The majority of students pack up and say goodbye to their home away from home after graduation.
For former Loquitur editor and basketball player Howard Blake III, that was not the case.
Blake is now one of the five assistant coaches for the Cabrini men’s basketball team.
“I love it. It’s like I never left,” Blake said. “It’s a chance for me to get back out there since I can’t play anymore because I graduated. Being around the guys and the coaches is fun. It’s just picking up where I left off.”
Blake graduated this past May a bachelors degree in communications. He was very involved within his major.
Aside from being involved academically, Blake was active on the basketball court.
Blake had a total of 235 points during his time as a Cavalier.
“I definitely miss being on the court,” Blake said. “Being at practices and scrimmages really makes you want to get out back out there and play again.”
Being familiar with the sport and playing it, Blake had no idea what his future held when it came to basketball.
“I honestly never thought about being a coach before. I always just wanted to play. I always said I thought it would be weird being a coach but after having the opportunity I just couldn’t say no.” Blake said. “Being a coach is also a lot different. You definitely take in more of a mental aspect of the game. You really need to be sharp in knowing what the head coach expects out of you and everybody else. You just really need to let your basketball knowledge show.”
Although Blake was not sure about how coaching would be, his former teammate had nothing but good things to say.
“Howard is doing great as an assistant coach. With being our team leader last year I just feel that this role fits him very well,” Ryan Charity, junior guard, said. “His experience as a player has really helped us when it comes to decision making on the court and playing well as a team.”
Having the opportunity to be an assistant coach for a team can potentially hold the chances of eventually becoming head coach.
“I’m cool with just being an assistant. I do know people who want to be head coaches but it was never really my plan. For me, just being in the system is fine. I just really like being there and helping out,” Blake said.
Being a part of a team as a player or a coach has an effect or impact on the person’s life.
“Being as assistant coach means a lot to me. For coach McDonald to think of me to be apart of the staff really means a lot to me,” Blake said. “We had a really good bond last year during the season and I’m really glad to see it be able to be carried over this year.”
Coming into a new season there are some new faces on the roster. Not only with the new freshman and transfers but with the addition of Cabrini alum Jason Williams.
Williams graduated from Cabrini last year, during his four years he was the manager of the men’s basketball team, sports anchor for the Loqation news program and sports editor for the Loquitur, along with Blake.
Even though Williams did not have the opportunity to play collegiate basketball during his college time, his love for the game never left him. After he graduated, he was looking for a coaching opportunity and started to get in contact with other coaches, especially Coach Tim McDonald.
“I didn’t see any better way to come into coaching then to go with a program that I came from and I was the manager for four years,” Williams said. “This was a perfect fit.”
Even though Williams was not a player on the court, his love for the game can leave a possible affect on any player, even those who are trying to improve on their basketball skills.
Being part of a coaching staff after college was something that Williams saw himself doing once he graduated from college and giving back to others. The best possible way to do so was to be a part of something he knew and loved; the team and sport that showed him the same love he gave all four years of his college experience.
“Yes, sports in general, that’s my passion, but more so for basketball. I relate to the game, I know the ins and outs, I have been around the game my whole life but just because you do not play the game does not mean you do not know the game,” Williams said.
“I always wanted to get into coaching and be with the best minds of the game, watch the game and I’ve always watched the game,” Williams said. “I know the game and coaching has always been something I wanted to do because I could help others with their skills and get better at what they do.”
With the season right around the corner, Williams is mentally focused and ready to keep the team running on all cylinders alongside the rest of the coaching staff.
