March 2, 2010

MIDDLETON TALKS SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT (AUDIO)

It's tournament time. Nothing is guaranteed and anything can happen. Several of my teammates and I were at school over the summer working out to be ready for this. We've been through 6am practices, 22 losses and plenty of adversity but starting Thursday, nothing else matters but winning.

The truth of the matter is that every team in the conference has trained, conditioned, practiced, and given their all to play well in the tournament. There's nothing I can say to prove how we are different and how much we want to win. Actions speak much louder than word so all we can do is be ready when the ball goes up on Thursday against UNC Greensboro.

Personally, I have mixed emotions about playing in my last basketball tournament. I know many other players continue on after college to play professionally overseas or even here in the States, but just like the commercial, I'm one of those going professional in something else.

I'm proud of where my love for the game and talent has gotten me but everything must come to an end. It's sad but I plan to have fun and make some noise in the Southern Conference even when many have written us off. I just want to make those who have supported me over the years proud and know that I gave it my all when the buzzer sounds.

One word that describes our team is unpredictable. Sure this could be seen as negative but it has its positive side as well. No one knows what to expect playing us and I kind of like that. Recently, we've found a way to play better together and it has come at the perfect time. No matter how teams may view us, I'm confident that our team will come ready to play. We're an unpredictable team heading into an unpredictable tournament. Nothing is guaranteed. Anything can happen.

The Catamount Sports Network will host a special "Southern Conference Tournament Show," on Friday, March 5 at 7:00 pm, LIVE from the Blackfinn American Saloon - "Catamount Central" in the Epicentre of Charlotte's downtown - during the 2010 SoCon Tournament Tip-off event, presented by the Catamount Club. The show will be broadcast online via Stretch Internet and can be heard through www.CatamountSports.com. CSN voices Daniel Hooker and Steven Crumpler will break down both brackets on the men's and women's side as the Western Carolina men prepare for their tournament opener on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 pm in the Bojangles Arena.