Both on and off the court, the players on the men’s basketball team dedicate the majority of their time to State’s athletic program. Aside from their personal daily workouts, practices, games, study hall and other requirements, the team can be found at other sporting events supporting their fellow athletes.
From an athlete’s point of view, the players know the work it takes to be successful and have pride in wearing red and white, whether on the court or as supporters in the stands.
Redshirt junior Brandon Costner is known on campus not only for his contribution to the basketball team, but for his support at games and school spirit.
“I’m a fan just like everyone else,” Costner said. “I attend everything I get a chance to, whether it be volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s basketball or softball. I have even been to a diving match or two. It’s great to see my fellow athletes perform and succeed in their passion.”
Simon Harris, a redshirt senior, also is a fan of all sports on campus.
“I attend pretty much everything except for swimming and tennis, and that’s only due to time constraints,” Harris said. “[I watch] mostly baseball, football, women’s basketball and women’s soccer. Student involvement is huge and the fact that our peers take time to support us means a lot.”
After playing basketball at Elon University for two years, Harris has an appreciation for the fan support for the basketball team and the athletic program since being at State.
“There is definitely importance in supporting the other sports, because our athletics community is very close knit here,” Harris said. “We are always together — eating, studying and at other events.”
Sophomore Javier Gonzalez is heading into his second year of playing point guard for the Pack. And with a year under his belt, Gonzalez has grown an appreciation for other athletic events.
“As athletes, we live to play our sports,” Gonzalez said. “I think it’s important for us to see the other games and support them because they don’t have as many fans as we do,” Gonzalez said. “We like to show them we are all about their sports too.”
Last year’s men’s basketball team finished the year with a losing record of 15-16. However, their home game record was 10-6. Costner attributes part of their success at the RBC Center to the support of their fans and fellow athletes.
“It’s nice to know that your fellow classmates come out and support you and genuinely hope that you excel in your passion of sports,” Costner said. “It gives you a sense of pride because they are consistently out there to have our backs.”
But players don’t discount the feeling of disappointing a visiting crowd. Harris said he loves the feel of going into an opponents gym and taking the crowd out of the game.
“There’s a huge difference at home,” Harris said. “But I personally like going into hostile environments and coming out with a win. I enjoy the feeling that comes when you beat a team on the road, and know that the majority of the people that are in attendance weren’t there to see you and wanted to see you fail.”
