That same year I fell in love with the Big East Conference. Growing up in New England in the 80's, it was my connection to big time athletics. I loved Syracuse and Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglas, The Pearl. I loved St. John's and its stars Walter Berry, Willie Glass, and of course Chris Mullen. I loved Georgetown with Michael Williams, Patrick Ewing and "Hoya Paranoia."
Villanova. Boston College. Seton Hall. Providence. Pitt. And of course some upstart program in Storrs, Conn. under new coach named Jim Calhoun.
Villanova. Boston College. Seton Hall. Providence. Pitt. And of course some upstart program in Storrs, Conn. under new coach named Jim Calhoun.
It was, and in my mind still is, the best college basketball league ever. And I owe it all to one Mr. Dave Gavitt. The former Providence coach and athletic director, Gavitt formed the league some 30 years ago and at the same time, chanding college basketball forever.
Mr. Gavitt passed away over the weekend and leaves behind a legacy that will never be matched. He touched so many from his time at Dartmouth, at Providence, with the Big East, with the Boston Celtics, as coach of Team USA. His reach was simply incredible.
Who would have thought that my career path after graduating from college would eventually lead me to work for his son, Dan, as an Assistant Athletic Director at Bryant University. And with that, to finally get to know the man who changed my life and made me fall in love with college basketball. Dave would frequent many of our games at Bryant and attend most of our major press conferences. One particular moment stands out as I reflect back.
Who would have thought that my career path after graduating from college would eventually lead me to work for his son, Dan, as an Assistant Athletic Director at Bryant University. And with that, to finally get to know the man who changed my life and made me fall in love with college basketball. Dave would frequent many of our games at Bryant and attend most of our major press conferences. One particular moment stands out as I reflect back.
We were about to introduce our new athletic director in the spring of 2006, just after Dan had left to join the Big East staff and it was my responsibility to welcome everyone and introduce the university president. While at the press conference, of course, my nerves were at an all-time high facing a gym packed with the entire student body.
But after my intro, welcoming the university president, I made my way back to my seat in front which happened to be next to Mr. Gavitt. While trying to gather my thoughts, Dave leaned over and mentioned to me in most a warming way and said, "well done Jason."
But after my intro, welcoming the university president, I made my way back to my seat in front which happened to be next to Mr. Gavitt. While trying to gather my thoughts, Dave leaned over and mentioned to me in most a warming way and said, "well done Jason."
I really don't know how to put into words exactly what that meant to me.
Rest in peace Dave.
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