As a team, we're really coming together. The more we play together the tighter we are becoming as a unit. We seem to be getting the hang of what Coach Patton expects from each of us, and as a team in general. Our veterans have the toughest transition after being trained in a different program for a few years, but I'm enjoying playing under Coach Patton. His passion rubs off on us and his "thoughts for the day" I believe really gets everyone to think beyond the basketball court. (And that's a good thing every once in a while).

On another note, I'm really excited about going down to play Southern Illinois. I've been hoping to get a chance to play them since I arrived at Northern, and I think it's a good thing to get back to playing some "Illinois teams" again. They're where we are trying to get to, a tournament team and a highly ranked mid-major program. The atmosphere should be great down there and I think this will be a great experience for us as a team. I've played with and against Southern's guard Bryan Mullins since I was in the 8th grade and it'll be fun to play against him one last time before I'm outta here.

It's gonna be a long trip so I'll be sure to pack up the Entourage DVD'S and grab a few good movies for the bus ride. Hope to bring back a major upset win!

Until next time,

Ryan Paradise #10