The Suffolk University men’s basketball team is currently heating up the court with a record of 13-8. They are averaging 75 points per game and are currently fourth place in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. For some players on the team, this triumph may be bittersweet, as it is their last season with Suffolk.
Seniors Aidan Sullivan, Kobie Reid and John Gates and graduate students Conor Creane and William Rowe reflected back on their time at Suffolk and discussed the future going into the playoffs and what it means to them, both as a team and individually. The players say the coaching staff has always been there for them since day one.
“The coaches helped push us a lot by creating a very competitive practice environment,” said Creane. “They create the environment but we are the ones who really have to enforce it and push each other.”
Creane and Rowe are using their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reid commented on the upperclassmen when he was a first-year and how they really took them under their wings when they were freshman as well. When asked about what specifically helped lead the team to success this season, connectedness, consistency and chemistry were the main responses from the players.
Sullivan spoke to how teamwork was a leading cause for victory.
“We’re a family and we care about each other,” said Sullivan.
According to Craene, the team built off of their success from the previous year.
“At the end of last season we all had a meeting with our coach and he put a huge emphasis on ‘playing ugly,’ which is doing all the gritty things correctly, such as rebounding and defense,” he said. “By doing this it has only brought us closer together and made winning those tough games possible.”
Regarding motivations during the season, the players said they play for their family and friends, but mostly their teammates and coaches. To Gates, playing with the team is a motivator in itself.
“You put in the work with a bunch of people, and that’s what motivates you, you want to play well and be there for them,” said Gates.
For Reid, one of his biggest motivators was his family. Reid is from Bermuda, and said his family has sacrificed a lot for him to play with Suffolk, coming from overseas, and that he greatly appreciates them and does not take this opportunity for granted.
Howe referred to the team as a “brotherhood,” saying that was his biggest motive.
“I don’t want to let anyone down, especially someone who’s put a lot of time in me, including parents, family, teammates and coaches,” he said. “There’s always moments in the game where you look out and think, ‘This is who I want to be playing with.’”
For Sullivan, the strong drive comes in waves.
“When I’m out on the floor it’s usually with these guys right here, it kind of hits you in certain moments, how badly do you want to win with these guys,” Sullivan said.
Most of these players have been on the same team together since their freshman year, so their bond is as strong as ever, which they say will only make them stronger, nearing the end of the season. Regarding preparation for playoffs, especially for the last time, Howe talked about how it feels like they have been training since the very beginning of the season.
“I think we started preparing for playoffs from day one, laying a foundation early and keeping building off that every single day,” he said.
The men’s first game this season was on Nov. 12, with a win against Salem State. Since the season cuts into both semesters of the school year, it can be especially challenging to stay focused and enthusiastic until the end of the season, into mid February. For Gates, confidence is key when it comes to looking forward to the rest of the season.
“I know we can beat anyone as long as we prepare and play together,” he said. “I think everyone is completely aligned with their goals, which is very important.”
For others, preparation looks different. Creane said he takes the process day by day, and zoning in on each game one at a time.
“The way you prepare for playoffs is not thinking about the playoffs, just focusing on the next game,” he said.
The Rams lost a tough battle to Nichols last Saturday (75-74) and will face off at Curry College Tuesday night.
Follow Tracy on Twitter @tracylacara4
