I've watched Virginia Military Institute play basketball on television, and in opponents' gyms, but this is the first time I've ever actually gone to Cameron. Cameron Hall, that is. It's not quite Cameron Indoor down in Durham, but I think it's safe to say: When the Keydets are Rockin', Don't Come Knockin'.
The vibe in this light greenish building in Lexington, VA is very different from what you'll get most other places in DI basketball. Under the south basket are rows and rows of cadets in long grey pants, dark uniform shirts, and closely buzzed hair. Under the other goal, the band. Along one side of the court, behind the scorer's table and press row, are a leather-lunged (and extremely buff) bunch of male and female cadets in red t-shirts. Even the fun is regimented at VMI.
But don't think that means the fun is nonexistent. The cadets in black pogo, chant, and slap the padding on the low wall in front of them to distract opposing free-throw shooters. The cadets in red often toss tin foil over to the others during time outs - I couldn't tell for sure, but I think sometimes they even left the sandwiches inside. For a gym that tops out at 5,000 occupants, they can make some noise. And I haven't even mentioned the six foot tall kangaroo yet.
The game went according to VMI coach Duggar Baucom's designs, with the Keydets playing full court defense, shooting the ball 79 times, and draining open threes on the perimeter. Winthrop, picked to finish atop the Big South, must have felt like the basketball had Pam sprayed on it, as they gave up 24 turnovers, including 16 steals. They Keydets won the game easily, with a final score of 92-74. "We were picked to finish seventh in the Big South" said coach Baucom "I don't think that's going to happen".
At one point during the game, I wandered up into the rafters in order to better see the whole court. A man in a VMI cap introduced himself to me, and turned out to be Mike Kenon, father of Keydet sophomore Austin Kenon, who poured in 23 on the night. "Not a lot of basketball players would put up with the lifestyle here" he said "They sleep in barracks, the course work is tough, and there's no special treatment for athletes. But I was so happy when Austin accepted his scholarship. This school turns out leaders."
The reward for all of the hard work was on display after the game, when the players and coaches faced the crowd during the playing of the school song. When the last notes faded, huge grins broke out on the players' faces, and they jogged over to the barricades to accept the congratulations of their fellow cadets - shaking hands, talking, and reveling in a win over the most dominant team in the Big South. The celebration was evidence of a bond that I suspect few student-athletes at other schools ever experience.
The vibe in this light greenish building in Lexington, VA is very different from what you'll get most other places in DI basketball. Under the south basket are rows and rows of cadets in long grey pants, dark uniform shirts, and closely buzzed hair. Under the other goal, the band. Along one side of the court, behind the scorer's table and press row, are a leather-lunged (and extremely buff) bunch of male and female cadets in red t-shirts. Even the fun is regimented at VMI.
But don't think that means the fun is nonexistent. The cadets in black pogo, chant, and slap the padding on the low wall in front of them to distract opposing free-throw shooters. The cadets in red often toss tin foil over to the others during time outs - I couldn't tell for sure, but I think sometimes they even left the sandwiches inside. For a gym that tops out at 5,000 occupants, they can make some noise. And I haven't even mentioned the six foot tall kangaroo yet.
The game went according to VMI coach Duggar Baucom's designs, with the Keydets playing full court defense, shooting the ball 79 times, and draining open threes on the perimeter. Winthrop, picked to finish atop the Big South, must have felt like the basketball had Pam sprayed on it, as they gave up 24 turnovers, including 16 steals. They Keydets won the game easily, with a final score of 92-74. "We were picked to finish seventh in the Big South" said coach Baucom "I don't think that's going to happen".
At one point during the game, I wandered up into the rafters in order to better see the whole court. A man in a VMI cap introduced himself to me, and turned out to be Mike Kenon, father of Keydet sophomore Austin Kenon, who poured in 23 on the night. "Not a lot of basketball players would put up with the lifestyle here" he said "They sleep in barracks, the course work is tough, and there's no special treatment for athletes. But I was so happy when Austin accepted his scholarship. This school turns out leaders."
The reward for all of the hard work was on display after the game, when the players and coaches faced the crowd during the playing of the school song. When the last notes faded, huge grins broke out on the players' faces, and they jogged over to the barricades to accept the congratulations of their fellow cadets - shaking hands, talking, and reveling in a win over the most dominant team in the Big South. The celebration was evidence of a bond that I suspect few student-athletes at other schools ever experience.
Cool recap. The service academies and places like VMI and the Citadel are just different but a very good way. Takes a different type of kid to want to attend a school like that. Makes me glad they beat Kentucky!