It's been a dismal semester for UB sports.
The football team is on a three-game losing streak and is in the midst of another disappointing season. Desi Green quit the wrestling team before his senior season, which was guaranteed to be a memorable one.
There hasn't been much to be excited about lately (except the surprising run by women's soccer of course).
That all changes on Friday at 7 p.m. at Alumni Arena. That's when the men's basketball team begins its quest for the ever so elusive Mid-American Conference crown.
It's funny – most outsiders must think Bulls Nation is out of its mind. After all, experts are predicting that the Bulls will finish fifth in the MAC East Division. Yet the positive vibe on campus can't be denied.
The reason why this team is so revered on campus is because it's a group full of good guys who care about UB. I've covered athletics at UB for three years now, and this is the most approachable and fun team I've ever covered here.
If you're walking through the hall and happen to see Javon McCrea or Tony Watson, feel free to say "hi" or "good game," they're all about interacting with the fans.
Every time True Blue has a function in the Union or on campus, you can be sure that the basketball team will have a few players available to help promote whatever the team and the organization are up to.
The other reason fans should get out and watch the Bulls is because this is one of the most exciting teams UB has put on the court in a long time.
Senior forward Mitchell Watt – more affectionately known to Bulls fans as Mitchell "Swatt" – is the perfect senior leader and ambassador for the team. He brings that savvy veteran presence and can electrify Alumni Arena with his defensive abilities and high-flying prowess.
If the long ball is more your thing, senior guard Zach Filzen will shoot the lights out at Alumni more than a couple times this season. The transfer turned in one of the most outstanding seasons in Bulls history last year with his unbelievable three-point shooting.
The man who is putting UB basketball on the map needs no introduction. Sophomore Javon McCrea alone is worth the price of admission to a Bulls game. Oh wait, if you're a student you get in for FREE!
But I digress, McCrea has been mentioned on nearly every national watch list you can think of. He's been named to the preseason All-MAC team, he was named one of the top 100 players in the nation by CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated said he is one of five players poised for breakout season, and he was a finalist for the Men's under-19 USA team over the summer.
Senior forward Dave Barnett is one of the fan favorites on the squad. If you haven't seen his YouTube dance videos – produced by True Blue – you're missing out. Also, it's hard not to cheer for a guy that plays the game the right way like Barnett. He gives it everything he has every minute he is on the floor.
It will also be fun to watch the young guys on this team this season. Sophomores Jarod Oldham, – should be the starting point guard – Corey Raley-Ross, Cameron Downing, and freshman Xavier Ford are sure to make an impact. How big of one will be something to follow.
Bottom line is this team is a bunch of good guys that contradict the typical stereotypes of Division 1 athletes. Make sure you're there every home game to help support this team and maybe you'll be a part of history, or at the very least you'll get to witness an exciting season of basketball.
Email: matthew.parrino@ubspectrum.com
