There really isn't a whole lot to add on Morgan State's loss. The Bears started strong, West Virginia started cold, and then Morgan State just got overwhelmed by the West Virginia size, depth and athleticism. If they played this game 100 times, West Virginia would probably win 98 of them. The Mountaineers are going to be tough to beat with their rebounding ability.
But I think we shouldn't walk away from this contest without acknowledging one very nice moment for the Bears that happened with 30 seconds left. Todd Bozeman called a timeout, and took Reggie Holmes out of the game. Holmes, a senior, is Morgan State's all-time leading scorer, and when the two men met at the scorer's table, Holmes started to cry. And then Bozeman started to cry.
Holmes was one of the first kids to buy into what Bozeman was selling four years ago when he got this job. He's a shy kid, but a year ago, we sat in the stands and talked about his decision to enroll at Morgan, which wasn't easy. The kids he grew up playing against in his neighborhood thought Morgan State was a joke. There was almost more pride in not playing at all instead of playing for a school like Morgan State back then, but Holmes believed what Bozeman told him. He was a good player, but if he came to Morgan State, he could develop and become a great player.
Bozeman and his coaching staff worked hour after hour, year after year, with Holmes, teaching him how to score off the dribble, how to not settle for 3-pointers, and how to play defense. It wasn't easy. As a freshman, Holmes simply jacked up 3-pointers and he was still Morgan's leading scorer. But Bozeman pushed him to be better, just like he did numerous other players.
Holmes helped Bozeman redeem himself from a foolish scandal that took place years ago, one that took him years -- too long, really -- to earn a second chance from. And Bozeman helped Holmes go down as one of the best players in school history, while at the same time changing the perception of Morgan State. Whether Bozeman is coaching at the school or not next year, it's a place to be proud of. It's a school that gives kids opportunities to continue their career, gives them an education, and wins basketball games.
Life humbled Todd Bozeman, and he didn't run from his mistakes. He admitted them -- unlike so many who screw up -- and he also chose to reevaluate why he wanted to be a coach. He had a passion for mentoring kids, and at Morgan, he got that chance again.
So those tears and that hug said a lot, even though, out loud, they said nothing at all.