Letter from Doc Sadler

We host Iowa Wednesday night at the Devaney Center, and it marks the final home game for seniors Toney McCray, Brandon Richardson, Bo Spencer and Caleb Walker. When I was asked about this group of seniors earlier this week, the thing I will remember most about them is their character.

As a team, we had high expectations for the season, and they had worked so hard to prepare for a great senior year since the end of last year. As much as our fans are disappointed about this season, I am more disappointed for our seniors because they did everything we asked to prepare for this year.  No one knew we were going to have the injuries we have, but they have been able to put those negative things to the side and continue to stay focused on each and every day.

That is something we talk about as a team, trying to do the best you can do every day and not worry about what is going to happen a week from now or two weeks from now. These four seniors have shown that leadership even through some of the disappointments we have had as a team. It has not been easy for them, but I could not be more proud of their work ethic and leadership.  I'm going to look back on these guys and say 'wow, what a special group' because they have been able to stay focused and get through some tough times. They are going to look at each other 10 or 20 years from now and these experiences will help them be successful after their playing careers are finished.

It has been five years coaching Toney and it has been a lot of fun. I can't imagine a player going through five years with the injuries and disappointments, but he has shown a lot of character in continuing to fight. I hope he understands that learning to overcome these challenges is what is going to make him successful for a long time.

Brandon has also been with us for five years, and from the moment he stepped on campus, I knew he was a special kid. Brandon has great character and does not really say a lot, but the thing I've been most impressed with is that I don't know of a player who consistently gets as much out of his ability as Brandon does each and every day.

When we first recruited Caleb at Butler Community College, we realized he was the type of player we needed in this program, but it has been a joy getting to know him as a person. He is a very giving person and that is a special quality to have in a person. He is a quiet person, but when Caleb talks, he has the respect of his teammates because he is someone who gives everything he has on the court. I think those qualities will help him be successful one his playing days are over.

Bo has been in our program for the last two years, and the only regret about him is that I was not able to coach him during his whole college career. I think he is a special player and person and has worked hard to become a better player. The other thing about Bo is his positive attitude because he has the ability to say something to get a smile when times are tough. He has the ability to make other people laugh and keep things light.

I hope you can come out to the Devaney Center on Wednesday night, as we honor these seniors prior to the Iowa game for their contributions. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. with Senior Night ceremonies at 7:45 p.m. Thank you for your support and Go Big Red!

Doc