual performances in big games, that one will always come to mind.

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The great thing about Titan basketball is the quality of the student-athletes. More than the CCIW titles, the Shirk Center atmosphere, and the trips to the Final Four, it's the players that keep our minds on something other than the weather for those winter months every year. IWU always has players we can be proud of and root for. Jason Bloom, Darius Gant, Brian Nussbaum, and Kevin Bryant have continued the Titan tradition of outstanding young men in the program. By passing on lessons in teamwork, leadership, and class taught to them by the great group of older players ahead of them, these four will all have contributed to the next CCIW title Illinois Wesleyan wins.