University of Minnesota Athletics
Pitino Blog: Senior Day
3/2/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Good morning Gopher fans,
I haven't done a blog in a while but thought it would be a great time to talk about our two seniors and what they have brought to the team on and off the court. Darin and Akeem have been a joy to coach!
Not too many people know this story, but Darin Haugh came to me last summer and told me he wouldn't be able to come back because he couldn't afford another year of school, and that the only way he could pull it off was to get a job. I told him to give me a few days and we would circle back on if we could figure out a plan where he could miss a few practices a week so that he could work to pay for school. Little did Darin know, but I had no intention of him not being back.
Although he doesn't play a lot his contributions have been invaluable since day one. "D Rock", as our players call him, is a terrific person and a phenomenal teammate. I called Darin back into my office a few days after we initially met. He stormed in and said thank you and that he had to quit. I could tell he had talked himself into being firm with me because he knew I didn't want him to leave. I then proposed to him my plan of him going on scholarship for his final year. A few tears later he was out of my office and back on the team. That was a special moment. I'm proud Darin was able to stick it out. That was one of the highlights of my coaching career.
Akeem Springs came late to us because he had to finish up summer school at Milwaukee. I was concerned that it would take him a while to get acclimated. Little did I know but his basketball IQ was off the charts. He picked everything up right away and was ready to make an impact. Before practice the other day, Akeem came up to me and asked how long practice would be. My initial reaction was Akeem was worried practice was too long. He laughed and told me he wanted to have time after practice, before his night class, to get up shots while he was tired. Nobody lives in the gym more than Akeem. If he's not in class, he's in the gym.
At Maryland last week Akeem was playing great after battling some first half foul trouble. The only problem was Dupree was also playing terrifically so I decided to roll with "the baby faced assassin" McBrayer. Who was Dupree's biggest cheerleader on the bench and in the locker room after? Of course it was Akeem. It is hard for a fifth-year senior to come in and acclimate himself as well as Akeem has done. He has hit some huge shots, defended the opponent's best player and been our emotional leader. He is another terrific kid and has been a blast to coach.
Hope to see all of our fans in the Barn early tonight as we will honor both Darin and Akeem. They both deserve it! We will also honor three terrific student managers. Hayden Fehr, Nick Smith, and Jason Murray, who will be missed just as much as any player that moves on. They have the toughest jobs in the world and do it with a smile on their face. I always tell people who are looking to hire to look no further than a student manager. With Hayden, Nick, and Jason you are getting no ego whatsoever. Our team is truly indebted to all three.
Maybe my most proud moment as the Gophers coach was walking up the stairs versus Penn State and seeing a sellout crowd. It was surreal to say the least. Our players earned every seat that was filled by playing the right way. There is nothing better and more valuable to our team than a loud Williams Arena. It's a special place.
It's our last chance to get the Barn rocking tonight. We need it because Nebraska is a very tough team. See everyone at 6!
Go Gophers!
Richard Pitino
