So now the truth is out. All along, I was coaching the men's basketball team. I didn't even know it. I just thought I was giving my two cents, but the truth is, turns out the "ol' column" sheds a little light on coach Buckley's game plans after all.
OK so that might not quite be the case.
In casual conversation with the coach Tuesday, however, he made a little joke that brought a smile to my face.
I asked the coach about the starting line up he plans on using in his team's first game of the MAC Tournament against Miami (Ohio) on Thursday. When I asked if he had any idea as to who he might go with, he paused and said, "Well, I will have to wait for tomorrow's Daily News."
It was one of those comments that you can tell the person on the other end of the phone is smiling when they say it.
But nonetheless, right on coach, glad to know you are reading. I will, for the record, make it clear that he did follow that comment up by stating that he read and heard about my column after last weeks game, after he decided to change the starting lineup himself. But nonetheless, I know you are reading coach.
You see, my column last week was simple. It was an calling for a complete facelift in Ball State's starting lineup. I proposed that Buckley start Brian Burns, Theron Smith, Petie Jackson, Robert Owens and Billy Lynch. I said that was the lineup to go with, if for no other reason, just for intensity's sake.
Saturday, against Central Michigan with a MAC West title on the line, Buckley started those five guys.
So coach, as you turn to my column for advice this week, as you sit on the bus traveling to The Gund in Cleveland, I have only one thing to say - stick with what you got. I do obviously say this with a good laugh because to think that Buckley is actually listening to my suggestions is humorous all in itself.
I do however, stand by the idea that those five are the best starters for the basketball team at this point. So now that we agree on the starting lineup, there are additional elements this team needs for success in the post season - attitude.
I'm not talking about, Kobe Bryant hit your opponents attitude. I'm not talking about a flamboyant Jack from "Will and Grace" attitude. I'm talking about good hard college basketball with a twist of Harlem Globe Trotter fun attitude.
This team has finesse. We've seen it. Whether it's an alley-oop pass here or a no-look pass there, this team has got it. Truth of the matter is, nothing can make an opponent more frustrated than making them look foolish.
There is another way to look at "attitude." It's kind of like a school of sharks. Sharks don't attack until they taste blood. Ball State doesn't attack until it tastes blood, or in basketball terms, a considerable lead.
So I say this coach Buckley, with a little finesse and attitude, take it hard to Miami. Draw blood so your sharks attack. Make it a basketball feeding frenzy like no other. A frenzy that makes your next opponent afraid to jump in the water.
Write to Greg at gmfallon@bsu.edu
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