MEN'S BASKETBALL 2001-02 SEASONBrian Burke returns for his second season as a journal writer for GoLeopards.com. You can get insight into the life of Burke as a Lafayette student-athlete through his weekly journals.
Feb. 26, 2002
Brian Burke Bio
Burke's Edition --
Journal Entry No. 8
I am going to miss a lot of things about APK. It gave me a lot of fond memories that I'll keep with me for many years. Most of them are positive: the over-stuffed gym against Navy and Bucknell in both championship games, my first game back from the collapsed lung, the first three-pointer of my college career against Princeton, and many others. There are also moments stuck in my memory that I wish I couldn't remember. I was only a couple of feet away from Tim Bieg under the opponents' basket when his leg gave out and ended a great career prematurely. I'm not a doctor, but when I looked at Tim's face something told me that we wouldn't play another game together in a Lafayette uniform.
I am going to miss the curse of the Game Notes by Phil LaBella. Anytime I had a significant streak going from the foul-line Phil made sure he put it into the stack of "useful" info handed out to the media before every game. It wouldn't bother me that much except for the fact that I asked him politely to leave streak talk out of the notes a number of times. Advice for younger players: don't even bother with a streak of any kind because Phil will expose it to the jinx and it will be gone forever.
Through all of the good and bad times in the last four years, I've learned to appreciate the history of the Lafayette basketball program. One of the greatest players in Lafayette history, Marty Zippel, is also one of the team's biggest fans. The next time you think you are somebody who gets emotionally wrapped up in the game, check out Mr. Zippel and his enthusiasm. I don't usually notice people yelling things out during the game, but the one person I can pick out from the crowd is Mr. Zippel. It is great to see someone so passionate about the game and to know that he is on our side.
Another Lafayette legend that I'm going to miss is Mr. Bonney. If you don't know who Mr. Bonney is, it is probably because you have never been to a game at Kirby, or you might just be a little more familiar with his alias -- Superfan. Mr. Bonney lives up to his name of Superfan because he always supports us no matter how badly we are playing. He tells us we are the best team in the world no matter what the score is. Fans are by nature band-wagoners, but to be a super fan you gotta be with your team whether it is up or down. He is truly a super fan. I don't know what your plans are Mr. Bonney, but I hope you can make it to Upper Marlboro this Saturday.
Our Senior Day was a good way for the four of us to go out. Reggie played really well and got us off to a great start. It is something I have seen him do since we came here four years ago. I have never played with a guy who brought more energy to a team out on the court. When he is out there it raises the energy of the other four guys and allows them to take it to another level. Rob was his usual self. It seemed like every time the ball was up on the backboard he had a hand on it. I don't know of many players that hustle more than he does. He has always given everything he has. I think it is amazing how he hasn't missed a practice in four years. He should be proud of that. It shows you what kind of player he is. Mick is the only one out of the four of us that I'm disappointed in. He goes with the t-shirt under the jersey for practice, but then in the games he shows his guns. I think you either join us T-Shirt Guys all the way or not at all. I don't like the sitting on the fence stuff. Seriously though, Mick has come a long way in four years. His commitment to the weights and to his offensive game have not gone unnoticed. He knew we were going to need him this year and he has done more than anyone expected. Good job Mick.
My 2001-02 All-T-Shirt in the Patriot League could have included Mick, but the selections had to go on without him. This year's selections: Bryan Bailey (Bucknell), Tim Sullivan (Colgate), Jehiel Lewis (Navy) and me.
I went a whole week and a half without bullying anyone out on the court. I was proud of myself. Since I received the warning from the league for unsportsman-like conduct, I have been a little shy about throwing my weight around. I've realized that to be a good basketball player I don't have to intimidate people and play like a goon. I can get by just by shooting threes and throwing up hook shots from the foul line. I am a changed player now that I realize how to play the right way.
One of the dumber plays of my career came this past week against Lehigh. I took a charge from 6-5, 265-pound Bobby Mbom. That was dangerous. It felt like I was transported into a Bugs Bunny cartoon where the character suddenly gets flattened to the point where he is as thin as a sheet of paper. After my teammates scraped me off the floor I decided I probably shouldn't try that one again. I was issued a warning from my mom for putting myself in a life-threatening situation. I didn't appeal.
