Quite the Ride: Robert Morris into the NEC Championship

--Lee Kunkel
--@kunkel5

--

Captivating. Incredible. Mesmerizing.

That's all I can truly say about this group of eight. What a ride.

Those that know me, know I'm as big a fan of Robert Morris basketball on this planet as you will find.

On January 23rd, when four players including freshman forward Jeremiah Worthem were suspended, on top of the departures of Mike McFadden (knee issues) and Juanie Newton (personal reasons), I questioned whether Robert Morris could make a run at the NEC regular season title.

After all, down to eight men, only one guy over 6'6, one injury from a devastating situation, who could blame even the biggest fans from asking that question.

But Andy Toole had other ideas. He didn't make excuses. He schemed, pressured his seniors (who asked the same question I did) and motivated his group of men.

First class coaching job by Andy Toole.

The "crazy eight" was born, and here they are, one victory away from winning the NEC tournament, and making the NCAA tournament.

Then Karvel Anderson happened. The NEC Player of the Year played a near perfect season, carrying the Colonials at times. Sure, he was good before the suspensions, but not Kobe esk.

Then Lucky Jones happened. Luck did it all, leading the team in rebounding, playing the key position within the RMU zone, and scoring just enough to keep teams off balance. He may not have finished first team NEC (I voted him 1st team) but you won't find five more valuable players to their respective teams.

Then Ant Myers Pate took the bull by the horns. The lone four year senior wasn't going down without a fight. Ant became a true leader, and did whatever asked of him to help the Colonials win.

Then David Appolon took his first real shot to become a true division one starter, and ran away with it like he was being chased by a pack of wolves. My God App, way to step up. Winning play after winning play. True glue guy.

Then Kavon Stewart, Aaron Tate, Chuck Oliver and Stephan Hawkins grew up. These four, all sparingly used role players before January 23rd, were asked to become key contributors, because they had no other choice.

Hawk became the rim protector in the middle. Chuck hit big shots off the bench, including a career high 19 against the very team RMU will play Tuesday for the title. Tate became a brick house in the middle, collecting boards, stuffing shots, and setting screens. Kavon --the lone remaining freshman--played like a seasoned vet, drawling fouls and creating easy finishes for his team, while leading the squad in steals at the top of the zone.

Every member of the "crazy 8" stepped up.

Now this group finds themselves one win a way from their ultimate goal, as mentioned above, a trip to the NCAA tournament.

One more game until all my dreams come true!
— Karvel Anderson (@ThaBestKeptScrt) March 8, 2014

My lone message to the squad?

Just go play.

Have fun.

You accomplished the hard part.

You captivated a fan base. In my five years affiliated with the school, four as a student, I haven't seen a turnout like this year.

You made this season memorable. CBS Pittsburgh made the argument that you're the best story in college basketball.

That's hard.

That's difficult.

Playing the game and making plays, doing what you've done all year, that's the easy part.