(The second LPP Tribute during Senior Week, to Mikael Hopkins)
This is the face I’ll remember most. The determined, focused player, serious, no nonsense, with work to do every game. This season, when needed, you have come through. And you have been needed a lot, mostly on the defensive end and as star shot blocker but also to contribute points when your team was struggling. And we’ll forget that one outing at the free throw line. Who doesn’t have a bad game at the line? (The only one who doesn’t on this year’s team is DSR.)
There is nothing more I enjoy than watching you swat shots away. It’s the hallmark of any Hoya successful big and fearless leader. Out of legendary DeMatha where you led your team to championships. What would you be doing at Big Man U if you weren’t blocking shots and pulling down boards (6 rpg). And you do both aplenty. In fact, a team leading 47 times blocks so far this season.
Some get on you for lack of offense. I couldn’t do that. It isn’t your primary role and yet you have come through many times on offense, and have a nice hook that I’d love to see more. Sure, I’d rather see you dunk–that’s more exciting. But when you can get as close to the hoop as you can, at your height and with your skill, why not knock it down, or dish it off.
It’s been such a pleasure following your career growth, it’s tough to believe Saturday will be the last day. You have earned the start. Sometimes these upstart freshmen move in because they are improving and will start next season and deserve the time, but it isn’t until you are in the game that I feel that the Hoyas have the team on the court that will win. And you have won, especially this year, sitting at 19-9, with the hope and expectation that you will win #20 on Saturday against longtime rival Seton Hall then take your game into the post-season, first at the Garden in the BET then wherever fate will have it in the NCAA tournament. This is your and your teammates chance to script a different ending to the season.
I recall your sophomore year outing at the Garden when you played one of your finest games against Syracuse in the BIG EAST Tournament, with 15 points and 8 rebounds. It may not have been a victory but this year it could be, against Villanova, St. John’s or Providence. Go grab it!
I believe that you will go out strong and with pride this senior campaign deep into the post-season, and continue those stat lines, 6-10 points, 10-14 boards, a few blocks, assists and steals. The versatile and athletic big man who makes free throws when they count.
You will be missed, but we Hoya fans will follow you as deep into March as you’d like to lead your team, and Beyond. Whatever you do in life, from hoops to non-hoops dreams, you will be formidable. We expect more thrills, no doubt about it. Thanks for four great years. You are and will be an #H4L #BeatSetonHall, #WinTheBigEast, #HoyaMadness!
LPP
Senior Week Tribute: Mikael Hopkins #3
(The second LPP Tribute during Senior Week, to Mikael Hopkins)
This is the face I’ll remember most. The determined, focused player, serious, no nonsense, with work to do every game. This season, when needed, you have come through. And you have been needed a lot, mostly on the defensive end and as star shot blocker but also to contribute points when your team was struggling. And we’ll forget that one outing at the free throw line. Who doesn’t have a bad game at the line? (The only one who doesn’t on this year’s team is DSR.)
There is nothing more I enjoy than watching you swat shots away. It’s the hallmark of any Hoya successful big and fearless leader. Out of legendary DeMatha where you led your team to championships. What would you be doing at Big Man U if you weren’t blocking shots and pulling down boards (6 rpg). And you do both aplenty. In fact, a team leading 47 times blocks so far this season.
Some get on you for lack of offense. I couldn’t do that. It isn’t your primary role and yet you have come through many times on offense, and have a nice hook that I’d love to see more. Sure, I’d rather see you dunk–that’s more exciting. But when you can get as close to the hoop as you can, at your height and with your skill, why not knock it down, or dish it off.
It’s been such a pleasure following your career growth, it’s tough to believe Saturday will be the last day. You have earned the start. Sometimes these upstart freshmen move in because they are improving and will start next season and deserve the time, but it isn’t until you are in the game that I feel that the Hoyas have the team on the court that will win. And you have won, especially this year, sitting at 19-9, with the hope and expectation that you will win #20 on Saturday against longtime rival Seton Hall then take your game into the post-season, first at the Garden in the BET then wherever fate will have it in the NCAA tournament. This is your and your teammates chance to script a different ending to the season.
I recall your sophomore year outing at the Garden when you played one of your finest games against Syracuse in the BIG EAST Tournament, with 15 points and 8 rebounds. It may not have been a victory but this year it could be, against Villanova, St. John’s or Providence. Go grab it!
I believe that you will go out strong and with pride this senior campaign deep into the post-season, and continue those stat lines, 6-10 points, 10-14 boards, a few blocks, assists and steals. The versatile and athletic big man who makes free throws when they count.
You will be missed, but we Hoya fans will follow you as deep into March as you’d like to lead your team, and Beyond. Whatever you do in life, from hoops to non-hoops dreams, you will be formidable. We expect more thrills, no doubt about it. Thanks for four great years. You are and will be an #H4L #BeatSetonHall, #WinTheBigEast, #HoyaMadness!
LPP