As you walk into Millett Hall on the campus of Miami of Ohio you will notice that Julian Mavunga has quickly made a positive impact. First you see a giant blown up Red Hawk, and next to it a large panoramic picture of Julian palming two basketballs out to his side. I couldn't include it on the blog because my camera couldn't get all of his 7'2 inch reach in the viewing area. (However it is in the background of the second picture.) Next two this station is a vertical jump challenge. Kids, adults, and yes coaches too, put Julian's large size 17 shoes on, adorned themselves with his #4 look-a-like jersey and jumped as high as we can. I scaled as high as Julian did at Conseco Fieldhouse for his thunderous dunk, yeah right.
After not pulling any muscles, I made my way inside the arena and found my seat for his game. When the Lady RedHawks finished up their game I was able to make some small talk with the surrounding fans all the while living in a world of anonymnity. We discussed the local eateries, other athletic programs, and the new faces on the Men's Basketball team. To my delight a loyal fan commented: "There is this new post player named Mavunga, #4, he's fun to watch! He is going to be one of the best here by the time he is a senior. We really like watching him." "I can't wait to see him," I reply as my heart swells with pride.
The game begins. The ball is thrown up. And they're off. However, unfortunately for the RedHawks the other team is better tonight. But in the game when #4 is put in, the friendly fans behind me, and the fans across the arena, and the fans all around cheered loud and proud for our very own #32 now #4.
Let's talk about the #'s for a minute. Seems fitting that if you divide 32 by 4 you get 8 = the number of years Julian Mavunga will have played organized basketball when he graduates from Miami. Coincidence, I doubt it.
After the game Julian keeps his tradition of being the last one out of the locker room. Ha, I don't mind. Unlike Gino and his teammates of old, I'll wait, this time. We travel with his family to the 45th Street Grill where most everyone knows him. Again, par for the course. We talk school, girls, basketball, and he does his usual Coach Kendrick impersonations that makes everyone, even his saintly mother, cramp in their bellies as they enjoy a terrific laugh. It is obvious that Julian Mavunga is doing very well. I'm sincerely happy for him. I'm also seriously happy that he has a few more coaches to impersonate. Coach Coles, he's got you pegged.
Love ya big fella.
Coach Kendrick
