Tuesday Basketball

We spend a whole lot of time around the sports office talking about basketball. And that makes sense with the Big Dance and all. But for us it’s a year-round conversation because of what happens on Tuesdays.

From 11-1, we play pick-up ball at Mt. St. Joseph. It’s unreal. Our editors Eric Staub and "Big Red" Froelich show up, so does Joe Danneman, our Producer Rufus and I, and Brian did until a little “mishap” a few months ago.

For months, we tried to convince Brian to come out and ball. He has two small children and lives 45 minutes away, so sometimes it’s a little challenging to set aside time. But he was finally able to do it, only to tear his Achilles tendon on the second trip to the Mount. Do I feel guilty? Yes. Have we stopped playing? No. But we’re thinking about wearing patches on our gear with the initials “BG” until he returns. And he will return. “I’ll be back at the Mount in late summer or early fall,” Brian promised shortly after surgery.

On Tuesday afternoon and evening, before the 10 O’Clock News, we love to summarize what happened on the court that day.

A Quick Scouting Report:

Rufus: Wants it bad on defense. Will put you in the “Millennor Straitjacket” and pick you up full court. His nickname—“The Glove”. Can stick a shot especially under pressure. The Godfather of Tuesday Basketball.

Joe: Best scorer on the floor. One time while Joe was on fire, a guy looked at me and said, “You guys might want to bring the cameras out….because Joe D is lighting ‘em up tonight.”

Big Red: Loves it. Can take you outside or post up Inside. Gets a look of determination on his face when shooting a three.

Eric: Boundless energy. Pete Rose-like effort on the basketball court. Touches the rafters with his three pointer. Plenty of arc to be sure.

Brian (pre-injury): Mixes it up down low. Keeps possessions alive with effort and can slash and score inside.

Zach: Foot speed a concern. Very slow. Maybe known to hit an outside shot every now and again…but that’s about it.