Earlier this week, I wrote about my experience at the men’s NIT game vs. New Mexico.  In particular, I focused on the apparent lack of fan interest/support present for the game.  It was disappointing, sure, but I understand the reasons behind it:  the hasty turnaround in organizing the game and selling tickets, the fans’ disappointment at missing the NCAAs yet again, and the growing discontent with Braun’s leadership of the team and the program.

Still, I was a little saddened by an email I received yesterday from Chris Avery, a published over at The Bear Insider (whom I’m assuming is the same person who posts as GreyBear).  Asked to forward it to every other Cal basketball fan I know, the best I can do is to publish it on my blog in its entirety:

I regret to report that I have heard from a couple of people close to the Cal men’s basketball program that several players on the team were disappointed (and are feeling somewhat hurt) by the lack of fan support at the first round NIT game at Haas Pavilion.

Chris Avery
Publisher
The Bear Insider

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Avery’s sentiments.  Through what has been a trying season at times, our Bears have, to a man, continued to play hard and fight through adversity, coming within a few questionable calls of upsetting a UCLA squad that is as talented and well-coached as there is in the country.  Everyone one of them has been a fine representative of his University, and I have no doubt that, when their time comes, several of them will continue to do their alma mater proud in the NBA.  If you are a fan at all of Cal Basketball, I cannot fathom how you could not support this team of fine young men.

At the same time, though I do not flatter myself that the players themselves would read this blog (indeed, I might caution them not to), I would hope that they would understand, especially in today’s environment, that it is possible to both support the troops and at the same time question their leadership.  Unfortunately, it is often difficult to see how actions of the latter type could possibly be compatible with the sentiments of the former, and I understand how this could lower their morale.  Though I obviously cannot speak for all Cal fans, I at least wish them the best of luck in the NIT, and if I have criticized them, it is only because I wish that they will perform better in the future.

Yet criticism is not nearly as harmful to a sports program as disinterest.  For my own part, I’m simply unable to just stop caring about this team.  The players are fun to watch, and I really want them to succeed.  That’s how I’m built as a sports fan.  And when Cal Basketball eventually does reattain success, my share in their joy will be greater for having unwaveringly followed them through the lean times that preceded such success.  Indeed, having followed the football team through the Holmoe years (I personally attended 10 of the 11 games during the 1-10 season) has given me perspective on the sucess of the Tedford Era that newer fans, through no fault of their own, are simply not afforded.

In any case, our Cal Basketball squad is still playing, and they still have something to play for.  If you do indeed still support these players, and this team, I would encourage you to join with Mr. Avery’s efforts and let the team know that, even if you were unable to attend the New Mexico game on Wednesday, you’ll still be cheering them on via ESPN this Monday evening.  I know they’d appreciate it.

In short:  Go Bears!  Beat the Buckeyes!  Bring home another title!