2008 Woodie Awards
Columnist Geremy Bass: Taking a last look at Gist
Geremy Bass
Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: Sports
Sunday night was painful.
Everyone in Terrapin Nation felt the sting from the devastating loss, and the Terps' uncontested leader, their experienced elder, their tested general, endured an ache worse than anyone.
James Gist, with his Senior Night scattered to pieces by Clemson's last-second 3-pointer, struggled to compose himself as he spoke after the game. He tried his best to find answers and field questions with poise and maturity. But deep down, it throbbed.
It's a shame the game ended the way it did and not only for the Terps and their postseason chances. The loss put a massive scar on a night that should have been Gist's finishing touch on a career that will linger in Comcast Center for as long as the Terps call it home.
For fans in attendance, cherish the fact that you saw Gist elicit abject pride from the sold-out crowd. You were one of the lucky few to stand and applaud as he raised his framed jersey above his head, honoring his body of work for the team he calls "my team."
"I take it all upon my shoulders," Gist said, teary eyed, after the game. "Coach [Gary] Williams tries to take it, but inside me, I just feel like this is all on my shoulders. I shouldn't have let this happen to the team."
Gist tried his best to stave off the unbelievable defeat, recording team highs with 15 points and eight rebounds. It wasn't enough to preserve a win, but Gist's marvelous four years as a Terp more than compensate for any single loss.
We're talking about one of five players in school history to record 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 blocked shots. I enrolled at this university alongside him in 2004 and immediately knew he would grow into something special. Now, as we leave together for the next stage, I'm proud to say I watched him do great things for the Terp basketball program.
I had the privilege of talking to him after each game, but for a can't-miss opinion, momma knows best.
"We're beginning to see James, now, as a man," said Linda Gist, James' mother. "We can see it in the manner in which he expresses himself - his passion - and we can just see that evolution. That transition from a boy to a young man, and now to a man."
Everyone in Terrapin Nation felt the sting from the devastating loss, and the Terps' uncontested leader, their experienced elder, their tested general, endured an ache worse than anyone.
James Gist, with his Senior Night scattered to pieces by Clemson's last-second 3-pointer, struggled to compose himself as he spoke after the game. He tried his best to find answers and field questions with poise and maturity. But deep down, it throbbed.
It's a shame the game ended the way it did and not only for the Terps and their postseason chances. The loss put a massive scar on a night that should have been Gist's finishing touch on a career that will linger in Comcast Center for as long as the Terps call it home.
For fans in attendance, cherish the fact that you saw Gist elicit abject pride from the sold-out crowd. You were one of the lucky few to stand and applaud as he raised his framed jersey above his head, honoring his body of work for the team he calls "my team."
"I take it all upon my shoulders," Gist said, teary eyed, after the game. "Coach [Gary] Williams tries to take it, but inside me, I just feel like this is all on my shoulders. I shouldn't have let this happen to the team."
Gist tried his best to stave off the unbelievable defeat, recording team highs with 15 points and eight rebounds. It wasn't enough to preserve a win, but Gist's marvelous four years as a Terp more than compensate for any single loss.
We're talking about one of five players in school history to record 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 blocked shots. I enrolled at this university alongside him in 2004 and immediately knew he would grow into something special. Now, as we leave together for the next stage, I'm proud to say I watched him do great things for the Terp basketball program.
I had the privilege of talking to him after each game, but for a can't-miss opinion, momma knows best.
"We're beginning to see James, now, as a man," said Linda Gist, James' mother. "We can see it in the manner in which he expresses himself - his passion - and we can just see that evolution. That transition from a boy to a young man, and now to a man."
Submit a letter to the editor or post a comment below.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Jerry
posted 3/06/08 @ 8:37 AM EST
James Gist, "Our Lady of Good Counsel High School's own," has been a very positive story and a very positive part of the Maryland men's basketball program during his 4 years at UM. (Continued…)
Will
posted 3/06/08 @ 3:38 PM EST
Good points about Gist. I just wish for his sake he had a better core around him. It's unfortunate, but a lot of fans will view this era by the (probable) absence from the NCAA tourney 3 out his 4 years. (Continued…)
High Plains Drifter
posted 3/06/08 @ 6:28 PM EST
Something to consider perhaps:
"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision. (Continued…)
Post a Comment