Contributing Writer – Karl Gamble, Men’s Basketball

Cover photo courtesy of Brent Beerends, Blue Raider Athletics

My first basket as a Blue Raider, believe it or not, didn’t happen in Murfreesboro or even this country.

During the summer of my freshman year, I was lucky enough to go on a trip with Coach Davis and my new teammates to Paradise Island, Bahamas to play in 3 exhibition games.

On The Floor

I’ll never forget the moment, it was with 15:46 seconds left in the first half of the game.

Coach Davis subbed me in for Reggie Upshaw.

When I found out the play was for me I felt my stomach drop but I knew I had to make something happen to get my team out of the scoring drought.

As I went to the scorer’s table to check in I was nervous but ready at the same time.

I entered and got ready to guard my defender. We ran up and down the court a few times and I remember feeling tired and winded.

Neither team could score… our lack of offense and efficiency lead to Coach Davis calling a timeout.

My Shot

In the huddle, Coach Davis told me we were gonna run an alley-oop play for me to get me going.

I inbounded the ball then received a back screen from  JaQawn Raymond and then BOOM a slam for 2!