If you’ve been around for four years you were able to see these men mature into the leaders they now are. Djibril Kante, Terence Avery and Kelyn Block are graduating in May, beginning both a new chapter in their lives and leaving the ISU basketball team with a great sense of achievement.
The three unanimously agree that they feel like seniors, some like old battered men. But with the season’s end approaching they want to give it their all and bring ISU another conference championship.
Center Djibril Kante has been at ISU for four years and says he wouldn’t
have had it any other way. Although fatigue and frustration is settling
his senior year, Kante has remained positive and enthusiastic about the
remainder
of the season.
"I really feel like a senior. My body feels like I have definitely been here for a while but on the other side, I have had a lot of incredible experiences playing basketball for ISU as well as being a student athlete," Kante said.
Being at ISU for four years Kante has been able to create a solid network of friends and support. He says that has been a component he will continually cherish.
"In the four years I have been here I have definitely learned a lot - both on the court and off the court. Off the court I have received a great education, then on the court I have great teammates that I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life," Kante said.
The memories Kante said he will cherish the most come from the basketball court, include the wins over IU, the conference tournament and beating Oklahoma in the 2001 NCAA Tournament among the most memorable.
Kante, a Recreation and Sport Management major says he will continue with basketball after he graduates with hopes of playing in the professional ranks.
A great leader on the team, Terence Avery is a modest character that has had his ups and downs with injuries but has consistently maintained a positive outlook. Avery has also been a Sycamore for four years and agrees with Kante that it’s feels like a senior year but wants to end on a winning note.
"I know the coaches have high expectations and I definitely want to go out on a good note and leave a good impression on the younger guys so they can experience some success also," Avery said.
Among his memorable moments are going to the Missouri Valley Conference championship two years in a row and says it was an immensely high point in his life. All the hard work in practice has paid off and the friendships and bonds made with teammates are irreplaceable.
"I have definitely been fortunate. Being able to be with a group of people this great, as well as, building solid relationship with my teammates and others has been amazing. It has made my experience at ISU so much better," Avery said.
This summer Avery will be doing an internship in Minnesota and he also has some interest in playing basketball overseas.
A member of ISU’s 1,000-point club, the only guard to be ranked among MVC leaders throughout his career, Kelyn Block has provided both hope and results to the Sycamore squad.
Known for his creativity on the court and unweilding ambition Block says he feels worn down physically but knows he has a duty to be the best he can, no matter how many games are left.
"I am really starting to feel it now. Now with the season winding down I am really starting to feel the difference," Block said.
Those thoughts are quickly erased when Block reflects on his career
at ISU, especially winning two MVC Championships, losing his teeth in Memphis
and playing with a great group of guys.
"I met some friends for life while being here. I definitely like ISU
and I am happy I chose to spend four years of my life here," Block said.
Although some players may not like to lead the team Block relishes in
being a team leader.
"Being a senior I don’t see it as having more pressure. It comes with
the territory. Being older you have to be more responsible," Block said.
Together these three athletes have greatly contributed to the success of the men’s basketball program as well as unforgettable moments students, anyone that has watched Indiana State basketball during their four years have experienced a lot in these young men. Through community services and a strong work ethic these men have been positive role models for the ISU community and left a positive impression on the younger players on the Sycamore roster.
Together these men admit that while at ISU they have done a lot of things
in four years that they will neither forget nor regret.