NCDS: Preston Murphy, Asst. Coach - Rhode Island

We’re headed into the final stretch of the regular season and into one of the most stressful times because of one thing:  the winter.

February features tough conference matchups both home and away and every game has huge implications on the standings board, the conference tournament seedings, and postseason play.

All of that is controllable on the court.  You can practice, scout, and prepare for an opponent.  There is video to analyze, stats, and scouting reports.

But snowstorms are beyond control.  The best coaches in the world can’t do anything about a foot or more of snow being dumped on your travel plans.

This winter has been the most challenging in my recent memory.  Prior to a storm hitting Rhode Island, we had to improvise and scrap our travel itinerary to Richmond.  We rushed to the Boston airport a day earlier than previously planned in order to beat the incoming snow.

After a hard-fought victory at Saint Louis – a place that Rhode Island had never won previously – the team was rewarded with a 16-hour day in the STL and Philadelphia airports because of a snowstorm that covered the Northeast.  And we were the lucky ones with a travel itinerary that wasn’t filled with cancellations.

These are the times that try director of basketball operations (aka DOBO’s) souls.

With our location and being in the Atlantic 10, we have a fair mix of bus and plane trips.  Both UMass and Fordham are manageable, 2.5-3 hour bus rides.  Philadelphia from campus takes about 5 hours by bus – which is about even with the total trip time if you fly.  So right there, that’s five bus-able trips.

Others require flights and that’s where you enter the abyss.  Teams can fly commercial – which we do most often – or charter. 

In a profession which is dependent on time restraints, scheduling, and travel, successful coaches, DOBO’s, and administrative staff work together to ease any potential travel pitfalls. 

For instance, when we had the weather delays in Saint Louis, Dan Szramowski burned up his cellphone battery with the airline, travel agent, and keeping admins abreast of the travel delays back on campus.  He had several scenarios and alternate plans in case of further delays and cancellations.  Dan’s one of the best in the business and because of his hard work, the team got home in the quickest and most direct way possible.

Best of luck – and best of weather – to everyone around the country.  We’re approaching the stretch run heading into conference and postseason play - Be at your Best.

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