I saw in the comments reference to it. I wanted to get to it sooner, but I was a little worn out after drink-live-blogging the BCS last night. Plus Louisville was hiring a new coach; Michael Bush leaving the Cardinals to go pro; and Matt Simms decommitting from L-ville all needed commenting. A Nelson Munz “Hah-hah!” just didn’t seem sufficient.
Anyhow, the story on Keith Benjamin is excellent. Not just for giving deserved love to the team’s sparkplug, but because of how well it demonstrates great maturity from Benjamin. There have been flashes this season — not complaining about his role; the support for Gilbert Brown — but I admit to wondering how he was really feeling.
“The more I embrace this role the better we play,” Benjamin said. “I’m starting to see my role for what it’s worth. I definitely like my role. This is a deep team. You don’t get anywhere being selfish.
“I don’t want to be that guy who drops off. If somebody in the starting five or one of the other reserves isn’t getting the job done, I want to be the guy who always gets the job done.
“I just want to do what I can when I get out there and make an impact every time I step on the court. If there is a shot to be made or a stop to get, I’ll do my best to get it while I’m out there.”
Benjamin’s shot is so much better than last year. Especially compared to last year in the non-con, when he was on the verge of playing himself out of the rotation. Seeing him grow into a man and a player almost makes me think there’s something to the whole college thing and coaches teaching life lessons or something like that.
This kid is the definition of a team player.