High school and college sports teams typically designate their final home games of the year as a night to honor the seniors on the team. It's an emotional time for these players. It's the end of an era, and it's a great chance for the fans and younger players to express their appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices that these seniors have made.
Tonight, it was senior night for the men's basketball team at the University of Louisville. Three seniors were recognized before the game at Freedom Hall. Head coach Rick Patino chose to recognize Francisco Garcia tonight, as well. Garcia is a junior who will be forgoing his senior year and entering the NBA draft.
Garcia is a great basketball player who has done great things for the Cardinals' basketball program. He overcame a very tough childhood to get where he is today. Garcia's mother still lives in the South Bronx in the same neighborhood where her other son was murdered just a year and a half ago.
Garcia is making a good decision in leaving school for the dollars of the NBA. I am happy for him, and wish the best for his family. But, Garcia is not a senior. If I were a Louisville Cardinal, I would have opposed honoring Garcia on senior night. It's called "senior night" for a reason. It is not called "last game night" or "goodbye night." It should belong to the seniors who have stuck it out for four hard years.
