Dominique Johnson '10: Pouring into the Next Generation

This article was originally published on apu.edu.

Dominique Johnson ’10 is driven to pour into the next generation. After 13 years playing professional basketball in the NBA D-League, for many international teams, and in the Big3, Johnson returned to Azusa Pacific University to serve as assistant coach on the men’s basketball team. “I wanted to share my knowledge and experience,” Johnson said. “I talked with (head coach) Pete Bond and he said I should start here. I’m grateful for the opportunity and it’s been great to be back at APU.” Johnson’s journey back to his alma mater was a long one, filled with lots of life lessons that he hopes to pass on.

A Detroit native, Johnson discovered his love for basketball as a child and began playing for his middle and high school teams. After graduating from high school, he moved to Memphis, and began playing college basketball at Southwest Tennessee Community College. After a standout sophomore season, he was recruited by several schools and decided to transfer to APU.

“When I visited APU, I saw the big God First sign on the wall in the gym and everything just felt right,” he said. “I didn’t even fly back to Tennessee. My friends just shipped my stuff out here.”

The natural fit translated to enormous success for Johnson and the men’s basketball team. In 2008-09, Johnson paced the squad in points at 17.2 per game and three-point field goals with 70 on the season. “Coach (Justin) Leslie broke down my whole game and taught me how to play high percentage shots, spacing, and positioning. I was like a raw piece of clay and he molded me,” Johnson said. “He showed me how to play the right way.” Johnson’s achievements earned the recognition of NAIA All-American third team. He led the Cougars to a 24-10 record and a Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) championship. “It took a while, but when we all started trusting each other, we hit our stride and were almost unstoppable.”

The following year, as a senior, Johnson played even better, earning NAIA All-American first team honors. APU won the GSAC championship again and made it all the way to the NAIA Championship. Unfortunately, the Cougars lost in the final seconds to Oklahoma Baptist. “It was a brutal loss. We sunk a game winning shot at the buzzer, but it turned out the clock had expired literally .1 seconds before the ball left my teammate’s hands,” Johnson said. “That team was special. I’ll never forget that season.”

Although his time at APU came to a close, Johnson’s basketball career was just taking off. He was selected by the Idaho Stampede in the 2010 NBA D-League Draft, but never played a game for them after getting cut right before the season. “That was the first time I had ever been cut from a team. It taught me a lot about the politics of the D-League,” he said. Johnson rebounded, signing with the Texas Legends, where he played for two years. He went on to play with the Canton Charge for a season before deciding to move on from the D-League.

“I received advice from friends and teammates to play basketball overseas, so I found a new agent who helped secure me my first international contract in Poland.”

Johnson’s experience in Poland was a game changer. In his first season, his team won the Polish Cup, even though they weren’t considered contenders. “I didn’t realize the significance of winning the Cup. I thought it was just another game, but everyone was absolutely ecstatic. My agent told me that I had accomplished something most guys don’t experience in their whole career,” he said. That season kickstarted Johnson’s international playing experience. He went on to play for another team in Poland, where he led the league in scoring, then played in Israel, Turkey, Germany, Italy, China, Italy again, Lebanon, France, Mexico, and Egypt. “If I had the chance to stay in one place for 10 years, I probably would have, but having the opportunities to experience all those different countries and their cultures was life changing,” he said. Johnson went on to win the FIBA Europe Cup in 2018 and the Lebanese Cup in 2019.

Although most rules of the game are the same in other countries, Johnson said the way the game was played and the environment were completely different than American basketball. “In the NBA, it’s all about offense. Overseas, it’s much more defense-centric; they’re strategic and more physical to stop you from scoring,” he said. “And the fans are on another level. They’re jumping from start to finish, setting off flares in the gym, and lighting coins on fire. Every game is like Game 7 of the NBA Finals for them.”

Although Johnson had amazing experiences on the court, life off the court could be challenging at times. He married his college sweetheart from APU, Marissa Johnson ’12, but she was still living in the U.S. as her career as an education administrator blossomed. “Marissa would visit me during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring breaks. She was able to stay longer for two stints when I was playing in Venice and Florence,” Johnson said. “I was grateful for those times and I’m so proud of her career.” Johnson bonded with his teammates and made good friends at each stop along his journey. He particularly loved his time in Israel. “My best friend is Israeli. Her family took me in and invited me over every Saturday for Shabbat dinner,” he said. “There were tons of Americans in Israel too. We would have barbecues every week where we would hang out and play cards. It felt like you were at home.” Through all the ups and downs of playing overseas, Johnson’s one constant was his faith. He wears a WWJD bracelet everyday and has Scripture from 1 Corinthians tattooed on him serving as a reminder of God’s provision.

“God has never left me. He’s always protected me. When I have doubts about how I’m going to get through tough times, God’s there for me.”

After playing for 13 teams in 10 countries, Johnson decided to retire from playing international basketball. He decided to pass on his knowledge in a book, Adjusting, Adapting, and Managing Expectations of Overseas Basketball, which gives athletes insight on how to pick an agent, how to read contracts, and how to avoid hiccups in international basketball. Johnson returned to the U.S. and was promptly drafted by the Killer 3’s in the Big3 league. “The Big3 has been a great experience. I’ve gotten to play alongside a lot of former NBA players,” he said. “It’s fun talking to Ice Cube and seeing him at every game. I even got to meet Dr. J. That had me starstruck.”

Johnson may continue playing in the Big3 next summer if the opportunity arises again, but for now, he’s focused on being a husband and a father to his three-year-old daughter and three-month-old son and coaching at APU. “It’s all about mentoring for me. I feel like I can motivate the students and get the best out of them,” he said. “We’ve got a talented team and they work very hard.” Johnson is excited to learn from Coach Bond. “I’m constantly picking Pete’s brain. He’s a fantastic coach and has already taught me a lot.” Johnson said the team’s goal is to win a national championship, but he’ll measure success in different ways. “I want the guys to develop their skills and learn about life outside of basketball. The ball isn’t going to bounce forever. I tell them to take their education seriously.” Johnson is furthering his education as well, pursuing a Master’s in Leadership through APU. “If the players can grow in their knowledge and their faith, that’s far greater than any championship.”

APU Honors Cliff Hamlow at Basketball Alumni Reunion

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

More than 90 alumni ranging from the classes of 1955-89 filled Upper Turner Campus Center to honor their mentor, legendary Azusa Pacific University basketball coach and vice president emeritus Cliff Hamlow ’56, PhD, on Saturday, February 4. The group of former basketball players shared memories of their time as Cougars and the impact Coach Hamlow had on their lives.

Kicking off the event, athletic director Gary Pine ’84, MBA ’05, talked about the connection that brought the players together and the man at center court. “We’re celebrating four decades of Cougar basketball,” Pine said. “Cliff is the common bond right alongside the one forged by a team. There’s nothing like playing, battling, and winning together.”

After an opening prayer by Steve Seavers ’78, Pine passed the mic to the master of ceremonies, Ed Munson, who was APU’s sports information director from 1969-72 before becoming the official scorer for the Los Angeles Angels and later the Los Angeles Dodgers. Munson recounted many noteworthy moments throughout Hamlow’s tenure, including seven consecutive 20-win seasons, scoring 155 points in a single game, scoring more than 100 points in a single half, scoring 100 or more points 15 times in one season, and winning the Christian College Tournament four years in a row from 1968-72. “I’ve seen no-hitters and perfect games, but the moment that sticks out in my mind above everything else was watching Cliff get his 300th win as Bob Dickinson made a shot with six seconds left on the clock,” Munson said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone jump as high as Cliff did in that moment. I thank God for Cliff being an excellent coach, a better friend, and a pivotal mentor.”

Following Munson, Bill Young ’57 talked about how he and Hamlow came to campus together, back when the school was called Pacific Bible College. “At the time, I don’t think there was one person who came to be a part of the athletic program,” he said. “Cliff became a student-coach instead of a student-athlete and developed the program into what it is today.” In the first few years of Hamlow’s coaching career, the team practiced at gyms off campus before a donor provided funds to build the Cougar Dome in 1958.

As the years went by, Hamlow began recruiting players and strengthening the program. By the end of the 1960s, the Cougars were a perennial powerhouse thanks to excellent coaching and talented players such as Chuck Boswell ’69. Boswell’s freshman season was the year Azusa College and Pacific Bible College merged to form Azusa Pacific. While the players had been rivals before, Hamlow coached them to work together to reach new heights. Boswell fondly recalled his favorite memories, from going on basketball road trips and running out of gas to singing in church choirs. He ended by describing all of Hamlow’s accolades. “Cliff, your greatest award isn’t here. Your greatest reward is that some day you’re going to Heaven and you will see players you brought to the Lord, and through faith they each became a different person,” he said. “Coach, I appreciate that, because I was one of those people. You did that for me. I love you and can’t thank you enough.”

Following Boswell, Dennis Dickens ’70 talked about how Hamlow gave him a chance to develop his skills when few other coaches would have done so. After graduation, Dickens had a brief NBA career before playing professionally in Europe. “My coach in the pros told me the only reason I made it this far is because Coach Hamlow taught me how to play right,” Dickens said.

“Every year as a coach, Cliff got better. That doesn’t happen often. He’s more than a great coach. He put APU’s basketball program on the map. In the basketball world, everybody knows APU all because of Cliff.”

Many players went on to coach after graduating, including Gordon Billingsley ’73 and Gary Johnson ’80. Billingsly said he treasured Hamlow’s mentorship and patience. Johnson described watching the way Hamlow coached, not shouting or getting angry with his players. Johnson replicated this in his coaching, as he went on to win Coach of the Year many times at the high school level in the San Gabriel Valley. “My favorite part was getting to coach the all-star teams, because the all-star games were held at APU,” Johnson said. “I was so proud because Coach could see me walking those sidelines just like he did.”

The final two players to share, Dave Dangleis ’87 and John Hoetker ’89, spoke about Hamlow’s impact off the court and in their lives after graduation. Dangleis spoke about a film session that turned into a prayer session as the team gathered around an old TV to watch the aftermath of the space shuttle Challenger explosion. “Cliff knew we could watch game film anytime; he made sure we stopped to grasp the significance of what had happened and prayed about it,” Dangleis said. “Coach, you taught us a lot about basketball, but you taught us more about being men, and I will always appreciate that.” Hoetker spoke about a moment more than 25 years after he finished playing basketball when he called Hamlow up and asked him to baptize his son and their family.

“I know a lot of this is about basketball and that sport is a wonderful thing because it brought us all together. But more than that, you taught us how to be in the right spot to have the greatest impact, showing us your vision for something more,” Hoetker said. “In my life, I never had a greater champion than you, Coach.”

To close out the ceremony before the group went over to the Felix Event Center to watch the current men’s basketball team beat Dominican University, Hamlow spoke about his legacy and his favorite memories from his 60 years of coaching (33 at APU and 27 at the high school level with his son, Gordon). “When I started college in 1954, I was at chapel and the Lord talked to me. I promised I would serve Him and go anywhere He wanted me to go,” Hamlow said. “Little did I know He didn’t want me to go very far. He put me here to develop an athletics program with the support of then-President Cornelius Haggard.” Hamlow recounted games in the Cougar Dome with a thunderous home crowd, giving players a quarter to go buy their meals on road trips, beating Richard Felix’s Bethel College basketball team at the National Christian College Tournament decades before Felix became APU’s president, and watching as his legacy was carried on by coaches Bill O’Dell, Justin Leslie, and Peter Bond. “It’s been great to see how our coaches have ministered to their players,” he said. “That’s been true of all our coaches here at APU. That’s why I believe in this place.” Hamlow ended by commending his players for making an impact in the lives of so many young people.

“In my 89 years, I’ve learned that we never retire from God’s work. We will slow down, but we won’t retire, because God always has something for us to do and people’s lives to touch.”

Best of the decade: The 2010s

This article originally appeared in ZU News.

While some may accuse me of recency bias for saying the 2010s held some of the greatest sports moments ever, the 2010s truly did house a number of the best spectacles American sports fans have ever seen.

It is incredibly hard to pick just one moment from the big four leagues, and since we already wrote about the best NBA Finals and World Series ever, I’m going to choose two other moments for the NBA and MLB.

Here are the best sports moments of the 2010s:

MLB: MadBum is not human (2014)

As a die hard San Francisco Giants fan, this is a biased selection (though I also could have chosen when the Los Angeles Dodgers lost the World Series in 2017, or 2018). However, any baseball enthusiast could tell you that Madison Bumgarner’s postseason performance in 2014 was unparalleled. He did what Barry Bonds could not do in the 2002 World Series — carry his team to victory.

Let’s start off by looking at the stats. During the 2014 postseason, Bumgarner pitched a record-breaking 52.2 innings with a 1.03 ERA. This included a complete game shutout in the wild card round over the Pittsburgh Pirates and three quality starts where he only allowed five earned runs and struck out 18 batters in the NLDS and NLCS. But it was his performance during the 2014 fall classic against the Kansas City Royals that truly made Bumgarner “Mr. October.”

Bumgarner started Game 1, tossing seven innings and allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while fanning five. The Giants claimed victory 7-1 and held a 1-0 series lead. Then the Giants dropped Game 2, 7-2, and Game 3, 3-2, before drawing the series even at 2-2 with a 11-4 win in Game 4. Bumgarner started his second contest in Game 5, dominating the Royals with a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out eight. The Giants grabbed a 3-2 series lead, but the Royals crushed San Francisco 11-0 in Game 6, bringing it to a winner-take-all Game 7.

Both starters struggled early, as Tim Hudson only made it 1.2 innings after allowing two runs for the Giants, and Jeremy Guthrie was pulled after allowing three runs in 3.1 innings for the Royals. Jeremey Affeldt pitched 2.1 innings of shutout ball for the Giants, and that’s when the world’s eyes turned to the 6’4” southpaw coming out of the bullpen. 

On just three days of rest after already pitching 16 innings in the series, Bumgarner was coming in. 

It didn’t start out well, as he allowed a single and a sacrifice bunt, leaving a runner-in-scoring-position with no outs. But Bumgarner rallied, getting 13 straight outs before allowing a single which turned into a triple thanks to an error by Giants outfielder Gregor Blanco. With two outs and a man on third, Bumgarner went to work trying to get the final out of the World Series against Salvador Perez. Perez popped up a pitch in foul territory and Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval caught it, ending the series. 

No pitcher has ever had a postseason performance like Bumgarner did in 2014. The Chicago Cubs World Series victory in 2016 was perhaps the biggest moment of the decade, but MadBum’s heroics were more memorable.

NFL: Malcom Butler says goodnight to the Seahawks (2015)

It seems like the New England Patriots own so many of the best moments in the NFL over the 2010s, and while their victory over the Falcons in Super Bowl LI was the better game, Malcolm Butler’s interception to beat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX was the better moment.

To give some context, the Seahawks were the best team in the NFL at the time. They had dominated the past two seasons, going a combined 25-7 in the regular season, and destroyed the Denver Broncos 43-8 in the previous Super Bowl. Seattle’s “legion of boom” was perhaps the best defense in the history of the NFL, allowing just 14.25 points and 239.6 yards per game. Led by the NFL’s best cornerback (at the time) Richard Sherman and Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas III, the Seahawks held one of the strongest secondary groups in league history.

However, down 28-22 with less than a minute remaining, the Seahawks were counting on their offense to win the game. Though he’s surely a Hall of Famer now, quarterback Russell Wilson was still young and inexperienced then. But Wilson had ice in his veins, as he completed three passes for 75 yards to get the Seahawks to New England’s five-yard-line with just over a minute remaining. Star running back Marshawn Lynch, also known as “Beast Mode,” charged up the middle on the next play to the one-yard-line. 

The whole world expected Lynch to finish the job on the next play, but head coach Pete Caroll decided to throw the ball (resulting in countless memes), and Wilson was picked off by Butler in the end zone, sealing the victory for New England. It was their first Super Bowl victory in a decade, and they would add two more titles in the next five years, while the Seahawks haven’t even been back to the NFC Championship since then.

NBA: Ray Allen saves Heat on last second three (2013)

Steph Curry’s dominance over the past five years from beyond the arc may make fans forget that he wasn’t always the three-point king. Ray Allen was the original, and still holds a fair amount of records (that Curry will likely break), but none of his triples were more significant than his game saving three-pointer against the San Antonio Spurs in 2013. 

It was Game 6 of the NBA Finals and the Miami Heat were down 3-2 against the Spurs. The Spurs held onto a 10-point lead, 75-65, entering the fourth quarter and did everything they could to shut down the best player in the game, LeBron James. The Spurs were somewhat successful in this, holding James to 30 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but even they could not contain him forever. 

James rallied the Heat and their defict was at three with under 20 seconds remaining. However, James’ three point attempt in the closing seconds was too strong, but Chris Bosch grabbed the rebound and slung it to Allen in the corner who drilled the three with five seconds remaining, tying the game at 95-95. The Heat would go on to win it in overtime, 103-100, and win the Finals in Game 7 by a score of 95-88, and giving Miami their second consecutive championship.

NHL: Patrick Kane ends Blackhawks title drought (2010)

So what if this happened in the opening year of the decade? It was still a part of the 2010s. I was tempted to go with the Las Vegas Knights’ spectacular inaugural season, or with the St. Louis Blues’ first title in 2019, but this was the best moment of the decade. 

The Chicago Blackhawks hadn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1961, a drought only trumped by the Cubs 108-year stretch between winning the World Series, at least in Chicago fans’ eyes. The Blackhawks put together a strong 2009-10 season, going 52-22-8 during the regular season, winning the Central Division and securing the second seed in the Western Conference. Then Chicago took out the Nashville Predators in the quarterfinals (4-2), then the Vancouver Canucks in the semifinals (4-2), and swept the San Jose Sharks (4-0) in the Western Conference Finals.

The Blackhawks squared off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Final. The Flyers weren’t as strong of a squad, but they still had a respectable 41-35-6 regular season record, before taking out the New Jersey Devils (4-1) in the quarterfinals, the Boston Bruins (4-3) in the semifinals—in which the Flyers came back from a 0-3 series deficit making them the third team in NHL history to do so—, and the Montreal Canadiens (4-1) in the Conference Finals. 

The Blackhawks claimed Game 1 (6-5) and Game 2 (2-1), but dropped Game 3 (4-3) and Game 4 (5-3). Chicago rallied for a 7-4 victory in Game 5, setting the stage to end the 49-year-drought in Game 6. The Blackhawks struck first, scoring on a goal from Dustin Byfuglien, but Philadelphia tied it up. 

In the second period, the Flyers grabbed the lead on a goal by Daniel Briere, but the Blackhawks tied it up and then grabbed the lead again on goals by Patrick Sharp and Andrew Ladd. The Flyers tied it up once more before the end of regulation. 

Then, in overtime, winger Patrick Kane took a short angle shot and started celebrating. Kane was the only one cheering at first, since the puck got lost and no one knew if it was a goal, but then the entire team joined him when it was confirmed. Kane brought Chicago it’s first Stanley Cup in nearly half a century, and helped them win it again just two years later and again in 2015 making the Blackhawks the NHL dynasty of the 2010s.

Best of the decade: The 1980s

This article originally appeared in ZU News.

As we continue to wait for sports to come back, hopefully soon, we are continuing our series of looking into the past and analyzing the best sports moments of every decade. After sharing the best moments across the MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL in the 1970s last week, here are the best moments of the 1980s.

MLB: Kirk Gibson’s home run

As a die hard San Francisco Giants fan, it’s hard for me to admit that the best moment in professional baseball of the 80s belongs to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it’s true. This pain is eased by the fact that the Dodgers haven’t won the World Series since 1988. It was during that very same fall classic that outfielder Kirk Gibson made history with an infamous walk-off home run.

Gibson had just signed with the Dodgers earlier that year after nearly a decade with the Detroit Tigers. He was always a good player and had even helped the Tigers win the World Series in 1984. However, it wasn’t until he came to LA that Gibson reached his peak. During 1988, Gibson had his best season ever, hitting .290 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs, while stealing 31 bases and scoring 106 times. These numbers netted Gibson his first and only MVP award. 

However, even with his tremendous year, the Dodgers were still heavy underdogs against the Oakland A’s. The A’s won 104 games that year and swept the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. Led by the Bash Brothers, José Canseco and Mark McGwire, the A’s had better than 2-1 odds to win the series. Canseco was the AL MVP that year, after slugging 42 home runs and  124 RBIs along with 40 stolen bases. McGwire wasn’t far behind with 32 homers and 99 RBIs. The A’s also had three top tier starting pitchers and the game’s best closer in Dennis Eckersley, who had notched 45 saves that year.

Fittingly, Eckersley was the man on the mound when Gibson came up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 1. Eckersley had gotten two outs, with one man on first when Gibson came up to bat. It was all down to him. 

Oh yeah, there’s one more thing, Gibson was injured. He had suffered a severely pulled hamstring in Game 5 of the NLCS against the Mets. Gibson wasn’t even supposed to play at all that night. But with just one out remaining, Gibson went in and prayed for a miracle. 

After a couple foul balls and a few taken pitches, Gibson was staring at a full count from the game’s best closer with all of Dodger Stadium on their feet. Eckersley made a mistake down the middle and Gibson used all the power he had in his arms to crush the ball over the left field wall. As the crowd roared and his dugout emptied, Gibson jogged, limping the whole way, around the bases. He was the hero of the game and the Dodgers would go on to win their first World Series since 1981.

NBA: Magic Johnson comes in clutch 

The greatest franchise in the history of the NBA is, without a doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers. The greatest dynasty of the NBA is, arguably, the Lakers during the 80s (Bulls fans will fight you on this since they had six championships in the 90s, but the Lakers won five championships and had two more finals appearances). The greatest moment of the Lakers dynasty came in the opening year of the decade. 

The Lakers had established a 3-2 lead in the 1980 NBA Finals over the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in Game 5, Lakers superstar and reigning MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 33.4 points and 13.6 rebounds per game in the finals, had sprained his ankle and was out for Game 6. This put all the pressure in the world on rookie sensation Earvin “Magic” Johnson. 

Johnson came in clutch with the performance of a lifetime. During Game 6, Johnson scored a series high 42 points while snatching 15 rebounds, dishing out 7 assists, thieving 3 steals and even notching one block, while playing all five positions on the court. The Lakers beat the 76ers 123-107 and took the series 4-2. It established the Lakers dynasty and Magic Johnson as a legend.

NFL: The catch

I’m a bit biased here since I’m also a San Francisco 49ers fan, but any football fan would tell you that the 80s belonged to the Niners. San Francisco took home the Lombardi Trophy four times during the decade, once in the beginning, once in the middle and twice to close it out. Led by Joe Montanta, the best moment of the 80s for the Niners actually came in the NFC Championship, not the Super Bowl.

The 49ers were down 21-27 against the Dallas Cowboys with less than a minute left on the clock. The ball was snapped and Montana rolled right, scrambling for what seemed like forever as Cowboys defenders swarmed him. With legendary defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones in his face, Montana threw a ball to the back of the end zone that everyone thought he was just throwing away, except he wasn’t. 

San Francisco’s 6’4’ wide receiver Dwight Clark snatched the ball out of the air for the game winning touchdown. The reception became known as “the catch” and was recently named as the second greatest football play of all time. Clark became a legend and the 49ers went on to win the Super Bowl against the Bengals, and three more before the decade ended.

NHL: The “Miracle on Ice”

First of all, I don’t watch hockey at all. I’ve seen a couple games in my life and was more confused than I was after the Seahawks passed on the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX. But even I have heard of “the miracle on ice.” Disney made a movie about it after all. 

Second, technically this shouldn’t be on the list since it wasn’t an NHL game; it was in the Olympics. However, if anyone tells you there was a bigger moment in hockey in the 1980s than the miracle on ice, they are a liar. Okay, the Wayne Gretzky trade was a distant second place, but it still didn’t come close. So we’re making an exception.

Now that we’re through with all of that, let’s dive into what happened. 

In the 1980 Winter Olympics, the Soviet hockey squad was heavily favored to win the gold medal. They had won the previous four gold medals, dating back to 1964 and hadn’t even dropped a single Olympic hockey game since 1968. Meanwhile the U.S. team was a joke, seeded seventh and comprised of college players. The average age on the team was just 22-years-old.

While they lacked experience, the team made up for it with determination and perseverance. They went undefeated with four victories and one tie in the opening round, advancing to the medal round. Then on Feb. 22, 1980, the Americans took on the Soviets in front of a sold-out crowd.

The U.S.S.R struck first with a goal by Valery Krotov. American Buzz Schneider answered with a goal for the U.S. midway through the first period. Sergei Makarov responded with another goal for the Soviets, but the Americans tied it again at 2-2 off a goal from Mark Johnson with just one second remaining in the period. 

In the second period, Russia outshot the U.S. 12-2, but American goalie Jim Craig saved all but one goal, as Russia took a 3-2 lead. The Soviets held that lead until nine minutes into the final period as Johnson scored again after a Soviet penalty.  Then just a minute and a half later, Mike Eruzione smacked a 25-foot shot into the back of the net and the U.S. took a 4-3 lead. They spent the final 10 minutes doing everything they could to keep the Soviets from scoring again. 

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the crowd chanted “five, four, three, two, one,” and Al Michaels gave what is probably his most renowned sports call ever as he yelled “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” resulting in the name, the “Miracle on Ice.” The U.S. won the game and went on to defeat Finland in the finals to win the gold medal.

***

The best of the decade series continues next week with the 1990s.

Zoe March loves basketball again

This article was originally published in ZU News.

Senior guard Zoe March has been a star on Azusa Pacific’s women’s basketball team for the past four years. With enough talent to start as a freshman, March helped lead the Cougars to two straight conference championships and three consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearances.

From Reedley, Calif., March began playing basketball as a kid, but it wasn’t until her freshman year of high school that she fell in love with the game. She originally wanted to be a professional soccer player, but after working with her high school coach, she knew basketball was the sport for her.

“I love the team aspect of basketball. There’s nothing like it,” she said. “In basketball, there’s no way of winning a game on your own. There are highlight players and there are players that obviously contribute more than others, but when it comes down to it, you need the entire team to win games.” 

March practiced more than three hours every day. She soon became a leader on the court after her high school coach instructed her on how to be more vocal during games. Her leadership and skill led her to earn a spot at APU. Although she had the talent to make a Division I squad, she chose APU because of her faith and the way head coach T.J. Hardeman spoke about the program.

“He said he invested more in the players than in the game of basketball,” March said.

Photo courtesy of Zoe March.

During her freshman year, March earned a starting nod and got her Cougar career off to a strong start. She averaged 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Her sophomore campaign was even stronger.

In her incredible sophomore season, March earned WBCA All-American honors and was voted to the PacWest all-conference team. This led her to have even higher expectations for her junior year. She was on pace to beat her personal bests in points with 11.4 points-per-game and steals, averaging 2.5 per game. 

Then the unthinkable happened.

On Dec. 17, 2018, in a game against Dominican, March was driving down the lane and stopped to shoot a jumper when she collided with a Dominican player. 

“The top of her knee hit the bottom of mine, so the top of my knee was stabilized but the bottom kept going. I remember feeling like it popped out and popped right back in,” March said. “I knew instantly I tore it based on the pain. I just kept praying in the back of my mind, ‘Lord, don’t let this happen to me.’”

March tore her ACL, the ligament which connects your thighbone to your shinbone, and knew she would be out for months, missing at least the rest of the season. She had surgery soon after and returned to APU and the team just three weeks later.

While she couldn’t play, March cheered her team on from the sideline at every game, home and away. She went to most practices too, only missing the ones she had to for physical therapy. Even though she wasn’t playing, March was still happy getting to watch her team succeed.

“It was hard because I couldn’t play, but I was never angry or frustrated because basketball is my mission field and I could do that whether I’m playing or not,” March said. “I love basketball, but in the end it doesn’t fulfill you. I find fulfillment in God. I want to share that with other girls and pour into them. That’s why it’s my mission field.”

Since March couldn’t practice and train, she decided to find another aspect of her life to control which would help her get back to her former playing shape.

“I didn’t want to gain weight after surgery, so I highly limited what I ate, to the point where food consumed my mind all day long. I thought, ‘I can’t eat here. I can’t eat this,’” March said. “It became something I could control because, at that time, it was the only thing I could control. It became very unhealthy.”

March lost weight, to the point where her friends started to notice. 

“I was working out a lot and not eating enough to sustain my body. It was affecting every part of my life,” she said. “One of my roommates, Ally, started to notice and held me accountable. She would eat with me. I started gaining it back and I started gaining so much that I felt like I was overweight. Then it was no longer a thing about accolades, now it was just my appearance.”

When March eventually returned to the court, she noticed she wasn’t able to move the way she could before the injury. Because of this, March struggled to find love for the game that she had once treasured so much. Then one day in her Interpersonal Communication class, she heard something that changed her life.

“My professor, Courtney Davis, was talking about identity and I realized that my identity was being an athlete. That meant I had to look a certain way. I had to act a certain way. I had to be the best I could be on the court and get back to the point of earning accolades to show people that I’m a good athlete,” March said. 

Photo courtesy of Zoe March.

March realized she was thinking about her identity in the wrong way. 

“That class changed my whole outlook on basketball. Now, honestly, I couldn’t care less if I drop 30 points or I don’t score at all. I just want to work really hard and do my best to be a good team player, because when I do that, I have a really fun time with my team,” she said. “I don’t focus on other things that can hinder that. I’m less selfish on the court. I respect my teammates more. I’m more attuned to people’s feelings and emotions on the court if I’m not focused on myself.”

While it took March a while to learn this throughout the recovery process, she said she’s happy with where she is now.

“I’m glad I learned that because it was starting to consume me. I’m having way more fun now that I don’t focus on the accolades,” March said. “I love the game again.”

Cougars crush Academy of Art on Senior Night

This article was originally published in ZU News.

Azusa Pacific’s women’s basketball squad took on the Academy of Art (Art) on Thursday night, defeating the Urban Knights 92-62 on APU’s senior night. The Cougars were on fire from behind the arc, hitting 16 three-pointers on the night, while their defense stifled Art to the tune of a 32.9 shooting percentage.

APU got off to a hot start, going on eight and nine point runs to start the first quarter. Senior guard Savanna Hanson led the Cougars with three triples in the first five minutes. Then freshman forward Molly Whitmore went on a tear, hitting three straight baskets for the Cougars. At the end of the quarter, APU led 30-16, shooting 54.5 percent.

“I’ve been warming up well and getting in tempo so in the game I can be relaxed when I shoot,” Savanna Hanson said. “ My teammates found me a lot and their [Art’s] zone was kind of sagged down, so we had a lot of open looks at threes.”

The Cougars quickly added to their lead in the second quarter, including two more triples from Savanna Hanson. However, for a few minutes, both teams struggled to find the basket. The Cougars and Urban Knights played tough defense, fouling each other six times in the closing minutes.

By the end of the quarter, APU increased their lead to 23 points at 47-24. While the Cougars only scored 17 points, their defense suffocated the Urban Knights, allowing only eight points on a dismal 11.1 percent shooting.

“Our communication was a lot better this game,” said senior guard Daylee Hanson. “Our scouting was on it this game, whereas last time they had a couple girls that just went off. This game we really focused on that.”

The Urban Knights entered the second half determined to score more points, which they were able to, scoring 12 points in the first four minutes of the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Cougars struggled to make shots in the quarter, only hitting on 25.0 percent. 

While their offense struggled, Daylee Hanson made the most of her opportunities from the charity stripe, making all six free throws in the quarter. She ended the game with 10 free throws made on 10 opportunities, a perfect 100 percent shooting and an APU record.

“I’ve been off free throws for the past few games, so it was just in my head to focus on that,” Daylee Hanson said.

The Cougars entered the final quarter up 67-43. They continued to increase their lead off a pair of layups from senior guard Zoe March and three more triples from Savanna Hanson. When the game was down to the final two minutes, head coach T.J. Hardeman sent in the reserves as the starters exited to thunderous applause. APU scored one last basket before the buzzer, ending with a 92-62 win.

Both Hanson sisters had big nights in their final regular season home game as Cougars. Savanna Hanson led the team with 26 points, including eight triples on the night. Daylee Hanson also had a stellar performance with 16 points, three steals, six assists, and a team leading 11 rebounds.

“It was really special. The win felt good, just the way we all played together and set each other up,” Daylee Hanson said. “I’ll miss playing with my sister for sure. Not many people get to do that.”

The Hansons were joined by three other seniors — March, Rachel Bozlee and Cierra Roufosse — after the game and presented with flowers. The group led APU to the NCAA Division II postseason tournament two consecutive years, including an Elite Eight appearance last year.

“Every one of them has had a huge impact. It’s the biggest loss we’ve ever had to lose that whole group,” Hardeman said. “They’re phenomenal. You cannot replace that group. You’ve just got to rebuild and do something else. It was special to see them work together.”

Although Hardeman is sad to lose the five seniors, he knows this is not the end for the Cougars.

“This was a nice win, but we’re not done,” Hardeman said. “There’s other things to happen and we’re excited for those.”

The day Kobe died

This article was originally published in ZU News.

There are a few moments in life when the whole world stands still and people collectively stop what they’re doing to take in what has happened. One of these moments came on an overcast morning last Sunday as Los Angeles learned that one of its greatest heroes had died tragically in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter and seven others. 

At 9 a.m on Sunday, Jan. 26, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others boarded Bryant’s private helicopter to fly to a basketball game hosted by Bryant’s amateur basketball league, Mamba Sports Academy, where his daughter and two other passengers on board would play later that day.

A little before 10 a.m, the helicopter became trapped in a very thick fog north of Calabasas, Calif. Scott Daehlin, who happened to be in the area at the time, reported the helicopter was, “hovering in low cloud cover seconds before it crashed in the hills.” Daehlin said he believed the pilot was disoriented in the heavy fog that was so thick that the tops of the hills north of Calabasas weren’t even visible from the ground.

The helicopter struck the side of the steep terrain with such force that the debris covered the span of a football field and the helicopter burst into flames. It was incredibly difficult for first responders to reach the crash site due to the terrain, and the helicopter’s flames were difficult to extinguish due to the magnesium present at the crash site once the firefighters arrived. All of the people on board perished, including the 41-year-old basketball icon

The full emergency response briefing can be found here.

Along with Kobe and his daughter, the victims included Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa (Gianna’s teammate); Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton (also Gianna’s teammate); Christina Mauser (assistant coach of Kobe’s Mamba League team) and Ara Zobayan (the pilot of the aircraft).

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating what exactly caused the crash — if it was a matter of weather complications, pilot error, mechanical error or a combination of circumstances. 

Regardless, nine people tragically lost their lives, including two children who had their whole lives ahead of them. Kobe is, of course, the most well-known person in this tragedy, but the others on board cannot be forgotten.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Bryant established himself as an NBA’s prodigy from an early age. Growing up in both Philadelphia and Italy, Kobe began to play basketball at three-years-old, which was heavily influenced by his father’s professional career. Kobe’s father, Joe Bryant, played in the NBA for nearly a decade. 

Kobe became nationally recognized due to his historic playing tenure at Lower Merion High School in his home state of Pennsylvania. He was quickly noticed as the best high school basketball player in the country, and his skill set was developed enough to where he declared for the NBA Draft following high school graduation, the youngest player to ever enter the NBA.

Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick, Kobe was traded to his childhood team, the Los Angeles Lakers, after a brilliant move by Jerry West, the Lakers’ general manager at the time, who sent starting center Vlade Divac to Charlotte for the pick. Little did anyone know at the time, the move was one of the greatest trades in NBA history.

After the inevitable high school-to-professional adjustment period for Kobe, he became a consistent starter and eventually a fan favorite of Los Angeles. His explosive style of play, in which he would attack the basket with a merciless approach, along with his awe-inspiring ability to create separation from defenders and make clutch shots that seemed impossible in the moment, made Kobe a box office talent.

Even wilder is how he would get better, year after year.

Combined with MVP center Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe and the Lakers went on one of the most impressive runs in NBA history, winning three consecutive titles from 2000-02. After a power struggle on the team, the Lakers traded O’Neal to Miami, and the team went through some rebuilding years. However, Los Angeles management eventually brought in a new team that would lead the Lakers back to the championship with Pau Gasol, Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum joining Kobe to bring two more titles to Los Angeles.

Along with five championship rings, Kobe was also an All-Star a whopping 18 times, making the roster 17 straight seasons and winning four All-Star Game MVPs. He was named to 11 All-NBA First Teams, including nine All-Defensive First Team nods. His most impressive season was in 2008, his lone MVP-winning season, in which he averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

Kobe experienced major injuries later in his career with a torn Achilles tendon, a lateral tibial plateau fracture in his left knee and a torn rotator cuff all affecting his play throughout his final three years of competition. But it didn’t matter. It was still Kobe Bryant, he was still going to compete, and he was always going to do it wearing purple and gold.

Kobe concluded his career with the most impressive final game of any NBA star’s career. Against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016, Kobe scored 60 points in his farewell game, including 23 points in the final quarter. 

In total, Kobe is the fourth highest scorer in NBA history with a cumulative total of 33,643 points. He was also the first player in league history to have at least 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists. LeBron James is the only other player on that exclusive list.

When comprehending the legacy of Kobe, it may be the statistics that jump out at you, or maybe it’s the countless moments, such as the final game against Utah, that makes him such a special basketball figure. Nevertheless, his legacy expands far beyond the reach of professional basketball. 

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Kobe’s commitment to his craft is something that anyone can value. There has never been another player who was as committed to basketball as Kobe was. The tales of his preparation and competitiveness on the court are nearly mythological, with stories of him spending hours in the gym before practice (even in high school) or him making teammates play him in one-on-one games to 100.

But Kobe’s love for basketball became unselfish once his daughter Gianna found that same passion. The two built a relationship that was supported by their similar work ethic on the court, and Kobe was influenced to further expand the game’s appreciation of female players. Kobe was a major supporter of the WNBA and made it a personal goal to speak highly of a league that so often gets criticized.

“There’s no better way to learn than to watch the pros do it,” Kobe said to the Los Angeles Times in May 2019. “The WNBA is a beautiful game to watch.” 

Kobe also had several passions beyond the sport. Once he retired, Bryant used his legendary “Mamba Mentality” in all facets of his professional career. He learned to become an award-winning storyteller and content creator, with his short film “Dear Basketball” winning an Academy Award and his book “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play” being beloved by both fans and critics. Surely, there was so much more opportunity that Kobe was destined to receive, and most likely conquer.

However, to understand the man Kobe truly was means to understand him as a father and husband. All of his colleagues and friends drove home this truth of the 41-year-old loving his family more than anything else in the world. He built a relationship with his wife Vanessa in which love was the focal point. They had four daughters together, the last of whom was born only seven months ago. Kobe raised all of his children with pride and jubilation, and he loved being a girl dad.

When living in the spotlight, life tends to go slower. In the world of sports there is always pressure to succeed, always a desire to be the best. Kobe lived that life to its fullest potential, and he did it for the sheer love of the game.

Kobe left everything he had on the court, which he later admitted was a major reason why retirement felt so right in 2016. But beyond basketball, his life was just beginning. That is what makes this such a hard loss for not only the basketball community but for his family and the entire world; Kobe had so much more to offer.

All of us should have a positive reflection on the life of Kobe Bean Bryant. We have the memories that he gave us on the court — the slam dunks, the game-winning three-pointers and the championships. We have the lessons he provided us throughout his life — how to treat pressure with a winning mentality, how to approach commitment to be the best at your craft and how to be a good father. The NBA and countless professional athletes have been and will continue to be inspired by the model Kobe set. 

Millions of Americans will channel their inspiration from Kobe into the daily facets of their lives, whether that’s the young kid practicing layups at the park, or the father trying to embrace the passions of his children. The outpouring of love and support has been evidence of how important Kobe was to all of us. 

When thinking about Kobe’s legacy, a quote from the classic movie “The Sandlot” jumps to mind. “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” Kobe Bryant was a legend. He may be gone, but the “Mamba Mentality” lives on.

And for that, we thank you No. 8 and 24.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Kobe’s impact in the words of fans

T.J Hardeman, Head Coach of Azusa Pacific Women’s Basketball

“Colossians 3:23 tells us to do everything as unto the Lord. Kobe embodied that scripture with his work ethic. What a great example for all of us to follow on a daily basis in every aspect of our lives.”

Corey Langerveld, Azusa Pacific Sports Information Director

“The news of Kobe and GiGi’s passing was heartbreaking and shattering. Perhaps the hardest part was that we were able to see the connection that they shared around the game, and you saw their love for one another and desire to be with each other as much as possible. From the perspective of a former basketball player, Kobe’s death leaves a huge hole in the game. We all know his work ethic, and he set a standard that demanded excellence and commitment. Even the possibility of his presence at any game or event created a sense of accountability, in that we all wanted to earn his respect and more importantly, not disrespect the intensity and passion he brought to the game. 

Above all else, this tragedy is excruciating because the surviving members of the Bryant family lost two members of their unit and must face this reality daily. Their pain will be overwhelming without the love and presence of God, and my prayer is that they look to Him and find hope in who He is.”

Selom Mawugbe, Azusa Pacific Men’s Basketball Player

“Pure disbelief. It’s always hard to come to terms with someone like that being gone. It’s a little bit different, but I’ll equate it in some ways to Michael Jackson’s death because I remember where I was, what I was doing, exactly when it happened and just how widespread the news was. That was all that mattered in the moment. He’s going to be greatly missed. Someone like that is irreplaceable. What we can do now is learn from the time he had on earth and what he gave us. We can also support his family that was left behind. However we feel, they had the worst end of it. They lost a father, a brother, a husband.

It’s kind of hard to put into words how big of an impact someone like that has until they’re gone. Many times you don’t know what you have until you don’t have it anymore. Kobe’s definitely one of those players that transcended the game, even how he did it, with his work ethic and his influence off the court. If you just take a look at social media alone, just how far-reaching someone like that outside of his game alone … in football, tennis, golf, all these different people respected him. That was not only because of what he did on the court but what he did off the court, in terms of his family, his faith, the way he carried himself among others … how he wanted to share those things and willingly did so with others, sharing his technique, his work ethic, his knowledge, not only to help himself but to help others around him.”

Mandrell Worthy, Azusa Pacific Men’s Basketball Player

“I was in shock. I didn’t want to believe it at first. Like he said, disbelief. I was upset for a while. I didn’t talk for a couple hours. I was just sitting there, thinking about his wife, his family, who I don’t even know. It was just a shock, to be honest. He inspired so many people.

My dad is a huge Kobe fan. All my life he told me to like Kobe. At first, as a little kid, I never liked Kobe, but I always respected him, his work ethic, that’s where I get my work ethic from. He’s always inspired me to want to be the best I can, to do the best I can at whatever you do. That’s what I live by. His impact on the court for me and off the court was just as big. Even after he retired, he’s been showing love to the WNBA and helping other players that are currently playing. There’s been so many interviews about his impact outside of basketball. He’s reached so many people outside of basketball. It’s crazy to think that he’s gone. He’s had an impact on the WNBA, the NCAA, girls basketball, all of that stuff.

Reid Conant, ZU Media Staff Writer

“It’s crazy because I hated Kobe as a kid and it wasn’t until I moved to California before I realized the true essence of the Black Mamba. His reach and impact go so far beyond basketball, he truly touched the world and that’s why it hurts so bad. He was one of a kind human and athlete. The world is far worse without him here with us.”

Camille Reyes, APU Junior

“Initially when I first heard about it, I was in disbelief. I got a text from a friend in our group message in the middle of church. Once I started to look into it more I began to cry and anxiety rushed through my body. I stood up and began to worship with everybody else at Fellowship as tears came down my face and my body was shaking. The moment the world heard about Kobe passing is a moment they will never forget. Nobody will forget who they were with, where they were at, or what emotions they felt. 

My family grew up in LA so I naturally became a die-hard Lakers fan. I’ve been repping the purple and gold ever since I could remember. My fondest memories are watching the games with my family and celebrating Kobe and the Lakers organization’s accomplishments. The first and last game I went to was back in 2009 against the Golden State Warriors with my dad. We sat in the second row behind Jack Nicholson, and many other celebrities sat amongst us that night. It was a moment I will forever cherish with my dad and will never take for granted. My dad and my love for the Lakers was a common thread that tied our hearts together.

Hearing that Gigi passed away with her dad in that helicopter crash made it hurt even more. Gigi was Kobe’s legacy, she was about to be the best in the WNBA. They had a common passion and love for basketball. It was very evident post-retirement when he began teaching and coaching her. I can only imagine what their last moments were like together as he was probably holding her tight in his arms, telling her how much he loved her. Kobe was there for Gigi’s first and last breath. 

The death of Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, the GOAT is a tragic loss that the whole world mourns. I pray for peace and strength for Vanessa and her family. I also acknowledge the other people on the helicopter that lost their lives as well. I pray that their families can find healing and courage to push through these hard times. Kobe Bryant was an icon that inspired the world. His spirit and mamba mentality will live in forever.” 

Gillian Day, APU Senior

“In the sixth grade, I went to my first Lakers game for my birthday. After we won, I waited around with my brother and cousin, hoping that Kobe would pass by. Twenty minutes of standing around had passed, and I saw him walking in my direction. I reached my hand out and he gave me a quick high-five; I was in absolute awe. I didn’t even want to wash my hands! That was my first memory of him. Since then, I knew I was going to be a Laker fan for life.

Yesterday I cried about four different times, and I couldn’t really process what had happened. It seemed silly to cry over someone who never knew me, but it was a ridiculous thought for me to not grieve over someone who made such an impact on my life. Because of him, I fell in love with the beautiful game of basketball. I literally joined a “co-ed” basketball team and refused to leave despite me being the only girl. I discovered a way to have fun, while simultaneously find rest. I built a forever and always tradition with my father. He taught me to “love the hate” and expect greatness from myself. This was a tough one, but I will keep Kobe and Gigi in my heart forever.

Cameron Kerr, Los Angeles Resident

“I’ve always admired Kobe Bryant’s work ethic since I was five-years-old. I idolized him. Everyone has their superhero. I’m 24-years-old now and my superhero is still Kobe Bryant. I was in shock when I heard about the tragedy. I thought if anyone is jumping out of a helicopter on their two feet holding his daughter tight it would be Kobe. His work ethic is absolutely unmatched, but I try my best to imitate it. I will not take credit away from my family and friends; however, Kobe has also taught me at a young age that you can become anything and accomplish any goals if you just put the work into it. 

There have been countless times where I wanted to give up, not continue school, perhaps find a job just so I can settle. He taught me that all the days and nights I dedicated to study and work will pay off in the future. I always focused on the end goal, the destination. I finally learned when I was 23 that it’s not the case. It’s the journey that means everything. It’s how you get there and appreciate your own work that you put it in. Enjoy life. 

I think the most important thing he taught me was to find my purpose in life and I did. I’m a few years away but I plan to become a Neuro Pharmacist and I want to treat patients that have epilepsy, depression, anxiety, etc. I’m continuing to work extremely hard so I get to this point. Not only having your purpose in life. But love what you do. I’m in love with the career I am pursuing. He taught me that it’s so important to wake up and be excited to go to work. So many other things matter in my life, but for me personally, just a sense of purpose in this world and doing what you love every day, that is my dream. Kobe truly inspired me and I wish I could just thank him for the significant impact he has made in my life. 

Lastly, I never took anything for granted, but he and the other lives that were lost reminded me that life is extremely fragile. I chose to live a little differently after the tragedy. Love a little more and let the little things go. I [can] also admit I let school and work get the best of me at times. Sometimes my priorities are a little mixed up when it comes to my personal life. I promised myself to be better at approaching people and just letting my family and friends know how much they mean to me.”

Adrian Barajas, Los Angeles Resident

“Kobe was so much more than just basketball to me. Sure that’s where it started, but [it] was just the beginning of how he impacted my life. I picked up the game of basketball as a young kid and enjoyed it as I did all sports, I was an athlete. But it wasn’t until watching Kobe [that] I fell in love with the game. “The game”… that goes far deeper than just enjoying playing or watching it. It’s because of Kobe that I fell in love with it by studying the game as he did. I would watch him and have to learn everything he was doing. 

I would practice every day, and I mean every day, no days off. I would literally shoot hundreds of shots every day until I got really good at it, but that wasn’t enough. Kobe could use both [his] right and left hands to play, so I decided I also had to. So for a couple of months, I did everything left-handed to teach myself to use my left. And I did. I wanted to put in the work that I knew he was doing, to say that I was outworking everyone else. So when it was raining outside, I knew no one would be playing, so I went outside and shot jumpers so I could say, rain or shine, I’m putting in the work. When the fires burned the mountains back in 2003 and school was canceled for a week because there was too much ash falling. I knew no one was outside playing, so I went outside and took shots so I could say, ‘yup, fires aren’t stopping me either.’ And when the winter came and it was snowing at my house, yup I was out there again because I wanted the same drive Kobe did. So fast forward years later, I have never played in organized basketball, just pick up games but I didn’t care, those games were my NBA and I treated the game as Kobe had showed me so many times, with respect so I played hard no matter what. I never thought I would not be playing basketball because as the saying goes, “ball was life”. But knowing I would never be a professional ballplayer I had more ambitions in life and this part of life was where I learned that the mamba mentality went well beyond the court. 

I was married and just had a baby, but I wasn’t completely happy with my life. I didn’t feel like a true purpose. It wasn’t until then did I realize the bigger point of what Kobe’s messages always was. It was to find your true passion and go after it. That’s where true happiness lies, that’s what will keep you grinding even when it gets really tough. The passion is what drives you and doesn’t allow you to quit. But the key ingredient that most people miss is not what you want but what you are willing to do for it, what sacrifices will be required of it. A little secret, none of them are easy, as they should be. But even more so it about being the best version of your true self. Not what anyone else wants you to be. Not your parents, not your friends, not your spouse and not even your kids. So as I found my passion and have gone all in, I found myself struggling a bit with the balance of the two most important things, my family and my passion. And once again, Kobe’s example was there. 

I got his book “Mamba Mentality,” and [it contains] so much knowledge of the game and different aspects of it, but the thing that stood out to me and is engraved in my mind was when he talked about his family and passion and how he balanced the two. And as Kobe was, his answer was different from the normal ones, he used the analogy of a tight rope and using a balancing pole. You use it to balance one side when the other is tipping too far. So when he would be too much on the passion he would move more towards family and vice versa. And then he said that he wasn’t willing to sacrifice either of the two, so he sacrificed himself. He slept less and adapted. I was so happy to learn this and applied it immediately, which sleep was already something I didn’t get much of and was able to function on about 3-4 hours daily. So I learned so much from Kobe from the age of 10 years old to a grown man of 32 years. So Kobe was so much more than basketball to me, he was my first mentor and is responsible for me feeling that it was okay to want more for myself and build a drive in me that never wants to quit. I will miss you so much Kobe ,and will keep the Mamba Mentality strong and going through my generations.

Bryce Ronquillo, APU Senior

It was a normal Sunday I worked that morning then went to church and during the service my phone kept going off. I was thinking to myself ‘who is blowing up my phone?’ and when I saw the article and text messages from friends I instantly fell into shock. I try to compare it to other times a famous person I knew had died like Michael Jackson or Nipsey Hustle but they can’t compare.

I grew up in a Laker household so Kobe was always on the TV. Every night it seemed like he was doing something out of the ordinary. He was just different. 

Now that he is gone along with eight other precious lives, I’m reminded every day how short life is. And how while we are here we should praise God for every minute we get to live. Kobe lived his life to a certain standard of ‘greatness.’ I would like to honor that by holding myself to that same standard, and living life to be great in everything that I do. 

My favorite Kobe moment has to be his game-winner vs. the Phoenix Suns in the 06 playoffs. I remember that moment so vividly. My grandma, my aunt and I were jumping up and down, hugging and screaming. It was as clutch of a shot as you’ll ever see and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

Peter Bond takes the reins of APU men's basketball

This article originally appeared on ZU News.

Peter Bond sits alone in an office built for two. Half of the office is vacant; an empty desk and bookshelf just beginning to gather dust. The room is too quiet, the atmosphere too raw.

Bond has just been named Azusa Pacific’s new men’s basketball head coach. This came just one day after previous head coach Justin Leslie announced his resignation.

Leslie served as head coach for 12 years and was a part of the program for a decade prior to that. He announced his resignation on April 23, assuming the head coaching position at Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas later the same day.

Leslie expressed his gratitude for the APU community and athletics department, saying he made lifelong friends and unrivaled mentors in his 22 years here.

“Although I am very excited to begin this next step in my career, I know that the hardest part of this transition is saying goodbye to so many people that I love dearly,” Leslie said. “Azusa Pacific is an incredibly special place that is filled with amazing people.”

Leslie finished his APU coaching tenure with a 266-121 (.687) overall record. He led the Cougars to nine 20-win seasons and three NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including a trip to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in the program’s first season of NCAA playoff eligibility.

Leslie’s departure came as a surprise to the APU community, including Bond.

“When I first found out, it was quite shocking. Frankly, I wasn’t expecting it,” Bond said.

“I’m going to miss him much more than just as my boss. I’m going to miss him as a friend. I’ve spent more time with him over the last 15 years than anybody else in my life. It is going to be a missing piece of almost half my life, but I know he’s going to do well and he’s doing what’s best for his family, which is really important.”

Bond met with his players soon after the announcement, doing what he could to be there for them.

“Within a team sport, there is a lot of talk about being selfless and doing what’s best for the team and what not … in this situation everybody’s first reaction is, ‘Oh man, how does this affect me?’ I told them that is totally normal. When guys came to me and were kind of shocked, that’s what I would lead with because I know it would make them let their guard down,” Bond said.

Bond empathized with the players because he has been in this situation before. In his junior year, former APU men’s basketball head coach Bill Odell resigned without warning, leaving Leslie to take over the program. Just over a decade later, history repeated itself, with Bond taking the reins this time around. However, Bond said he wasn’t sure if he would be selected.

“I didn’t know,” Bond said. “I knew that during my time here, I had represented myself well, I had represented the program well and we’ve done good things that I had a role in. But I didn’t want to assume that it was a given, that once he left I would take over.”

After the athletics department announced Bond as the new head coach, he said he received many congratulatory texts and calls. While he appreciated this, Bond said he told people that he still had a lot of work to do.

“I want to make sure that I do every step of that process well,” Bond said. “I was really intentional in that process to prepare, to plan, to still continue to do things well.”

Prior to being named head coach, Bond was the men’s basketball assistant coach and director of athletic development for 11 years. He was also a member of APU’s basketball team while he was a student from 2004-08.

Bond was humbled to be selected for the position.

“I felt honored because of how much APU means to myself and my family … in a way, I kind of grew up with APU being held up on a pedestal,” Bond said.

“To be able to take over a role like this, I just felt a lot of pride and honor in being chosen to do that, mixed with excitement and some nervousness. There was a whole array of feelings.”

Bond met his wife Erin Halma at APU. Halma was a star on the Cougars’ softball team. In addition, his two sons have both grown up as huge APU fans.

Bond is already making plans for how he will lead the Cougars next year. Last season, the Cougars finished third in the PacWest Conference with a 20-11 overall record, falling to Point Loma in the PacWest tournament semifinal. Bond looks to take the team deeper into the postseason behind the strength of six returning seniors.

“I anticipate our upperclassmen having a huge impact,” Bond said. “I think having guys who are not only seniors but have been in the program for a long time, they know they’ve got an opportunity to do some very cool, very unique things in a basketball career. You only get a college basketball experience one time. I feel like guys are really embracing that and know this is their last shot to make something special happen.”

Bond said the top trait that will elevate the squad to the next level is teamwork.

“A really good team cares about one another. They want to perform and hold themselves to a high standard for the guy next to them,” Bond said. “Everybody wants to perform well as an individual because we’re competitive and that’s what we desire, but when there’s a care for one another that runs deep, it takes everybody’s level up because they’re holding each other to a higher standard.”

The team will also bring in three freshmen and one transfer. He is excited about each of them, from their physical traits to how hard they play. His face lit up when he described what each new player brings to the team.

“I have high expectations for the team, but a lot of that comes down to that I know what they’re capable of,” Bond said.

Bond said his squad for next year might have more talent than APU’s 2014-15 team, which went to the Elite Eight. However, he said that team had an extremely high basketball IQ and this team will have to work a lot on that in order to go deep into the postseason.

In order for the team to do that, Bond said the work begins now. While the team will not practice together over the summer, due to NCAA rules, Bond met with each player and discussed their workout plans for the offseason.

“The four month summer gives them a good chance to grow as players, to grow physically,” Bond said. “I want the players to have specific goals and a plan for how they’re going to get there … I was very intentional with them about that.”

Bond said he wants his players to keep each other accountable, to communicate with each other what their plans are and if they’re following through on them. He wants the team to keep each other in line but to mainly support each other’s success.

“I want to really have the guys know what I expect of them, but also what they’re going to expect of me,” Bond said. “I want to coach them, but I want to have them go out on the floor and have full confidence in themselves and know that I have full confidence in them. That’s part of my strength. I’m going to be pretty even keeled. I’m going to put in the work ahead of time. When it comes to game time, I’m going to be there for them, but I’m not going to lose my cool.”

While the players are practicing at home for the summer, Bond will find look for someone to take over his old positions. He said he has received a huge amount of interest from people all over the country.

“Honestly, I’ve been a little taken back by how many people are interested in coming here and coaching in this program. People from all over the place — East Coast, Midwest, local schools — I know we’ve had some tough times at APU, but it’s still very much a popular destination,” Bond said. “There are a lot of people wanting to leave what I view as other very good schools to come here. I think that really speaks highly of what we have going here, not just as a basketball program, but also as a university.”

Bond hopes to name the new assistant coach by June 1, but it might take longer. Until then, the other half of the office will remain empty.

Cougars Season Comes To An End In Emotional Game

This article was originally published in ZU News.

The Azusa Pacific men’s basketball season came to an end on Saturday night as the Cougars fell to California Baptist, 68-72, in the semi-finals of the NCAA DII West Region Tournament. The Cougars trailed by as much as 14 points at the start of the second half, before nearly completing a successful comeback.

“It’s a great college basketball game. Obviously the first half wasn’t our finest performance on either side of the ball. When we were down by 10, it seemed like a little bit too much of a hole to dig ourselves out of,” head coach Justin Leslie said.

The Cougars knew that they were capable of going head-to-head with Cal Baptist, especially after their huge first-round upset. APU beat this year’s PacWest Champion and the tournament’s No. 2 seed in Dixie State, 69-65, on Friday to advance to the second round. This loss was the Cougars’ fourth of the year to Cal Baptist, after losing to the Lancers in the PacWest tournament last week and twice during the regular season.

Cal Baptist was the only team that APU played multiple times and did not defeat this year.

Sophomore guard Mandrell Worthy led the team with 24 points, which was a season high for him.

“My teammates put me in the right position. Coach called the plays and my teammates looked out for me,” Worthy said.

Sophomore forward Selom Mawugbe had eight points, six rebounds, and a team leading two blocks. These two blocks gave Mawugbe the single-season record for blocked shots with 89, a record that was formerly held by Coach Leslie (88) when he played for the Cougars back in 2001.

“I brought him here to break that record. I told him that when I recruited him,” Leslie said.

This game was also particularly big because it was the final game for senior forwards Corey Langerveld and Petar Kutlesic.

“This loss really hurts. It’s always tough at the end of the year to be put in a position like this where they’re here because they had a good game, but I know their hearts are with the seniors who aren’t going to be here anymore. Their hearts want to be back out on that court for one more possession to have another chance,” Leslie said. “We’re going to miss Corey and Petar and their unbelievable investments they’ve made in this program as four and five-year players.”

Leslie also said that he believes the program will be in good hands due to the impact the two seniors have had.

“They’ve passed the torch off to men who are going to be hungry and are going to come back and continue to represent APU basketball,” Leslie said. “These are wonderful men that I’m surrounded with. I just couldn’t be more happy to coach this group. It hurts right now, but this is a wonderful team to be a part of.”

Mawugbe said that he’s learned from both Kutlesic and Langerveld in his time at APU.

“I learned a lot in these past two years that I’ve been honored to play with them. Corey is the epitome of a leader. All the little things that we take for granted and don’t want to do, Corey just jumps in with both hands and both feet with no hesitation and accepts that role. I learned a perseverance that I’ve never seen before,” Mawugbe said. “As for Petar, he has this fight in him that I’ll never forget. He works hard at his craft. I learned a lot from him as a freshman. He brought me in and was willing to teach me. He taught me what he was best at.”

Worthy, who transfered to APU this past offseason, said he has also learned a lot this year.

“I came here with the intentions to come to the NCAA tournament every year because that’s what this program is used to. I’ve learned from the two seniors. They were the ones with the experience so I looked to them to follow,” Worthy said.

Leslie echoed Worthy’s claim that the team wanted to be there every year.

“I could not be more proud to be a part of this program. As Mandrell said, our goal is to be here every year. The reason we do is the quality of character of these men and it carries over onto the basketball court,” Leslie said. “I brought my son on multiple road trips this year. These guys are his heroes. That’s why I do it.”

Cougars Stay Alive With Huge Postseason Win

This article was originally published in ZU News.

All the Azusa Pacific men’s basketball team wanted was one more chance. It seems that they are making the most out of that final opportunity.

The No. 7-seeded Cougars won their first-round match of the playoffs against the No. 2 seed Dixie State, 69-65. The Cougars were led by junior guard Darien McClain and senior forward Petar Kutlesic with 21 and 18 points respectively.

Last week, APU lost to California Baptist in the PacWest postseason tournament. Even with the loss, the 20-10 Cougars were selected as part of the eight team NCAA Division II West Regional Tournament.

This win was particularly big for the Cougars because it keeps them alive in the postseason, while also snapping Dixie State’s 17-game win streak and ending their season earlier than expected. Dixie finished first in PacWest play, with a record of 23-6.

Kutlesic helped seal the win for the Cougars by scoring four points in the final two minutes of the game. He finished the night with a team leading 10 rebounds.

With everything on the line and every team in a win-or-go-home situation, the Cougars will look to seek vengeance and redemption against one of their biggest rivals tomorrow.

With the win, the Cougars move on to the second round of the tournament where they will face the No. 3 seed, California Baptist, at 5 p.m. on Saturday. This will be the fourth time that the two teams will meet this season, and the Lancers are the only PacWest opponent that APU has yet to beat this year.