Motivational Talk Isn’t Enough to Cheer USIU

Realizing his team was 1-12 and that his basketball program could expire today, Coach Gary Zarecky brought a man facing terminal cancer into the locker room to inspire his U.S. International players before Thursday’s game against New Orleans.

Mark Dobbins, 30, a USIU fan who was diagnosed as having prostate cancer and recently learned he had 2 1/2 years, addressed the Gulls, a team rocked by the news that their school has gone bankrupt and told them to lighten up.

“I tried to explain to them they have nothing to worry about,” Dobbins said. “I go to the hospital every day (for chemotherapy). The only thing I live for is my daughter. I told them if their coach believes in them, they should believe in themselves.”

As dramatic as Dobbins’ talk might have been, the Gulls suffered their eighth consecutive defeat, 98-58, in front of a home crowd of 223 at Golden Hall. The only thing USIU’s players are believing these days are how unbelievable their season has become. Their last three losses have come by margins of 48, 42 and 40 points.

The Gulls, who came in shooting 39% from the field on the season, shot 33% and fell to 1-13. USIU senior guard Kevin Bradshaw, who was nine-for-27 from the floor, led all scorers with 33 points. Zarecky accused the rest of the team of “just standing there.”

“They’re lifeless,” Zarecky said. “What are they playing for right now? There’s parents out there in the stands that don’t want them to play.”

USIU committed 31 turnovers and allowed 22 steals. The Privateers jumped out to a 7-0 lead then ran away with the game with scoring spurts of 11-0, 8-0, 8-0, 11-0, 9-0and 12-2. Senior forward Tank Collins finished with 17 points and led five New Orleans scorers in double figures.

The Gulls were likely less focused on the game and more concered with what will happen today. USIU’s board trustees, in their first action toward the “economic reorganization” of the university, are expected to consider large cuts in athletics budget. One of those cuts could mean the elimination men’s basketball in midseason.

Zarecky, again trying to keep the situation in perspective, said: “I told my players at least they’re not in Saudi Arabia.”

Earlier in the day, the NCAA informed USIU Athletic Director Al Palmiotto that the players would not regain this year of eligibility if their season is cut short. The NCAA said there is no rule in its bylaws that addresses players’ rights in the case that a program is dropped in midseason. Neither will players be allowed to transfer to and immediately play at another NCAA school, Palmiotto said.

“There are not going to be any winners in this,” Palmiotto said, referring to the trustees’ action. “A lot of programs are going to be cut. A lot of them aren’t going to look the same. I have put forth every recommendation I could possibly think of, because I want to save some form of athletics at USIU.”

USIU currently has a total of 145 athletes playing on 12 different Division I teams and a total staff of 18. Palmiotto said his operating budget, which excludes salaries, is under $400,000. In an ideal scenario, Palmiotto said trustees would save all 12 teams and OK cuts in scheduling and travel.