Reflecting on a new hoops era

By Chris Furnari

As the Broncos sent four seniors off with an 87-55 win over San Francisco on Monday night, I couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.

Though less emotional than last season, when both the seniors and Dick Davey were recognized for their dedication to the program, this year's event was still special.

This year, I watched my last men's home game ever as a student journalist. I watched a team with some of the last remainders from a 2007 squad that made me really love college basketball. I watched the Broncos do what they have been doing for the past four years of my college career -- perform well, despite the lack of regular student support.

But this year's contest still had signs of the past. Former Bronco radio announcer Dave Lewis sat courtside, just not at his former position at the press table. Dick Davey took his usual seat at the top of the section directly underneath the Steve Nash banner, closest to the sideline where he had coached for 30 years. Danny Pariseau, the newcomer of the year in 2007, looked on from the concourse level as the player introductions began.

At halftime, two of my closest friends, seniors Taylor Thorn and Andrew Willingham, were recognized for their hard work in the creation of the Pep Band, which now, just two years later, is one of the best bands in the conference.

What the game did was remind me of my four years as a Bronco. I'll never forget watching Santa Clara snap Gonzaga's home winning streak last year, and the celebration that ensued. I will never forget guys like Scott Dougherty, Kyle Bailey and Travis Niesen, who made every single game exciting, no matter what the outcome.

Although the season is not yet over, the Broncos will likely finish in fourth place with a 7-7 WCC record, under first-year Head Coach Kerry Keating. In my estimation, Keating's first year has exceeded expectations. He has taken a depleted Bronco roster that lacks much of the talent that teams such as Saint Mary's and Gonzaga possess, and molded the unit into a WCC tournament threat.

This year's team could very easily be playing for the top two spots in conference, if leads against Saint Mary's, Gonzaga and San Diego didn't come crumbling down in the waning minutes of the game.

Nonetheless, despite rough times and a likely .500 conference record, I still think the Broncos can upset a team in the tournament and make the championship game. A tournament victory may not be in the cards, but don't count the Broncos out. Their record doesn't reflect just how well they have played all season.