Lagging Lopers

Every year I look forward to a new season of Loper basketball, but every year I see brand new faces on the roster. Every year UNK gets great athletes and then watches them transfer to other schools.

Does anyone remember the glory days of Loper basketball? I am talking about the 2003 season when we made it to the Elite Eight Tournament and had great athletes like Brian Dunagan, Chad Sheffield, Nick Svehla and Nick Branting. One of the keys to their success was that they were on the team for four years.

Now we watch great athletes join the team for one year and leave the next. Last year UNK lost Garret Lever, the RMAC Defensive Player of the year, and Jeff Martin who was one of the team’s best three point shooters. Just last night I witnessed Cole Salomon tear it up in the Husker game. Granted, he is one of their bench players, but still we have missed out on some great basketball talent. Even the Loper’s loss to Colorado Christian was a direct result of a former Loper, Jordan Long, going off for 24 points.

It shocks me that nobody makes a big deal about these players leaving. I think we should investigate this issue more as fans of the Loper Basketball Team. Is it our school, our coaches, or maybe these new players cannot appreciate this wonderful Nebraska weather?

Right now the Lopers are on a five game losing streak and there seems to no sign of improvement. I am not blaming the players for there lack of effort. I have been to most of the home games this season and they look like they are playing hard, but there are two factors that are against them. The ball just doesn’t seem to be bouncing their way and they have a lack of experience. All we can do, as fans, is go out and support our team no matter how bad things get. Maybe if we cheer loud enough we can convince this group of new players to stay.