By Kent Lowe
Sr. Associate Sports Information Director
(2/26/01)
The other day I heard Larry Conley on a television broadcast talking about how special Senior Nights are no matter where he is in his travels around the country. He went through a Senior Night as a basketball player and when he sees others of this day and age going through it, he says it still affects him.
When I think of Senior Night, I sometimes think of those who didn’t get to go through the emotion of a Senior Night in recent years at LSU — Chris Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Ronnie Henderson, Randy Livingston, Stromile Swift — just to name a few.
Then there are those who did get to experience the magic of a Senior Night and the all the emotions it can bring.
There is Vernel Singleton, who not only got a standing ovation from the crowd on his Senior Night, but also from every one on press row because of the way he answered questions after every win and every loss, honestly and candidly throughout his career.
What about last year when Jabari Smith, after hearing the words of Coach John Brady and then watching a moving video tribute, came on to the court crying like a baby. A big hulk of a man had been reduced to tears by Senior Night.
That is what it is all about. There have been a few Senior Nights that have had everyone grabbing the tissue. That’s what it is all about. It’s a chance for us to say thanks and to put the wraps, in some cases on an athletic career, but for certain to put the wraps on a chapter of life.
Tonight, for the final time, another group of three players will be on the court for a game at the Maravich Assembly Center. Before the game, they will be honored.
Of course, we’re talking about Brian Beshara, Lamont Roland, and Jack Warner.
All three have brought various things to the basketball program at LSU. All have been important parts of the program. Tiger fans will remember them for many things they have done and I think we will all understand that when they walk out on that floor for Senior Night, they are representing a time in all our lives when a chapter closed in our lives.
For some of you, it was the end of an athletic career. Maybe for others it was the end of a relationship, the end of going to college, the end of a long-standing job or maybe something else. Senior Night represents a closing of a chapter, something we’ve all done in our life.
The three players tonight all are part of a team that hasn’t won much this year. They are also part of an SEC Championship team that advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16.
But there is much more than wins and losses to be discussed here. If you remember these players for just what they accomplished on the floor of the Maravich Assembly Center, then you are missing the boat on this one.
Here are a few hints: first Beshara. Smart, good academics. An SEC Academic Honor Roll regular. Hard worker. Tough as nails. Aggressive. Good shooter. Unfortunately, he will be probably be just short of 1,000 career points when all is said and done. If anyone helped John Brady lay the foundation for his program, than this may be the guy. He’s been here for almost every practice John Brady has conducted at LSU and he has continued to work hard through it all.
Roland — If nothing else, to me he dispelled the rumor that junior college players couldn’t come in and play defense. Oh he could score, but when the Tigers needed a stopper during the championship year, he was the guy. Roland didn’t deserve to go down with an ACL, but who does. He’s working hard to get back on his feet. He’s wise, street-smart, but beneath that, he’s a friendly, funny guy who made the most of another chance in Division I basketball.
Warner — Where do you start? Jack Warner is everyman. He’s all of us who wanted a chance to sit on the bench and sneak in for a minute or two of action. He’s a crowd favorite. He can imitate me at the drop of a hat, but he can imitate a pretty good basketball player when needed to as well. He’s the player every team must have to be successful. Someone who will get out there every day and work to make the other players on the team better. He’s done his job very well and he’s gotten better in the process as well.
Three seniors. One more Senior Night. It’s their night to shine. Maybe this will be the night when the emotions of the moment can lift the Tigers for one more heroic 40-minute effort. We shall see what we shall see. Enjoy the game!!!!