A big hello from the Freeman Center! The holidays are in the distant rearview mirror, and the Spring 2013 semester has gotten off to a rolling start here on the CNU campus. This is the time of the year when the college basketball season really heats up, as teams delve into the heart of conference play.
 
So far, the Captains men's basketball squad has been competing at the top of the USA South Athletic Conference, currently standing at 12-2 overall, 5-1 in conference play. Our current national ranking of #17 is a testament to the hard work and dedication put in so far by the players and coaches. However, one of the (sometimes cruel) realities of college basketball is that your results achieved in November and December are but a faint memory come late February and March. No matter how good a start a team gets off to, if you aren't improving everyday throughout the season then eventually the rest of the pack will catch up to you.
 
Part of this was evidenced by our recent double overtime setback at North Carolina Wesleyan on January 9. We certainly didn't play poorly for most of the game, but we were not at the top of our game. To their credit, the Bishops really played well down the stretch to pull off the win. However, that game has brought a renewed focus to our guys both on and off the court during the past week. We've emphasized and will be looking for the upperclassmen to take on more pronounced and vocal leadership roles in order to lead the squad through the rest of the tough conference schedule.
 
At this key part of the season, all college basketball teams have been going very hard day in and day out for months. It is very easy for players to succumb to the mental fatigue accumulated through the constant grind of practices, games, and academic demands. On top of that, the familiarity and rivalry of conference play means that from here on out, every single game is going to be an all-out battle as opposing teams give you their best shot.
 
The teams that will be hoisting trophies next month will be the same ones who break through the mental and physical barriers to push onward. As a coach, it is your responsibility to make sure players remain motivated and focused on the team's ultimate goals. Successful teams down the stretch are the toughest, the most together, and execute at the highest levels. Our mission is to make sure the Captains are among that group.
 
In January and February, every single game has far-reaching significance. These results will affect both the conference standings – and subsequent tournament seeding – and our overall won-loss profile that will play a role in receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, if necessary.

We need all the support we can get! Our next five games are at home – come on out and support the Captains. The fun continues Saturday at 4pm against the Scots of Maryville College. See you out there!