I
don’t mean to be cruel and I truly believe the UWGB men’s program will be
extremely good next season. That being said, Loyola was the second best team at
the Resch Center last night. The best team was the Racing Sausages in the mascot
half time show.
Simply put the Nix have been unable to maintain any consistency. Blame it on
Ryan Tillema’s mono, Josh Lawrence’s career ending concussions, coaching,
youth, or a combination of all of the above.
Coach Tod Kowalczyk describes the team as “fragile” and I won’t argue with
that. They have been up and down all season. This team is too young to overcome
the setbacks it has faced. Things have snowballed and fans are getting
increasingly impatient. Last night the largest crowd of the season, 4,586 fans
saw UWGB trail by as much as 28 points in the first half. There wasn’t much to
cheer about.
Make no mistake this community wants to and will pack the Resch for a team that
plays smart and wins.
As one of GB’s most loyal fans it was tough sitting through the entire game.
It was alumni night and some of the Nix players from the past were on hand.
Vincent High’s Tom Diener, one of the most successful prep coach’s in state
history was introduced at half time. One of his players, Bryquis Perine, an
athletic combo guard will be arriving on campus soon. It couldn’t be too soon.
I found myself thinking that Diener, the former Phoenix point guard, might help
the coaching staff here.
The only other good Nix news of the night took place along the Rio Grande River
where UWGB point guard recruit Edgar Segura was leading his Weslaco High School
team to its first district title in 20 years. Segura is averaging more than 18
points per game and nine assists. He is considered a unique talent in the
history of South Texas high school roundball.
Back at the Resch Center there was redshirt transfer D’Angelo Jackson, a
lightning quick point guard sitting on the bench – waiting for next season.
We’re all waiting for next season. There will be talent and experience on the
team. Mike Schachtner and Ryan Tillema should be hitting on all cylinders. If
Terry Evans can consistently harness his athleticism with decision making he
could be a unique talent. Randy Berry appears to be on the verge of being a
legitimate inside scoring force. He’s already proven he can be a special
player on the boards.
It’s time to grow up and reach the promise.