Well it’s gameday. That familiar feeling of excitement and nausea is descending on many a Friar fan. I’m pretty calm. Maybe it’s because I’ve been so busy with other things that I haven’t had idle time to think and stress about this game. But whatever the reason, I’m sure that will quickly dissipate once I’m on the train heading into NYC to watch the game with 200 or so of my closest Friar friends at Session House and Midtown 1015. By then, the tip will be less than 2 hours away. For now, though I have some final thoughts before I begin my downward spiral into excitement, nausea and panic.

What a year it has been. Whatever happens tonight, this team has been the most fun team to watch in my time as a Friar fan. Admittedly, I’ve only been a fan for the last 8+ years but I have found a way to commiserate with the pain and suffering of my fellow Friars who have been following this team religiously for much longer. Perhaps I can relate to this team and this fanbase so well because I’m also a fan of the Mets, Jets, Knicks and Islanders. The successes of yesteryear and the history that PC has only make the hard times that much more difficult to swallow. But in three short years, Ed Cooley and his staff have totally changed the culture, feeling and mindset in and around the Providence College basketball team. Their success has played in such stark contrast to the dark days of the Keno Davis era. While the off the court nonsense hasn’t totally been erased, it’s clear that the issue this season was an isolated incident and with two guys who were under Cooley’s wing for less than two months.

For me, personally, this season was thrilling. I started this blog on January 21st, 2014 (2 month anniversary!) during the Friars’ 5 game winning streak. I was able to attend 7 games this season – 1 at St. John’s, 3 at PC including Senior Night against Marquette and then all 3 Big East Tournament games. In the process, I have met some new friends via Twitter and email and have really enjoyed delving deeper into this school and program these last 3 months. I feel a sense of community with PC fans. We share the ups and downs but ultimately we share the love for this school and this team.

So, whatever the result of tonight’s game is, it’s been a hell of a ride to this point.

Go Friars!

Mike Hopkins ’10