Bruiser

Yes, it's been almost a week since my last post. No, this blog has not gone on hiatus because Badger sports will be in hibernation for about five months.

But I can't say my feelings haven't been a little hurt that no one has emailed to check in on me. No one, except of course my mom, who thought I was sick.

It's just been a helluva week at work, but as I watch the Michigan State-Kansas game my thoughts turn back to Wisconsin sports. Specifically to Mike Bruesewitz, our latest find out of Minnesota.

Thanks to Schwib for emailing me this story from the Star Trib earlier this week, announcing our incoming freshman as its metro player of the year. Not a bad honor considering the more highly-recruited Royce White and Rodney Williams play in the same metro area.

What's great about the story is that it doesn't mention Bruiser's on-court exploits until the fourth paragraph. It leads with three paragraphs of what a great kid he is. It reminds me of reading the story last year about Jordan Taylor being named Minnesota's player of the year -- great student, leader, etc.

It's great to have kids like this representing your program. It's like Krabby: sometimes his game made you wince, but when the game's over, he's got a smile on his face, he's articulate, he looks after his teammates. You just know he's going to be a good husband and father, a grade school teacher or a high school basketball coach, maybe even a company president. He's sort of exceptional, but I've felt this way about most of the kids to pass through our basketball program lately. Bruiser will be another one we can be proud of.

What's funny is the comments from Gopher fans about how their program has "reached the point where Wisconsin gets our scraps." And apparently high school player of the year awards should be based on recruiting rankings. Good stuff.