From The Couch – Bruce Weber Post TCU/Love and Shadd Transferring
I got a chance to see The Big 12 tournament in person Wednesday night before all tournaments were cancelled the next day. Here’s some quotes from after the TCU game Wednesday night as well as statements from James Love and Nigel Shadd.
“We get to live another day. Finally found a way to win a close game. We get to play another day.”…Bruce Weber after the TCU game.
JM: Bruce obviously didn’t know that the Big 12 would cancel the remainder of the tournament the next day. It was nice to see the team get a win, and a close win at that.
“We played really hard against Oklahoma State. If we guard and play that hard (against Baylor), I think we’ll have a chance.”…Bruce Weber after the TCU game.
JM: It would have been fun to watch K-State and Baylor play to see if the last two victories were a sign the team was getting better or if the last two victories were more a result of playing two bad teams in a row.
“I’m old. I’m in that group that people die. I don’t want to die. I want people healthy, including myself.”…Bruce Weber after the TCU game.
JM: Weber was responding to a question from a reporter about the Big 12’s decision to play the remainder of the tournament with a very small amount of fans in attendance. The next morning the Big 12 would decide, along with leagues across the country, to cancel the remainder of the tournament.
“The Wildcats announced Thursday that all upcoming sporting events, including home-and-away baseball games and spring football practice, have been suspended until at least March 30 in response to the spreading coronavirus. K-State coaches in all sports will also be restricted from traveling for recruiting purposes or hosting recruits on campus visits until that date.”…Wichita Eagle
“We must put the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and university community first in this situation. We will continue to work closely with appropriate medical professionals, the Big 12 Conference and our University administration to monitor the situation and make changes as we see fit. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through this very serious and delicate situation.”..Statement from Gene Taylor, Kansas State athletic director.
JM: Sports around the country are on hiatus until further notice.
“Although my career as a student-athlete on the court has not been what I envisioned coming to Kansas State University. Off the court Kansas State has blessed me with some very memorable moments and opportunities will forever grateful to be apart of. Through my time here my teammates have turned into brothers…the coaches, fans as others all turned into one big family around me and everyone has supported me through my time here in The Little Apple. You guys will always have a place in my heart. God has his own paths for everyone and gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldiers…I’m excited to see what he has in store me. Love you guys always!!! #EMAW.”…James Love, Twitter
JM: This is James Love’s statement that he is transferring from K-State. I transcribed it exactly as written. At least he threw an “EMAW” in there at the end!
“These three years at Kansas State University weren’t exactly how I envisioned it. Due to injuries, it has been a setback on the court. But off the court, I have been blessed with many different opportunities, memories, and people who made my time here at Kansas State special and surely unforgettable. My teammates, we have been through many different trials and tribulations together that made us brothers and I will cherish that. The coaches, you gues have given me knowledge to not only be a better player, but to be a better person each and everyday. To the fans, you guys made Manhattan like a second home to me and without your support, these memories wouldn’t be the same. Manhattan and everyone who has supported me, will always have a special place in my heart. Throughout may discussions with my family, we have all agreed it is in my best interest to transfer to another University. God has been with me this far, I am surely excited to see what he has in store for me. Thank you for everything.”…Nigel Shadd, Twitter
JM: The transfers of Love and Shadd leave K-State with one open scholarship that they can use starting this fall. It will be interesting to see if they can find an impact player to fill it.
