Tomorrow?

[Wayne23]

12/26: 87-80 at Michigan ST. Down 12 early, got it to 3 at the half, and then just took off in the 2nd. Built the lead to 18 before they chipped it down. The final was as close as it got. 18, 7, 3, 5 for Ben Cam, who is getting lots more minutes. 19 for Boz.+8 TOs. This road win is HUGE for our program.

12/29: 84-72 over #16 Michigan here. 18, 6 for Dell, 17, 4, 3 for Cam, 13, 9 for Tarr. +8 RBs. We are the real thing!

Li is as excited as I am about the turnaround in our program. Seems like all we talk about is hoops and the wedding.

1/1/12: Ranked! #25. It took three seasons, but we’re here.

1/2: 77-47 over Nebraska here. 26, 5 for Mill, 14, 2, 7 for Wall. +6 TOs.

Starting SF Art Feld strained a calf. Out about 2 weeks. We’ll give Cam the start and most of the minutes, and Wong the rest.

1/5: 83-96 at Iowa. Fouls were the difference, they were 35-48, we were 22-31. Ridiculous number of whistles. 2 of our guys fouled out and 3 others had 4. +16 RBs, but 20 TOs (-10). We just couldn’t stop them, 55.1%. 26 for Boz, 13 for Wall.

Winning streak ends at 11.

1/9: 88-69 over #4 Maryland here. Maybe the greatest win since I got here. 27, 11, 3 for Dell, 13 each for Mill and Parr, 8, 10 for Cam, 11 for Wall. +14 RBs.

1/12: 75-58 at Rutgers. 22, 6 for Dell, 14, 8 for Tarr. +11 RBs, +7 TOs.

1/15: ,14-2, 5-1, #18, RPI #9. Tied with Maryland for 1st, 1 up on 4 teams.

1/16: 61-80 to #12 Indiana here. Ouch! We couldn’t hit a shot in the 2nd half. They collapsed inside and challenged us to beat them outside but the shots wouldn’t drop. Our 3 guards were 9-36, 2-21 in the 2nd.

Feld is back but Cam will continue to start.

1/19: 65-61 at Penn ST. A battle. 23, 8, 3 for Dell. +11 TOs.

1/23: 116-113 in OT at Purdue. Insane scoring. It was 100-100 at the end of regulation. They led most of the way. We never led by more than 3. We shot 62.9%, they shot 59.7%. 35, 8 for Dell, 26, 5 for Wall, 21, 5, 3 for Boz, 13, 2, 5 for Mill. +9 RBs. Crazy game!

At the halfway point in conf. play we’re in a 2 way tie for 2nd, 1 back of 1st, 1 up on 2 teams, 2 up on 2 others.

1/26: 60-63 vs. #25 Illinois here. We shot 25%, 20% in the 2nd half. Poor shooting did us in.

1/29: 16-4, 7-3, #18, RPI #10. +7.7 PPG, +4.2 RBs, +3.3 TOs. In a 3 way tie for 2nd, 2 back of 1st.

[Wayne23]

1/30: 74-73 at #14 Michigan. Sam Wall got a buzzer beating three. We wanted an inside shot for the tie, but they had us covered. Wall had no choice but to put up the three, and it went. 25, 8 for Dell, 13, 4, 5 for Wall. +7 RBs, -7 TOs.

2/2: 84-53 over Northwestern here. 21, 7, 3, 3 for Dell, 16, 2, 5 for Boz. We shot 52.5%. +10 TOs.

A costly win, #3 guard Kip Boz hurt his ankle and is out for about 2 weeks, and #4 guard Mike Wims hurt his foot and may miss our next.

2/6: 69-60 at Minnesota. 22, 4 for Dell, 19, 6, 3, 2 for Wall.

In a 2 way tie for 2nd, 2 back of 1st, 1 up on 1 team. 5 to play.

2/9: 75-67 over Michigan ST here. 18, 7 for Cam, 15 for Wall, 12, 4, 4, 2 for Mill. -14 RBs, +10 TOs.

2/12: 20-4, 11-3, #, RPI #. Still in a 2 way tie for 2nd, 2 back. 2 up on one team.

2/13: 78-70 #14 Wisconsin here. 26, 9 for Dell, 16 for Mill.

Boz will be back for our next game. Wims wasn’t very effective.

Still in that 2 way tie with 3 to play.

2/16: 67-72 at Nebraska. Not a game we should have lost. We faded at the end. 28, 4 for Wall, 14, 2, 6 for Boz.

We’re now in 3rd place. 1 win guarantees 3rd, 2 wins gets us a shot at 2nd, with some help.

2/20: 82-61 over Iowa here. It was never a game. 22, 8, 2 for Dell, 12, 9 for Tarr. +12 RBs, 8 TOs.

At #3 Maryland to end regular season play, so it looks, like we’ll finish 3rd. I’ll take it! But these guys have surprised me before.

2/23: 67-83. 17, 13 for Cam. 3 others in double figures. 22 TOs. They’re a tough team.

Ben Cam hurt his wrist and is out a week but we don’t have any games in that time.

2/26: We end the regular season at 22-6, 13-5, #15, RPI #11. +7.5 PPG, +3.7 RBs, +2.8 TOs. 3rd place.

We will hit all of our goals this year, for the 1st time since I got here.

6 Big 10 teams wind up in the Top 25.

3/4: The wedding is one month from today. Excitement is really building.

[Wayne23]

3/5: Li was in an accident, a bad one. She was driving back from some wedding related errand at about 8:45 last night when a drunk driver swerved into her lane and hit her head on.

She has not regained consciousness, she suffered a fractured skull, and both of her legs needed to be removed, above the knee. She lost a lot of blood before the ambulance got there and there is some fear of brain damage if she survives. I have been at the hospital since I heard. My #1 assistant is running the team.

3/6: Li is still unconscious. This is, by far, the worst thing that I have ever had to deal with. I’m devastated and I am completely helpless. I sit at Li’s bedside and hold her hand 24/7, except when I need to use the bathroom. I eat there, I sleep with my head on the bed, still holding her hand.

3/7: Li woke up. She was fuzzy for quite some time but eventually her head cleared. Upon the advice of the doctors and psychologists we told her everything. She has spent the time since being told trying to kick me out. She is saying she doesn’t want me to ruin my life staying with her.

There’s no way I’m going anywhere. I love Li and I fully intend to marry her. It won’t happen on schedule, but it will happen.

I tell her to try to relax and to listen to her psychologist. She will be fitted with prosthetics and will learn to walk, and even to run. She’ll be able to do 99% of what she did before the accident. She’ just not ready to hear it.

We’re fighting about whether I should go to the Big 10 tournament in Ann Arbor. I don’t want to leave her for 4 days, but she wants me to go.

Our first game is tomorrow against #14 seed Minnesota, 12-17, 3-15, who won 2 play in games to get to the round of 8. We won by only 9 there.

I’m not going, but I’ll go in time for the semifinal game if we win.

3/8: 69-48. 17, 8, 3, 2 for Dell, 14, 10 for Tarr, 12, 5, 3 for Wall. +10 TOs, +6 RBs. D won this game.

We play #2 seed, #6 ranked Indiana in the semis. They beat us by 19 at our place but we really didn’t play well that night. They’re a very good team though, and we’ll need to find a way to stop their outside game if we’re going to have any chance to beat them. I pulled up lots of info on my laptop during the flight.

Li and I watched most of the game on television in her hospital room. It was the first time she was able to get her mind focused on anything other than the accident and what it may mean for the future.

Afterward, I said to her, “Li, life is going to go on. WE’RE going to go on. What happened to you is a nightmare, but we’re going to get through it.

“You lost your legs. You could have lost your brain with that fracture, but you didn’t. It seems like you’re brain and your mind are fine. You could have lost your life.

“We’re going to face everything that’s ahead together. We’re going to get married, hopefully have kids, and we’re going to be together- no matter what.”

She finally broke down and cried- for a long time. She was able to express how frightened she was, and is, about losing me, and the feeling that now she isn’t good enough for me. We talked for a long time, and I reassured her. Finally, as she was drifting off to sleep, she told me to catch a plane for Ann Arbor, that she’d watch, and that she’d see me when I get back.

On my way out one of the RNs stopped me. I told her we had finally had “the talk” and she said that was a vital break through.

3/9: 80-84. 17 lead changes, 9 ties. 24, 2, 6 for Mill, 19 for Wall. We had to foul at the end. They hit the free throws, we missed the threes. We were in it all the way though.

I took the first flight I could get back to Columbus.

When I got to the hospital Li was asleep. When she woke up we had another long, serious talk.

She said too much had happened too quickly. We needed to take some time to see what was ahead before making any decisions about what we would do. I answered that I knew what we were going to do, proceed with all of our plans, except for postponing the wedding.

“Sh! We’ll see.”

3/11: Maryland hammered Indiana for the title.

Li and I watched the game together.

Her family has been around a lot, of course. Her dad is really not taking this well. He is a rather emotional man. He absolutely loves Li and he is distraught. And then there’s the wedding plans. He has asked me a few times whether it’s possible to hold it on 4/4 as planned. Today I finally told him to cancel. It’s not going to happen for a while.

3/12: 23-7, 13-5, #15, RPI #9. 3rd place. Do we dare hope for a #3 seed. I had to be with the guys for this although I wanted to be with Li.

#3 Midwest. We play McNeese ST. I’m delighted.

3/15: For the past few days I’ve spent all day and night at the rehab facility where Li has been transferred to. I hate having to leave but I really have no choice about coaching this game, and hopefully some others.

3/16: 71-58. 12, 9 for Dell, 12 for Mill. 6 others had between 6 and 9. +9 TOs. We had a good first half but we mailed it in for the 2nd.

#11 seed Kent ST, 24-9, upset #6 so they’re next.

Earl Tarr continues to p*ss and moan about “Our relationship.” Two years of this. He’s a good player but enough! If he doesn’t go, I may puch him out the door.

No way to get home between games. Li and I spending lots of time on Skype and texting.

3/18: 86-69. Sweet Sixteen! 20 each for Wall and Mill. 53.6% on threes.

It will be #2 seed, #10 ranked Utah, 28-7, in the Sweet Sixteen. They beat us by 9 in the 2nd round of the Coaches Classic.

Back home to Li. She has started rehab. The prosthetics aren’t here yet but she’s doing leg strengthening exercises, and other things, watching videos on the use of the prosthetic legs… (Author’s note: I’m not researching this so my apologies for any inaccuracies.).

3/23: 79-94. It was close for a half. They scored 53 in the second. We had 5 guys in doubles, led by Mill with 17, 3, 4, 2. 19 TOs hurt, as did 25 fouls. They shot 51.9%, 60% in the 2nd.

Ben Cam broke a finger late in the game. He’ll make a full recovery in time for next season.

Great season!

4/2: Li has been working with the prosthetics for about a week. It’s difficult and exhausting but she’d determined, and she’s doing well.

The initial shock has worn off for both of us, and there’s not much pain. She had severe headaches from the fractured skull for a few weeks but they are rare now.

I spend as much time as I can with her and we’ve had the chance to do a lot of talking. She has accepted the fact that I’m not going away, and she now talks about getting married.

“But not ‘til I can walk down the aisle, and not ‘til I can dance with you at the reception.”

I’m good. As long as I know it’s going to happen, the rest is just details. After the accident happened, the thought of not having her in my life was bringing back memories of losing Holly, and it was horrible. Life is good now. We’ll deal with this.

The pharmacy gave her an indefinite leave of absence right away, and her health benefits have remained in effect. She looks forward to going back to work.

As for my leaving to take another coaching job, we discuss that daily. It would be nice if I did NOT get a great offer this year. That would complicate things. I told Li I wouldn’t go but she has made me promise to let her know about any and all offers. She has also said that I need to do what is best for my career. She says she’s past the stage where I need to be with her full time, and there’ Skype, texting… We’ll see.

4/3: #2 Pitt wins their 2nd straight title.

4/4: Awards: We were shut out last year. Senior Mel Dell made Big 10 1st team; we’re really going to miss him! That’s it. We could have gotten a guy on 2nd team, considering we finished 3rd, but there’s a lot of talent in this conference.

4/6: Li is making a good deal of progress but when you lose the legs above the knee it’s tough, especially when it’s both of them. Still, they think she will be able to go home in 2-3 weeks, coming in twice a week for more therapy.

4/9: Iowa wants me, but they have a lower budget and not as much talent. I’m relieved to say that I’m coming back for one more year. Li is delighted, of course.

4/16: We hire a slightly less crappy #3 assistant.

4/21: Li is released to home. She can’t drive yet, but she is being given lessons. They want her to walk, even to walk for exercise, so she and I fit in a walk together every day that my schedule allows it.

She hopes to be back at work in less than a month.

4/23: We ask for a facilities upgrade again. I think we earned it this year! Yes! We go from B to A-.

25-8, 13-5, 3rd place, Sweet Sixteen. This season was a great step forward. Overall, I am now 246-112, .687.

Hoping for at least this good a season next year.

[Wayne23]

5/1: The usual reports.

5/4: Li goes back to the pharmacy part time.

5/12: We set a new wedding date, September 17.

6/1: Li is now full time.

6/5: Looking at transfers. One we really like.

6/12: We don’t get the transfer.

6/14: Li fell at work coming down the steps to speak with a customer. Bad fall, injured both legs where they connect to the prosthesis.

6/15: Repairs done and Li is back home, but she is angry, emotionally hurt, and just in an “I just want to quit,” mood. My job is to shut up and just let her vent. After she cools down we can have an actual discussion, but not now. She’s out of work for a few days while everything heals.

6/18: Li has finally cooled down. It really took a while, but then she’s been through so much hell. Today she was ready to get back into life.

“I guess I’d better get used to this. One little misstep and I’m down.”

“It’s still pretty new. I’m guessing that over time it will get easier.”

“I still need to be careful, and to think about every step. In therapy they tell me that yes, after a few more months it will be just walking, with no conscious effort involved.”

6/24: Li is back to work.

6/26: 2 scholarship. We’ll go with 2 bigs, or 1 and 1. Looking at only 9 guys.

7/9: Plans are going full steam ahead for the wedding. Since much of it was already planned you’d think it wouldn’t be that all consuming. Well, you’d be male if you thought that.

8/21: We offer to 2 bigs.

9/16: Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. WAY over the top. The groom is supposed to pay for this but Li’s dad insisted. He really is a nice guy, and a big hearted guy,

9/17: Li danced at our wedding. It was a wonderful day. Everything went the way we wanted it to, and it was 61 degrees and sunny.

We’re off to Thailand for 10 days.

9/18: Quick call to my #1. He tells me: We lose a recruit.

We’re in the NIT against #12 ranked Oklahoma State.

There’s some challenge in our schedule.

9/25: Got a PF and a C, #51 and #54 respectively. The only basketball stuff I’ve done during our honey moon was call my #1 and call these two recruits, every day in all three cases. Paid off! We’re back home in a couple of days. It’s been a great trip. I’d never been. Thailand is WAY too hot but the people are great and the food is fantastic. The best part is my beautiful bride, of course.

10/2: Back at work. 1st day of practice.

Li and I are living in a condo just off campus. Her pharmacy is on campus so this is really handy for us. Her dad wanted to buy us this… well, mansion is the word that comes to mind. We weren’t interested. This condo is cozy. It’s a 2 bedroom ranch, and we love it.

11/6: 9 man rotation to begin.

Soph Cob Mill starts at PG and backs up at SG. Red shirt frosh Jaq Carr starts at SG. Junior Kip Boz splits time about equally at PG with Mill.

Soph Bo Epps, a transfer from Michigan, starts at SF. Juco junior Cal Lane backs him up.

Junior Earl Tarr is at PF and backs up at C, and junior juco Barr Wilx starts at C. Returning players senior Ben Cam and junior Jay Parr back up at PF.

Li and I are doing really well. She’s a dynamo, full of energy. She always was. The accident took that away for a while but it’s back. There are a couple of household chores she has trouble with because of the prosthetics, so I do those. I also try to do my share around the house. I don’t really accomplish that because I’m away too much, but I try.

[jksander]

Crazy one, Wayne! I can't believe I read all this in one sitting
Think you'll break that Sweet Sixteen barrier and hit the Elite Eight this year?

[Wayne23]

Hard to say. Ohio ST is a football school. Not sure how much further I can take them.

[jksander]

Hard to say. Ohio ST is a football school. Not sure how much further I can take them.

Don't be coy, boy lol ...

If there's anyone who can compete with me at this game it's you ... I've never won three national titles with anyone since Syracuse, and i think that was the FIRST DDSCB game

[jksander]

Feel free to add me as a recruiter for your team lol ... I'll find ways to pitch in

[Wayne23]

Uh oh, an alumni booster?

[jksander]

Uh oh, an alumni booster?

That would fit with Ohio State lol ... boosterism: even The Leader's reign couldn't destroy it