The Battalion: November 11, 2010

INSERT: 2010 Aggie gg basketball p preview

● thursday,

november 11, 2010

● Serving

Texas A&M since 1893

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Reloading for Redemption The Battalion | 2010 Basketball Preview Photo illustration by Matt Woolbright, Josh McKenna and Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

Elite point guard signs letter of intent with A&M Kyle Cunningham The Battalion As a high school freshman, most people decide on simple things – what clubs to join, where to sit in class so you can sleep without the teacher calling you out and embarrassing you in front of your peers. Nothing as complicated and as life-changing as picking the college that could mold your professional future.

No, for most high school freshmen, that decision would come later, if at all.

For basketball signee Jamal Branch, it was during that year of adolescent turbulence he made the biggest decision of his athletic life.

Branch signed his letter of intent to play college basketball at A&M Wednesday, making the decision official.

Wednesday was the first day the NCAA allowed 2011 recruits to sign, and it was a day Branch had been counting down toward for weeks.

When Branch moved from Kansas City, Missouri to Texas in junior high, he realized he could have a future in basketball after playing better than the other competitors his age.

See Branch on page 2

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Veterans Day celebrations honor military service members Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, is the holiday that celebrates military service to our country. World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the armistice. “I think that it is important for people to have the opportunity to recognize and show appreciation for peoples’ military service,” said Alex Baker, a senior agricultural leadership and development major and Army National Guard member. There will be events around campus to remember and honor soldiers who have fought for the country.

“They’re having a celebration at Gen. Weber’s house,” said Jeremy

Saucier, a graduate student in agriculture and a Marine Corps service-member. “We’re going to hang out and share stories and mingle.” Whoop! For Troops and the Corps of Cadets will also sponsor campus events.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website, the original concept for the celebration was as a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

President Wilson proclaimed it as Armistice Day in 1919. Later, citizens felt all veterans should be recognized, not just those of WWI, resulting in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s issuance of the first

Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. “I wanted to do something that gave me a sense of purpose,” said Kyle Albreoht, a member of the Army and a senior history major. “I’m just like any other student. I’ve just had a few more life experiences than a traditional student has had.”

Luz Moreno-Lozano, staff writer

Powder puff football tournament to benefit B-CS Head Start

Courtesy photo

Jamal Branch, an ESPN top100 recruit, signed his letter of intent for A&M Wednesday.

You don’t have to be in Waco this weekend to watch an Aggie football game. Saturday, OL’ AGS will present the Old Army Gentlemen’s Society Powder Puff Football Tournament. Already in its eighth year, the tournament benefits Head Start. “Head Start is an amazing national program that promotes early childhood development for economically disadvantaged children,” said Chris Pettingill, public relations chairman for OL’ AGS.

A&M sororities and other women’s organizations will participate in the tournament, which will be at the Texas A&M Penberthy fields. “Last year we had over 300 participants making up the 15 teams that took part in the event, with over 500 supporters in the stands,” Pettingill said. OL’ AGS donated $10,000 to Head Start in 2009, and this year’s goal is $12,000.

Emily Villani, staff writer

11/10/10 7:32 PM

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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

Matt Woolbright, Editor in Chief Megan Ryan, Managing Editor Gayle Gabriel, City Editor Jill Beathard, Enterprise Editor Ian McPhail, Opinion Editor Rebecca Bennett, Lifestyles Editor David Harris, Sports Editor Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Daniel Crump, Video/Photo Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.

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Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979845-2678.

Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.

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Check-in for the 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the race begin 9 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Reed Arena. For more information visit http:// aggierelay.tamu.edu.

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Worldfest

Brazos Valley Worldfest is a festival that promotes the international diversity of the Brazos Valley.

The fesitival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.

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Cracks found in Discovery fuel tank

Cody Schmitt, junior wildlife and fisheries science major, Laura Potter, junior marketing major and Chris Salup, sophomore aerospace engineering major stand outside Koldus for “The PB&J Project,� which allows students to donate money for missions in Africa. Sophomore allied health major Natalie Jay received a sandwich for her donation.

NASA discovered cracks in Discovery’s fuel tank Wednesday, an added problem that will complicate trying to launch the space shuttle on its ďŹ nal voyage this year. The two cracks, each 9 inches long, were found on the exterior of the aluminum tank, beneath a larger crack in the insulating foam that covers the 15-story tank.

April Baltensperger — THE BATTALION

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Continued from page 1

“I had been playing up throughout my elementary and most of my middle school years until I moved down to Texas,�

Branch said.

The 6’3�, 170 pound guard started high school at Atascocita in Humble, where he averaged 6.4 points per game and 1.3 steals. In his sophomore year, the scoring blossomed to 16.2.

Since 2009, Branch has been at Grace Preparatory Academy, a private Christian academy in Arlington.

Branch said his decision to go

to A&M was never in jeopardy. “I actually had committed my freshman year, around Maroon Madness and I just fell in love with it,� Branch said. “I mean, I was a fan. The coaches, the players, and academically – I want to go into engineering, actually.

And I found out that they’re one of the top schools for that, so that added to my decision.�

The biggest challenge came from Kansas University, which would have brought him closer to home, but the appeal of Texas A&M’s facilities, the school itself, and Head Coach Mark Turgeon kept him destined for Aggieland. “[Turgeon] played a major part,� Branch said. “I mean, he has experience. He coached at the NBA level and he coached

at the college level and he actually played with Kansas in college. And he’s a point guard, so it goes well.�

Turgeon will have a solid point guard to work with. A four-star recruit on Rivals. com, Branch rates as “outstanding� on his shooting, passing and rebounding. “He’s a guy we targeted when we got here,� Turgeon said. “He’s been a winner his whole life. I hope Jamal can go down as one of our best point guards ever.�

His first tour of Texas A&M was, according to Jamal, just one word – “amazing.� Branch was able to spend time with the players, which he said was a lot of fun.

But it was the tour of the facilities that stuck with Branch. “‘This is home,’� Branch said. “That’s all I could think when I took a tour of them.�

Branch said that despite not knowing all the traditions – he does, however, know “quite a few� – his favorite is Muster.

The traditions, however, aren’t the main factor in his decision to go to A&M. It’s a combination of the traditions, the coaches, the team. “This is the only place I want to be at, and it’s like home,�

Branch said. “I’ve been waiting on this for four years and I’m ready; my family’s happy and I’m happy. I’ve been blessed with this opportunity.�

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Poetry Slam

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FLO Bowl 2010

Multiple Freshman MSC Town Hall is The Africana Studies Leadership Organizations Film Series will continue sponsoring the 2nd will be competing in Annual Anything but its celebration of HipCommon in the Commons an all-day powderpuff Hop History Month tournament from 10:00 Poetry Slam today from with the film “Nobody 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. in Studio a.m. - 6 p.m. on November Knows My Name” at 14th at Brazos Valley 12 of The Commons.

6 p.m. today in Evans, Bank Sports Complex.

The event features an room 410. The film tells appearance from the 2010 Other activites include an the story of women Austin Poetry Slam team. inflatable obstacle course. who share a special connection through a love of hip-hop music.

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Carmen on stage

Singers Sasha Cooke and Emily Pulley will be singing the concert version of the opera “Carmen” from 5:00 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Rudder Auditorium.

The Texas A&M Century Singers will perform in the show.

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City Lights

The Charlie Chaplin silent film “City Lights” will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Room 105 of the Langford Architecture Center.

Let’s play a love game

b! thebattalion 11.11.2010 page3

stage

Adaptation of 18th century French novel to be performed in Rudder Jennifer DuBose The Battalion Originally a French epistolary novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, Les Liaisons Dangereuses was published in 1782, only a few years before the French Revolution. The book was so scandalous for it’s sexual content that it was banned, making it hard even for Marie Antoinette to obtain a copy.

The novel was not translated into English until the 1960s and then was adapted into a play (in English) by Christopher Hampton in 1985, where it first premiered on London’s West End and later appeared on Broadway.

Since then, several film versions of the story have been made including best picture nominee Dangerous Liaisons in 1988 starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich, followed by the modern adaptation, Cruel Intentions, a decade later.

Now, the Department of Performance Studies will dim the lights and draw the curtains for their own production of

the seductive soiree tonight in Rudder Forum.

Set among the scandalous French aristocracy, Dangerous Liaisons is a tale of sex, love, and revenge. It’s a story of what happens when two friends, The Marquise de Merteuil and The Vicomte de Valmont, who happen to be ex-lovers, decide to make a game of bets using sexual manipulation of two innocent women in order to entertain themselves.

But with playing rules such as these, there are bound to be both tragic consequences and feelings not foreseen.

Senior International Studies Major, Andrew Roblyer, plays the role of The Vicomte de Valmont, a monsieur responsible for seducing at least three women during the show, and falling in love with one.

“He is a womanizer...very Casanova-esque,” Roblyer says of his character.

But Valmont is not just a love machine. The play explores the levels of friendship and betrayal between him and The Marquise and poses the

question — what are they to each other? It’s almost an unintentional search of identity through scandal. However, the entire cast plays a part in contributing towards the indulgent, corrupted theme.

“They live in this world that is etched in gold-leaf with no obligations to anyone but themselves and the pursuit of pleasure...that’s what we see in a lot of the characters... they are corrupted by this endless pursuit of pleasure,” says Amy Guerin, the director of Dangerous Liaisons.

Guerin is in charge of casting the play, editing the script, and blocking the show in order to portray the meaning beyond the spoken lines.

“Directing the cast has been so easy... in the show, there’s a lot that happens emotionally, a lot of sex and sword fighting, but they’ve been really outstanding,” Guerin said.

The glamour and personality doesn’t stop with the actors alone, it spills over onto the stage, creating what Guerin

describes as one of the largest sets they have ever done complete with giant moving panels to both open up and close in the different scenes.

“It creates a feeling that the way in which these characters live is so much bigger than they are... they are almost trapped in this environment,” Guerin said.

The rest of the set includes painted walls, painted floors, lavish furniture, and colorJeffrey Frankens — THE BATTALION ful, luxurious, handActors in the play Dangerous Liasons go through dress rehearsal. made costumes.

“When you see it, The play, which opens tonight, is based off of the French novel you really feel like Les Liasons Dangereuses. you’ve been transporttion and we’re excited for the and dress rehearsals. ed back into pre-Revolution audience to see it!”

The performance dates are France and that’s helped the Roblyer, Guerin, Hawkins, November 11-13 and 18-20 at actors feel at home on the and the rest of the cast and crew 8 p.m. and November 14 and 21 stage,” says Elizabeth Hawkins, have been working on Danger- at 2 p.m. Student tickets are $5, Assistant Director. “We came ous Liaisons since the first week general public tickets are $10. up with a wonderful story “The play is dark, but it’s rethat is told as the furniture is in October with rehearsals five days a week in addition to varially funny, and it’s really hot,” moved. This is the first time ous recent technical, weekend, Guerin said. we’ve tried this in a produc-

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news

page 4 thursday 11.11.2010

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Twelfth Man Day named by Byrne Texas A&M University Athletic Director Bill Byrne has announced this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Twelfth Man Day. Byrne said he hopes to set a new record for the largest student crowd in the history of college football against No. 8-ranked Nebraska when the Cornhuskers come Nov. 20 to Kyle Field. The current record, set during the 2002 game against then topranked Oklahoma, stands at 30,192 tickets sold. A special ticket deal is available for any Aggie student who does not have a football or all-sports pass. Starting at 8 a.m. today, students can purchase $20 tickets by showing their student ID at ticket centers located inside the Zone at Kyle Field and temporary sales trailers located at Sbisa Dining Hall and the bus stop near Wehner on West Campus.

The tickets are for the upper corners of the third deck and in the upper levels of the Zone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are larger stadiums, but there are none with the overall support shown by the Twelfth Man. Our student body â&#x20AC;Ś [was] a huge factor in our game against OU last week and they are what make Kyle Field so special,â&#x20AC;? Byrne said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we need to add chairs on the track I am happy to do so to get each and every Aggie student into the game to see our last home game of the year, and what could be the last time for Nebraska to come to Kyle Field for quite some time.â&#x20AC;? Regular student pull will take place as usual, with seniors pulling on Monday, juniors on Tuesday, sophomores on Wednesday and freshmen on Thursday.

Every all-sports or football options holder may pull a ticket until Thursday at 5 p.m. when any tickets left over will be sold.

Tim Bardin, staff writer

It is never too late to JOIN the

Corps of Cadets

A&M receives B- in sustainability report card

Professor to teach microbiology in Africa

Connie Thompson

Stephanie Massey

The Battalion Finding a balance between environmental sustainability and cost is a daunting pursuit during a recession. The Sustainable Endowments Institute evaluated Texas A&M this year and received a grade of B- on their College Sustainability Report Card. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sustainable Endowments Institute has observed that campuses are demonstrating how promoting conservation technologies and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; behaviors are cost-efficient strategies to address environmental concerns,â&#x20AC;? said Christina Billingsley, a senior research fellow from the institute. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Practicing green behaviors can save money, conserve natural resources, and in many cases, can support local economic development.â&#x20AC;?

The publication is the sole resource for sustainability and endowment practices on college campuses and includes colleges and universities with the 300 largest endowments in the U.S. and Canada. Researchers issued a campus survey that focused on nine areas of interest for sustainability.

According to http://greenreportcard.org, the website which released the ratings, research findings were a result of four surveys designed to gather information about sustainability in campus operations, student activities, endowment investment practices, dining services and student activities.

A&M received its highest mark in both energy use and investment priorities with an A. The school received its lowest mark of an F in shareholder engagement, along with five other Big

12 schools.

The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Colorado lead the Big 12 in the report card with an overall grade of B+ at both universities. Texas Tech takes last in the rankings with an overall score of C-.

To compete with other universitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; levels of sustainability, students have voiced their ideas to aid A&M in its goal of sustainability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think A&M is taking the right steps towards being green, but there is still a lot more that can be done,â&#x20AC;? said Nathaniel Munson, a junior history major. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If conserving energy resources will help the school save money during this tough financial time, then I feel itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fairly important that the school find ways to save money, especially in regards to energy consumption.â&#x20AC;?

Billingsley offered insight to aid in the costs aspect of sustainability for not only A&M, but also the entire state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Texas, drought conditions are a tangible environmental hazard, so simple water conservation practices can make a significant impact in protecting the local agricultural economy,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Luke Ellis, a junior bioenvironmental science and agronomy major, said increased sustainability should become common practice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being green shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be reduced to a few easy-to-follow steps, it should be a mindset; one in which we realize we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t entitled to anything, especially ignorant wastefulness,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Generally, we Americans intentionally ignore the fact that we consume per capita way more than everyone else on the planet.â&#x20AC;?

Official speaks on lessons learned in Iraq Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., is the U.S. special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction and has served in that capacity since January 2004. He spoke at the Bush School of Government and Public Service to students about lessons learned in Iraq. One of Bowenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives is ensuring oversight of $52 billion appropriated for Iraq reconstruction. Congress passed legislation to promote economic efďŹ ciency and prevent fraud in the programs and operations. It has been a mission of Bowenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to audit these projects for the past six years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have saved hundreds of millions of dollars through our audits,â&#x20AC;? Bowen said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through our investigations we have obtained 34 convictions to date for fraud and other crimes committed in Iraq.â&#x20AC;?

Reginald Clark, staff writer

The Battalion A&M biology professor Michael Benedik received a 2010 American Society for Microbiology International Professorship in October to assist in teaching a microbial biotechnology course at the University of Lagos in Nigeria for two weeks.

One of six ASM members awarded the honor of teaching a mini course out of more than 40,000 members, Benedik and Matthew Ilori, professor of microbiology at the University of Lagos, will focus their course on manipulating bacteria for useful purposes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was very honored that the proposal Dr. Ilori and I wrote was selected and funded by the ASM, which will cover all of the costs associated with my trip and teaching the course,â&#x20AC;? Benedik said.

The course will aid African students by encouraging and preparing undergraduate scholars for graduate studies in other parts of the world and improving faculty membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instructional methods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the largest impact will be to introduce [students] to the current research and make them familiar with the latest technologies relevant for modern microbiological research,â&#x20AC;? Benedik said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of equal if not more importance is that the faculty will be participating in this mini-course as well. Hopefully their participation will have long-term effects by virtue of their incorporating some of the ideas, methods and materials from this mini-course into their teaching over the next decade.â&#x20AC;?

It is particularly vital for students in developing countries to have an understanding of microbiology, said Shannon Kells, a junior biomedical science major. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Microbes, while many of which cause disease in humans and animals, provide the potential for numerous advancements in the medical field,â&#x20AC;?

Kells said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By studying the pathogenic organisms that cause illness, scientists and medical professionals alike can begin to develop better means to treat and possibly eradicate the disease-causing organisms.â&#x20AC;?

Nigeria is not Benedikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first international teaching endeavor. He

spent several weeks each instructing students in China and South Africa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy being an ambassador for Texas A&M as well as of the USA to these other countries, to have an opportunity to meet students and faculty from other cultures and other nations, to see how pedagogy is different in different societies, and just to experience other parts of the world and make friends and colleagues there,â&#x20AC;? Benedik said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is also a great opportunity to make and foster research collaborations, especially on topics that are critical to these countries.â&#x20AC;?

Benedikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational actions are a testament to the faculty at Texas A&M. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowledge should always be shared and I feel that A&Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Dr. Benedikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to do just that really speak to the caliber and quality of the institution that is Texas A&M University,â&#x20AC;? Kells said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope that at the end of the twoweek course, the students who benefit from Dr. Benedikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lecture will continue to share the knowledge they acquired.â&#x20AC;?

Rachel Dawson, class of 2008, understands the cultural differences and importance of furthering education in Africa. After living in Nigeria for six months vaccinating and treating Fulani cattle, she researched causes of disease in West African livestock. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While there I discovered a lack of education among the people whose cattle were dying and what was causing the deaths and how to prevent them,â&#x20AC;? Dawson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simple research and education on these bacteria, for example, would be very beneficial to the people whose lives they are affecting.â&#x20AC;?

Benedik said he considers the trip a privilege. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being able to provide something in return to the worldwide community of students and scholars is an honor and I believe fits with the tradition of service much honored at [Texas A&M],â&#x20AC;? Benedik said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every one of my trips has led to one or more students coming to [A&M] to further their education, and I anticipate this will be true as well from this visit to Lagos.â&#x20AC;?

The Corps of Cadets has a 134-year tradition of developing well-educated leaders of character prepared to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Answer the Callâ&#x20AC;? for leadership and service in the public and private sectors.

Carol Krenek â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 joined the Corps after her ďŹ rst semester at A&M. She was selected for a leadership position on Corps Staff for the 2010-2011 school year. This tradition of developing successful leaders demands hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.

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EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail

call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters

‘

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Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

voices

thebattalion 11.11.2010 page 5

Offering a second opinion on:

Citizenship

Don’t change Constitution to support ideology

I

n the past week, 37 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives were determined. Regardless of the outcome of the congressional elections, one political issue that will continue to be hotly debated is the nationality of U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants.

Abraham Hernandez — THE BATTALION

Geography shouldn’t decide citizenship

J

ust a few weeks ago, federal courts began to determine the legality of Arizona’s polarizing immigration law. Currently at least 12 million illegal immigrants live and work within our borders. America may be the land of opportunity, but given our circumstances, it might be time to consider revising a national ideology towards immigration largely unchanged since the turn of the century.

Increasing border security, ply to become as a citizen, but deportations and cracking denied the right to run for down on businesses that president. There is something employ undocumented inherently unfair when chilworkers are the obvidren of soldiers serving outous talking points, but side the country are denied removing the benefits the privileges given to those to illegally crossing into Ian McPhail who never had permission to America would affect cross the border. senior history who immigrates. CurThis doesn’t address major, voices editor rently the U.S. is one of the incentive offered to the only western counpregnant immigrants who tries in the world to allow enter the U.S. illegally, whose child citizenship simply for provides legitimacy to their claim to being born on the the citizenship. Mothers and fathers of country’s soil. children who are American by birth Automatic The U.S. are allowed to apply (and usually accitizenship for policy cepted) as naturalized citizens of the towards U.S. Fracturing families should never those born citizenbe the answer, but our current policy on U.S. soil is ship seems encourages pregnant women (and an incentive silly when others) to immigrate illegally, often at to break compared their own expense. immigration to other Consistently left out of the debate countries like is the risk involved in crossing the laws.

Switzerland. A border illegally. Aside from the child of American cartels, immigrants take chances with citizens born overseas their lives, either by navigating the is accepted when they ap- desert by themselves or depending on

unscrupulous people.

While the arguments for amnesty are understandable and preferable to the massive cost of deporting those who have managed to make a life for themselves, America should not continue offering incentives to break laws. Immigration is not the problem; legal methods should be encouraged. Allowing anyone to cross the border without our knowledge is the problem, simply because it could be anyone and we live in a post 9-11 world.

Immigrants (including illegal ones) are not at fault for taking advantage of the system. The U.S. government is to blame for allowing such an incentive for those ignoring our laws.

The Constitution and the rulings based on it have always been subject to change with our country, not a 200-year commitment to stubbornness. The U.S. remains the land of the free, but of late we seem to have enough of our own tired, huddled masses yearning for something better. Perhaps its time our immigration policy starts to reflect this.

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Some lawmakannually just for healthers are considercare for undocumented ing altering the persons.

14th AmendConversely, James ment’s Citizenship Clause.

Gerber, professor of Not only is this unneceseconomics at San Diego sary, but constitutional and State University, told judicial precedent speak Caleb Wilson NBC that undocumented workers provide against it. junior history a “net plus” to the The 14th Amendmajor economy. Disputes about ment says, “All the economic costs and persons born or benefits of illegal immigrants show naturalized in the United that the situation is not as straightStates, and subject to the forward as we would like to think. jurisdiction thereof, are The controversy surrounding citizens of the United birthright citizenship stems as much States.” Those in support from cultural concerns as it does of reinterpreting the constituconstitutional or economic question maintain that this clause was tions. A 2009 study by the Pew intended to guarantee citizenship Hispanic Center found that of the to freed slaves, not to the children 12 million illegal immigrants in the of undocumented immigrants. This U.S., 7 million are from Mexico. is an illogical argument because We’re not worried about pregnant restrictions against immigration did Canadians giving birth in the U.S., not exist until 1882, coincidentally but rather those of Hispanic heri14 years after the adoption of the tage who speak and look different 14th Amendment. than the majority of the population.

Conservative dissidents contend Granted, the bulk of illegal imthat the Citizenship Clause does not migrants come from Latin Ameriapply to illegal immigrant offspring can countries, but this helps explain because they are not “subject to the the politics involved in the citizenjurisdiction” of the U.S. However, ship debate.

It’s interesting to note this phrase was included to exclude that it is conservative lawmakers the children of foreign diplowho are in favor of repealing the mats, invading armies, and Native 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Americans until 1924. To assert that Clause as Latinos increasing lean illegal aliens’ children born in the to the other side of the aisle. One U.S. are not citizens is constitutioncould argue that this is also why ally incorrect. liberal politicians are against altering Furthermore, Supreme Court the amendment. That’s exactly decisions such as United States v. my point. Too often we allow Wong Kim Ark (1898) have already our party allegiances to set legal precedent about determining interpret issues so citizenship. Wong was born in San that they fit into Francisco to Chinese alien parents. our political As an adult, his parents returned to framework.

Citizenship to live in China. After visiting them in The real their homeland, Wong was denied those born in concern is re-entry into the U.S. on the grounds the U.S. is a not citizenthat he was not a citizen. When his fundamental ship being case reached the Supreme Court, the granted right, justices ruled in a 6-2 vote that he into U.S. guaranteed deed was. Their decision applies to all born illegal in the U.S. born children of undocumented immigrant Constitution. immigrants. children. It’s The question then, is not are simply a sympnative-born illegal immigrant tom of our much children citizens but should they larger problems be. Proponents of modifying the with failed immigration 14th Amendment present the issue policies across the board. Buildlargely as an economic problem. ing bigger border fences will never They argue that illegal immigrants fix the problem, but taking away cost the U.S. billions of dollars for the citizenship of undocumented health services and education. Acimmigrant children is not the cording to the Rand Corporation, answer either. taxpayers cough up over $1 billion

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thebattalion

The Battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective Call for more information 845-0569

Adrian Calcaneo — THE BATTALION

classifieds

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Absolutely 1-Fun Defensive Driving!

Ticket dismissal/ insurance discount. W&Th (6pm-9pm) or Sat (8am-2:30pm).

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Short term leases ok. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $375 Pre-lease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, on Northgate, on shuttle. Short term leases ok. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $560Pre-Lease. 2bd/1ba, w/d, cieling fans. Walk to camus, shuttle stop.

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1 Bedroom efficiency for lease. $570/mo. Free tv and internet.

Close to campus, on bus route. No deposit. 972-658-6153.

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2/1 CS duplex, available late December, pets allowed, privacy fenced backyard, ceiling fans and blinds, tile floors, W/D connections, E-Walk shuttle route, $625/mo 979.218.2995 3/2 duplex. 5-minutes from campus, fenced yard, bus route, fairly new.

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2bd/2bth CS duplex with study.

Fenced backyard, pets allowed, on shuttle, W/D provided. Reduced deposit. 512-921-1254 3/2 fourplexes, close to campus, on bus route, W/D, newly renovated, very nice, must see. southwoodplace.com 979-822-3520.

3/2 Houses, Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials.

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694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/4ba house, 3526 Wild Plum, refrigerator, W/D, huge backyard! $1,500/mo. 361-290-0430.

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FOR RENT

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512-864-5562

GARAGE SALES Rummage Sale Sunday, Nov. 14 starting at 6am.

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Day-time and evening shifts. Apply in person after 3pm M-F. 3410 South College.

Charli, 505 University Dr. East Great opportunity to work in sales at upscale ladies clothing store. Ideally looking for someone interested in learning all aspects of fashion retail. Apply in person.

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Male roommate needed spring semester, 4/2 house on busroute, on S. Dexter. $400/mo. Call or text 281-660-3283 Need a new place to live? Female roommate wanted. $400+utilities, furnished, walk in closet, private full bath, W/D, cable/internet. Near campus, on bus route. Call 832-788-7967.

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www.AggieNetwork.com

Word Square Solve the clues and then fit the answers into the word square.

1. Twist MALE to get what females think guys can be at times 2. Unwanted person as far as an electrical engineer is concerned 3. HF, HCL and Acetic are one happy family 4. Sounds like entering a deep pit and searching for minerals but use your brain!

Wednesday’s solution:

S I G H

I D L E

G L E E

H E E L

Siddharth Kumar — THE BATTALION

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11/10/10 4:42 PM

GUESTCOLUMN

invites; tell anyone and everyone you can to try and sway as many converts as possible. This program sure deserves it.

The goal of Reed Rowdies is to revolutionize the A&M basketball experience. Whether that is helping to increase attendance or game environment, Reed Rowdies wants to help take the A&M basketball program to the next level. While the Aggies have the coaches and facilities and reside in a major talent hotbed, the one thing we can control and grow is the fans. That is what Reed Rowdies is all about and we welcome any help to make that goal happen. Coach Turgeon has expressed how the students help and we want to continue that trend. There is no reason that A&M cannot be a perennial basketball superpower.

Simply put: we’re asking for the student body to rally around our basketball programs so we can get to that next level. Anyone who cares about Aggie basketball can contribute and make a difference.

Come out to games, make posters, dress in costumes, message recruits on Facebook, put up signs, hold big heads, wear Reed Rowdies T-shirts, be crazy, help us win … the possibilities are endless.

See you in Reed.

Thanks and Gig ’em, Zach Reeh, President Drew Nelson, Vice President

If you have never been to a game at Reed Arena before, we highly encourage you to try one out. It is one of the most exciting events on campus and a great thing to get involved with.

Being a part of the Reed Rowdies is very simple: students who turn out to support the team have, by that act, already joined! Wearing any white T-shirt to the game is acceptable and encouraged — every game is a white out! Add the Reed Rowdies on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ reedrowdies. This will help keep you informed about upcoming games and other events the Reed Rowdies will be putting on, including road trips to away games. We strive to ensure that support of Aggie basketball extends beyond the confines of Reed.

Finally, come to all the games, wear white, and yell loud! If you want to get even more involved, drop by one of our tailgates before the games, or come to one of the official Reed Rowdies away-game watching parties at The Corner Bar, or participate in a campout to get the best seats possible and project an image of students who are fully dedicated to their basketball program.

The need for an all-inclusive effort to strengthen support for the teams can’t be overstated. Write on chalkboards before games; send Facebook

owdy students! The Texas A&M basketball program has taken some huge strides in the past few years to become consistently one of the top teams in the Big 12 Conference. This has led to lots of excitement and legendary games that we, as students, have the immense opportunity to be a big part of.

H

A word from the Rowdies

THE BATTALION 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Do your part

File photos

Students pack Reed Arena for an Aggie basketball game in 2009. Men’s Head Coach Mark Turgeon went into the stands with his players after every home win that more than 4,000 students attended. Fans broke the total attendance record at Reed on three separate occasions during the season, spurring the men to a 15-1 home record.

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THE BATTALION 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Tobi Oyedeji

The morning hours after Bellaire High School’s senior prom carried the past, present and future.; early risers traveled along a quiet highway outside of Houston, just shadows beneath the moon. There were painted lines and headlights, then a median, then a sickening smash.

Then there was nothing.

ON MAY 16, A YOUNG MAN LOST

HIS LIFE. IN SOME WAYS, SO DID

COUNTLESS OTHERS.

6-7

ALSO INSIDE

WHAT THE COACHES SAY ABOUT THEIR FANS AND TEAMS PAGE 2

A LOOK AT THE AGGIES AND

COLLEGE BASKETBALL WORLD PAGE 3

DASH HARRIS AND DAVID LOUBEAU TAKE LEADERSHIP PAGE 4

THE SYDNEYS, CARTER AND COLSON, ARE MORE SIMILAR THAN YOU MIGHT THINK PAGE 5

11/10/10 7:33 PM

File photos

The coaches sound off

THE BATTALION 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Gig ’em!

Coach Mark Turgeon

program by coming to every one of our home games. I started a new tradition to honor the students: each time we have more than 4,000 students at a game, our team will go into the student section to sing the War Hymn after a win.

This season I invite you to come and eat dinner with me once a month. I’m going to call it “Tuesdays with Turg.”

I’ll buy the food … all you need to do is come to our facility and we’ll eat dinner, hang out and talk hoops or whatever else you may want to visit about. I’ll keep you posted on that and other things through my Twitter, so make sure to follow @CoachTurgeon all year long.

Thanks for the great support last year, but just as I tell my team: This is a new season ... we can’t be satisfied with last year’s success. My message to you is the same: This is a new season … we can’t be satisfied with last year’s great crowds. My goal is to have at least 4,000 students at every home game. Let’s start tomorrow night against Alcorn State.

H

owdy Ags! The best four years of your life happen at Texas A&M. You are making the decisions that will mold your character and your future.

Most of you have found Northgate, the Century Tree, Hall of Fame, Kyle Field, The Tap and other Aggie mainstays. But you will miss an opportunity if you don’t stop

by Reed Arena.

Watch the seventh-ranked and reigning Big 12 Champion Aggie women’s basketball team create havoc on their opponents. We play defense like someone is trying to steal our lunch money. The ladies take more charges than any other team in the Big 12. Have you seen Dani-

elle Adams knock down a three? Sydney Colson make a daring drive to the rim?

Maryann Baker give everything she has on the court or little Sydney Carter take a charge? These are the same young ladies you go to class with, who sit next to you at other Aggie events.

Our average home attendance is 5,155, which is the third best on campus behind football and men’s basketball. We have won three Big 12 titles with five straight NCAA tournament appearances and have our best recruiting class yet. We’ve beaten t.u. eight straight times and we thank you for your support. Let’s pack Reed Arena this season and show our opponents the true meaning of the 12th Man. Reed Arena is an exciting place during the season. Come out and support your fellow students as they embark on one of the most amazing seasons in school history.

See you Nov. 16.

Coach Gary Blair

Blair embraces former Aggie star Takia Starks after a win, one of his 155 as A&M’s head coach.

Men’s Head Coach Mark Turgeon appreciates the special relationship between his team and the students and invites all who can to attend his monthly “Tuesdays with Turg” dinner. The Aggies have not missed the NCAA tournament since hiring Turgeon, who renegotiated his contract with A&M over the summer after receiving interest from Oregon.

In their words H

owdy Ags! Basketball season begins Friday.

I wanted to let you know just how much you directly impact the success of our season. Last year we went 15-1 at Reed Arena en route to a second-place finish in the Big 12. I give the credit to the Twelfth Man for that.

You guys showed up early, did some really creative things, and most importantly, yelled loudly!

Texas A&M is a special place because the Aggies that walk around this campus make it that way. Our basketball program is so lucky to have your rowdy support behind us each and every game.

It’s hard to put into words the feeling that both myself and the team get to come out of that locker room and see the student section filled to the rafters.

We need you to “invest” in our

Women’s Head Coach Gary Blair wants more support for his team, winners of two of the last three Big 12 Championships.

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By Chandler Smith | The Battalion

FRESH PERSPECTIVES

PAGE

11

Though she may have been afraid of Chinemelu then, Elonu and her teammates are now putting fear into their opponents. Her expectations for the season are sky high. A&M has had tremendous success under Blair but Elonu knows the team can’t become complacent and expect to meet the program’s lofty goals.

“Expectations are higher than last year but we always have high expectations,” Elonu said. “We just want to do better than we did the previous

year. Even if people think we did ok, we always want to do much better than what we’ve done.”

If such expectations are to be met, however, Elonu will be a big reason why. Coach Blair, although unsure how he’ll use Elonu due in large part to her versatility, is very sure that she will be making an impact in some way.

“She will start somewhere.

Where? I don’t know,” Blair said.

“She’ll be playing a lot of minutes.”

Above: Junior Adaora Elonu joined her brother at A&M but stayed when he left to play pro. Left: Elonu goes up for a shot against Kansas; she averaged 8.9 points per game in her sophomore season.

Tyler Hosea — THE BATTALION

Another Elonu takes the stage

by all accounts, what particularly sets her apart — especially to her coaches — is her outstanding work ethic.

“She works harder than any kid we have,” Blair said. “She’s sort of like her brother — good grades, good kid, [and] good practice …

Adaora would always be in the gym before and after [practice] getting extra work in.”

The extra work paid off. Not only was she a solid offensive threat in 2009, averaging 8.9 points per game, she’s become one of the team’s most physical defensive performers, tallying an impressive 5.1 rebounds per game. Under coaches like Blair and Schaefer who specifically stress stingy defense, Elonu hasn’t missed a beat in preparing sufficiently for the upcoming season.

“I work to improve on my ball handling and rebounding. Over the summer I’ve been working on just doing different ball handling drills and getting in position as far as rebounding,” Elonu said. “I think that’s something I bring to the team.”

And even though she has been one of A&M’s more impactful players, Elonu still feels like she can contribute even more. She was complementary of Blair and Schaefer for helping push her to new heights and realizing her full potential.

Blair’s approach to coaching was a big draw for her coming to A&M and she has definitely appreciated the experience. Blair’s style of basketball and proximity of family were the two main factors that drew her to Aggieland.

Not surprisingly, Adaora’s family had played a pivotal role in the development of her passion for basketball. When asked about memories playing against Chinemelu as a kid, she was all smiles.

“It was normally [the four siblings] against him because he was so physical and, to say the least, we were pretty afraid of him,” Elonu laughed.

“It didn’t even matter if we were younger or girls, he went after us. It was very competitive.”

Family legacy N

the family to inherit a hard-working mentality with basketball talent to boot.

Enter younger sister Adaora Elonu who, beginning her junior year, has transformed into one of Head Coach Gary Blair’s most prolific weapons and commanding leaders on the women’s basketball team. A captain last season, she was a primary reason the Aggies managed to clinch a Big 12 Championship and earn yet another NCAA tournament appearance.

While her stats are certainly solid

o more than two years ago, Chinemelu “Junior” Elonu, then one of Texas A&M’s best basketball talents, dominated the competition down low in helping lead the Aggie men’s basketball team to its fourth consecutive NCAA tournament berth. By Elonu’s junior year, he developed into one of Head Coach Mark Turgeon’s most reliable playmakers thanks in large part to his physical style and willingness to go the extra mile.

No more than two years ago, Chinemelu “Junior” Elonu, then one of Texas A&M’s best basketball talents, dominated the competition down low in helping lead the Aggie men’s basketball team to its fourth consecutive NCAA tournament berth. By Elonu’s junior year, he developed into one of Head Coach Mark Turgeon’s most reliable playmakers thanks in large part to his physical style and willingness to go the extra mile.

It seems Chinemelu, the oldest of five siblings, wasn’t the only one in

File photo

11/10/10 7:47 PM

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The women’s basketball team needs your support because they’re some of the best people on the Texas A&M campus.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Sydney Colson and Sydney Carter earlier this year. Unlike most of my other interviews in which the athletes were toeing that line between welcoming and professional, these two treated me like a best friend with a recorder.

Professionalism disappeared within the first few minutes, and we jumped into a discussion of personalities, the complexities of transitioning from being a shootfirst to pass-first guard, and ended with “West up, never down.” It was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable moments I’ve had with The Battalion.

If you’ve ever heard Gary Blair speak, you know he’s a man who won’t mince words and only wants what’s best for these top-notch athletes and ladies. That said, even he won’t mention how sporadic and weak the attendance has been from students.

Twice last year, I couldn’t show up to see this ranked team play ranked opponents Baylor and Oklahoma until roughly 45 minutes before the game began. Both times I was able to snare a front-row seat.

Both games were entertaining to watch — I won’t even drag myself into the “women’s basketball is boring” argument — but there was a different feeling to it; I genuinely felt like I made a difference.

More than football, men’s basketball or soccer.

With the smaller student population at the game, you become more invested in the successes or shortcomings of this team.

Every time Carter hit the floor, you’d

could give you the simple “This team is good, so come out and support them!” spiel, but that would be overplayed and quite honestly I’ve given up on that angle. Instead, I’ll go with something else.

be overwhelmed by the desire to lambast the girl who ran her over. Every time Colson made a clutch pass to senior Danielle Adams, Kyle who would usually Cunningham finish the play with senior sport a cold-blooded management major three-pointer, you couldn’t help but see how fluid it was and get that much more rabid when Adams’ shots fall through smoother than butter. When Blair gets worked up in a game and tosses his jacket aside, you know it’s time for business and the atmosphere gets that much more intense.

My first women’s basketball game at Texas A&M was the 2009-2010 season opener against Duke University. I was a transfer student who hadn’t really given women’s basketball much of a chance before, but that game had me hooked because of the atmosphere and the passion these girls had for the game.

The first football game I went to as a student was against New Mexico, and I couldn’t even tell you much about the game other than we blew out a bad team and the atmosphere was lukewarm at best.

I still remember Colson’s doubledouble from that 95-77 win and how she became one of my favorite Texas A&M athletes. I remember sitting in Section 111 for my class year and I remember the deafening noise that the Twelfth Man could make.

I’ve been around sports my whole life and didn’t think one silly women’s basketball game would convert me. I was wrong. Their passion for the game and the people they are off the court converted me. All I’m asking is: let them give you the same chance.

Nov. 16, this top-10 team plays Arkansas-Little Rock. Watch the team play with no preconceived notions and see its passion and talent for everything it’s worth.

They deserve that much from you.

Support our women

Give it a try

THE BATTALION 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

All-American senior guard Kyle Singler returns leading the Blue Devils, the defending national champions and overwhelming preseason No. 1.

The first-time observer witnesses a kaleidoscope of names, faces, places and matchups that pulls the viewer in, ratcheting up the stakes and excitement with each passing game.

History says expect the unexpected.

Texas began ranked third in 2009, peaked at No. 1 and finished unranked by a wide margin; North Carolina shares a similar story. Each of the teams that graced the Final Four were preseason top 10 squads, but only one started in the top five — and it wound up a 5-seed after an up-and-down regular season.

Skip to an NCAA Tournament that reminded fans why it’s the best postseason in sports, featuring Cornell, Washington, Saint Mary’s and, of course, Northern Iowa in the Sweet 16. The Golden Panthers sniped overall No.1 seed Kansas, becoming the story of the tournament for a few shining moments.

Then there was Butler.

The Bulldogs began the season No. 10, before losing to three ranked teams and — inexplicably — AlabamaBirmingham, dropped to No. 23, and then did not lose a game the rest of the regular season. Matter of fact, they didn’t lose another game at all until nearly overtaking Duke in one of the greatest national championship games in recent memory. Little Butler finished 33-5 and ranked No. 2.

The second-ranked team as 2010 starts is Michigan State. Fourth-ranked Pittsburgh is the only team other than Texas A&M to win an NCAA tournament game each of the past five years.

The No. 11 Florida Gators waltz in following their first tournament appearance since the second of back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.

The Big 12 will again have a strong

T Beau Holder

case for being the sophomore most outstanding sociology and deepest confermajor, sports ence in the country. desk assistant Forget for a moment perennially underrated Texas A&M — No. 3 K-State is built like a Final Four contender, if it can overcome the loss of point guard Dennis Clemente; No. 7 Kansas is and always will be Kansas; No. 15 Missouri brings in a stellar recruiting class; No. 25 Texas again has ridiculous talent; and fourteenth-ranked Baylor has LaceDarius Dunn whose suspension won’t last more than, at most, two games.

No longer wilt thou suffer the oppression of esoteric BCS rankings and the sadistic strong-arming of less established programs by the big-named few. Welcome to a world of mid-season tournaments, marquee nonconference matchups, “Why are they deserving?” chatter that can actually be backed up and the Ratings Percentage Index formula.

Follow closely, up to the foot of the dazzling throne where a truthfully crowned champion sits each year.

For what is the unsuspecting public in store? That, friends, is the question.

Will Duke repeat? Will Butler rise again? Or is it Gonzaga’s year? This is a sport where preseason rankings don’t decide a team’s fate, where the national runner-up can come from a nonpower conference — both earning and proving its worth along the way — and where March brings not hackneyed and halfhearted clashes of mediocre teams but an electric, month-long finale.

It’s impossible to predict how the dust will settle. So come one, come all; we cannot tarry here, as Walt Whitman said.

Conquering, holding, daring, venturing, as we go, the unknown ways…

College basketball is back.

his is the year to invest in college basketball. At the top of the rankings is an eclectic mix of blueblood favorites — Duke, Villanova — and upstart programs with a legitimate shot at winning it all such as Kansas State and Gonzaga.

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Last we checked, this program was on the verge of its third appearance in the Sweet 16. It was going to get its shot at Duke, the eventual national champion, in a de facto home game. Then a 14-point second half lead disappeared against a pesky Purdue team and the Aggie season ended in heartbreak.

The loss concluded Donald Sloan, Derrick Roland and Bryan Davis’ careers in maroon.

They left as the winningest play-

xceeding expectations and responding to adversity. It has been the theme of the past six seasons of Aggie basketball. It will be the theme of another Aggie basketball season.

on the perimeter. Hibbert must take that next step as a player on the offensive end. He must play with more David confidence and Harris create more senior shots. economics The post major, sports players must editor mature physically and mentally. They must become scoring threats and factors on the fast break.

Harris must take over the role left vacant with Roland’s departure and be a lockdown defender. He must be the unquestioned floor general and develop into a scoring threat.

One thing is certain: this team is going to play solid, tough defense on every possession. It will win a majority of the rebounding battles. And it will play with unwavering effort every night.

Matching its coach’s mentality, this program has turned into one of the toughest in the country. It’s why they will continue this underrated tradition of reaching the NCAA Tournament and succeeding there.

Little is expected of the bunch in College Station, but what else is new? It has been the theme of the last six seasons.

It will continue into a seventh.

11/10/10 7:41 PM

Good Luck to the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams from

ers in program history. They also left a gaping hole on the offensive, defensive and leadership.

Hence why, coming into the 2010-2011 season, Head Coach Mark Turgeon’s gang is seemingly an enigma.

The Aggies possess a plethora of depth and talent in the frontcourt. In junior David Loubeau, A&M has a go-to scorer in the post. With sophomore Ray Turner and freshmen Keith Davis and Kourtney Roberson, it has ample amounts of athleticism down low.

Sophomore forward Khris Middleton looks to build on an impressive freshman campaign while sophomore guard Naji Hibbert seems on the verge of living up to his promise as a highly-ranked recruit.

In the backcourt, the Aggies have experience and leadership in their guards, junior Dash Harris and senior B.J. Holmes.

Yet questions remain. Who will replace Sloan’s scoring and playmaking ability? Who will take over for Roland as the team’s unequivocal stopper?

And who will provide the team with that same emotion and fire Davis brought to the court every single night? Can Turgeon work his magic again with an underwhelming roster?

Yes, he can. And he will.

A&M will look to Middleton and Hibbert as scoring options

A great year is in store

A&M will try to replace former guard Donald Sloan, who earned All-Big 12 honors and led an underrated Aggie squad to a tie for second in the Big 12 Conference.

Get excited

CHOICE WORDS PAGE 3

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Junior point guard Dash Harris led A&M in assists in 2009 and ran the offense with poise and swagger.

After that, it’s simply about getting into battle, putting all of those accomplishments aside, and leading the men while knowing that only victory will suffice.

This is the challenge that juniors Dash Harris and David Loubeau face this season with the new-look Aggie men’s team, which loses its leading scorer in Sloan and its top rebounder in Davis.

It’s not something that can easily be done, but it is something both men embrace.

“My leadership that I’m going to bring [is through] example,” Loubeau said. “Every player’s important for us. Me and Dash, and not only [us] but guys like Khris [Middleton] and Nate [Walkup] are going to have leadership roles.”

Both Harris and Loubeau worked on their games during the summer, with Loubeau, the post, improving his defense

all bring different assets to the table and with the experience we have, we should go a long way.”

Harris is confident in the role he plays within Turgeon’s offensive system.

“I feel I can beat anybody off the dribble and create for my teammates or create for myself,” Harris said. “I’ve tried to be more aggressive. I continue to work on my jump shot and hitting open shots.”

As for improvements in Harris’s game, he focused more on being aggressive, resenting that teams didn’t respect him as a shooter and making it his goal to take more chances to penetrate in the lane or create plays for his teammates.

Loubeau and Harris, for all their similarities in their competitive nature, appear drastically different at first conversation.

Harris sits down and begins to chatter right away after the first question, while Loubeau embraces a more reserved approach.

Every answer, while brief and quietly spoken, seems well thought out. Harris, who knew Loubeau when they were both in Florida high schools, said Loubeau is “funny, outgoing and likes to chill.”

“I’m not real quiet,” Harris said. “I’m more social. He’s the same way, he just comes off as the quiet type. Once he opens up, he’s a fun person to be around.”

These two players have more in common than first glance would suggest, and both will be necessary for the team to succeed.

Sometimes one leader isn’t all you need.

File photos

Junior forward David Loubeau developed into an offensive force for A&M late in the 20092010 season, scoring 19 points against Texas Tech and hanging 17 on thenNo.1 Kansas.

A new era of Aggie leaders

and Dash, the point guard, continuing to work on his shot.

Loubeau, who averaged 7.2 points per game in the 2009-2010 season, said his offensive game remains the same as 2009’s and that his new focus is on getting stronger to match up with the bigger posts in the Big 12.

“I’m [also] quicker,” Loubeau added.

“I’m feeling better, like I’m more in shape. I feel like there are good post players in the Big 12, but I feel like I have the advantage because I’m physical.”

Harris, who led the team in assists during the 2009-2010 season, has been pushed to improve his shooting and return to full health after hurting and re-hurting his right wrist.

Things could have been different with a 100 percent wrist, Harris insisted.

“We would’ve won both [Kansas and Purdue],” Harris said.

“My teammates did a great job. I think just having another body out there — a defensive presence and a leader at the point guard spot that knows what Coach [Mark Turgeon] wants — that’s where I would’ve helped.”

The leadership that Harris brings is that of a grizzled veteran — he said has done it his whole life and loves to take on that role on the court.

“Well, Coach looks to me to be the main leader,” Harris said. “Being the point guard, I have to translate what [Turgeon] says from the sideline to the court. I just try to do my best at being vocal and make sure everyone’s in sync with the game and know what they’re doing.”

Of course, with new leaders comes a new identity. Very rarely does a team stay in the exact mindset when a set of players leave, especially those who made long-term contributions like Sloan, Davis and Derrick Roland did.

But if Harris has his way, the team won’t change all that much from the 2009-2010 formula. He believes that senior guard B.J. Holmes is a great shooter that opponents must respect and that the senior forward Walkup can stretch defenses with his shooting.

“We’re pretty experienced guys,” Harris said. “We’ve been in numerous situations, whether it’s us being down or winning.

I think experience-wise, we definitely help the team. I think we

t’s never easy being the new head of the pack. First, the new leader on a basketball team must rally the younger players around their accomplishments. This leads the newer talent to believe these leaders can be just as effective as the old ones, be they the dependable leader — Bryan Davis — or the guy that everyone knew should have the ball in the closing seconds — Donald Sloan.

By Kyle Cunningham | The Battalion

Smash&Dash

THE BATTALION 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

A&M played a significantly more difficult non-conference schedule than previous years and it paid off.

The Aggies entered the 76 Classic unranked with a 3-0 record. After subsequently defeating No. 19 Clemson and No. 16 Minnesota, with a close loss to No. 8 West Virginia sandwiched in, the Aggies climbed to No. 22 in the national polls.

A&M’s next big game came against New Mexico in a showdown at the Toyota Center in Houston. The Aggies lost a thriller 84-81 to the Lobos. Ten days later, tragedy struck at Bank of America Arena in Seattle.

First a sickening snap. Then a stunned silence. Finally, the faint whimper of muffled sobs and tears

from the A&M bench. Senior guard and fearless leader Derrick Roland had severely broken his leg. The Aggies’ season looked bleak at best.

However, A&M’s toughness and depth would not allow Roland’s injury to be the end of the season.

The Aggies proceeded to win three straight before running into the brick wall that was No. 12 Kansas St. and No. 1 Texas.

After leading for the entirety of regulation, the Aggies allowed the Longhorns to tie the game in the waning seconds of the second half.

Texas used this momentum to dole out a crushing blow to A&M in overtime to win the game 72-67.

Instead of rolling over and giving up after the tough loss, the Aggies won six of their next seven

he 2009-2010 Texas A&M men’s basketball season was marked by success, resilience and, ultimately, heartbreak. Derrick Roland’s gruesome leg injury 13 games into the season was supposed to sink A&M, but instead, the Aggies’ resolve shone through.

By Zach Papas | The Battalion

9

seeded Purdue, 63-61 in overtime.

The Aggies finished with a 24-10 record and owned the No. 25 spot in the final AP rankings. A&M also protected their home court and ended the 2009-2010 season with a 15-1

11/10/10 7:48 PM

record at Reed Arena. Guard Donald Sloan was named to the All-Big 12 team after a moving senior season.

The NCAA denied Roland’s request for a medical hardship waiver after months of postponing the verdict.

A&M and Purdue battle in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Purdue won 63-61 to end the Aggies’ season.

Derrick Roland is carted off the floor after breaking his leg Dec. 22 in Washington.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Remembering 2009-2010

games before again running into the top-ranked team in the nation: the Kansas Jayhawks.

Before falling 59-54 to KU, A&M defeated rivals Texas Tech — twice — and Baylor. Baylor would have its revenge four games later with a 70-66 win over the Aggies in Waco.

The Aggies followed the Bears’ retaliation with some retribution of their own — a 74-58 dismantling of archrival Texas. A&M finished the regular season with two more wins before heading to the Big 12 Tournament.

After finishing 11-5 in conference and tied for second place, the Aggies earned the No. 4 seed in the Big 12 Tournament and the right to play Nebraska after a first round bye. After defeating the Cornhuskers 70-64, the Aggies fell 79-66 to their third No.1 ranked opponent of the season: once again, the Kansas Jayhawks.

With a 22-8 regular season record, A&M received a fifth-straight NCAA Tournament bid and earned a five seed. After defeating 12-seeded Utah St., 69-53, the Aggies lost in heartbreaking fashion to fourth-

Aggie fans prepare for a game against No. 1 Kansas on Feb. 15 at Reed Arena.

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Resilience

DEAR TO OUR HEARTS

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Tobi

how much love existed between him and his parents, his respect A package arrived for the Oyedejis not long after Tobi’s for them and how proud he made them. He called everyone his death. It was addressed from the young man who was Tobi’s friend, even if he’d only met them once. Mike described being roommate in California during the All-American game. Inside Continued from page 7 with him in a mall and having to stop repeatedly so he could was a pair of $300 “Beats by Dr. Dre” headphones and a note him,” he says. “I thought he was going to pull through, because visit with each person who wanted to talk to him. “Oh, that’s explaining that Tobi had broken his headphones in the airport in California; he made such an impression on his roommate that he was that tough. That’s something else about Tobi, the tough- my friend [so-and-so],” Tobi would say.

His room is just as he left it. Dollar bills and spare change sit the young man decided to buy him the new ones, but never got ness about him. I just thought he was going to pull through.

“I said something to him, but…” The sobs take over. Eventu- atop the dresser. An iPod Nano rests in its charging dock. His to send them before the accident happened. clothes still hang in the closet and his Xbox 360 lies below the He wanted the parents to have them anyway. ally he mutters, “I don’t know if he heard me.” television. It all projects the image of an average 17-year-old “Tobi was very humble, very cool to be around, always A life of love student.

It’s Oct. 25 and Nikki Oyedeji rests lightly on the couch in He was more than that. her home in Missouri City. Filtered light seeps through the “He loved Texas A&M and “He influenced people without much curtains, splaying delicately across the shrine that fills the foyer. he was gonna be a great ambasFramed jerseys, awards, pictures, posthumous honors and cards sador for this place … He was effort, just by being himself. The legadrape the wall. It’s a bittersweet smile that draws across her face a big, lovable, super-positive cy he left behind is already spreading.” when she looks at it. kid,” Clark says. “He brought She keeps her spirits high nonetheless, and offers a plate with energy to a basketball floor, he cashews and chips. They’ve got a kick to them. brought energy to a room when “Tobi loved spicy things,” she says wistfully. he walked in. He was a really high-character kid. He was very chill,” Turner said. “Tobi was funny, a character. Really a charTobi loved a lot of things. He loved God. His favorite catch- grounded and he had a belief system. He was going to be some- acter. Always joking, always enjoying himself, having fun, very phrase, which he doodled everywhere and which still hangs body that was easy to be a fan of. A lot of parents would’ve Christian-like. Tobi was wonderful. He was the perfect kid. above his bed, was “Man can’t control my destiny.” He carried wanted their kids to be fans of Tobi because he was that kind You cannot not remember Tobi. He was goofy and crazy, in a devotional everywhere with him and dedicated ample time to of person. When you think about what an Aggie is, that’s what a good way. It’s like he was blessed with not just talent and his studying it. Nikki opens the book to show highlighted phrases Tobi was. A hard-worker, had a value system, wanted to make ability to be a great basketball player, but he was also blessed as on every page from Jan. 1 to May 15. During Tobi’s trip to other people’s lives better. He was loyal. He had a great spirit a person. One of a kind. It was unbelievable.”

California, Mike called him late at night to check on him. He about him.”

The smile returns to Mike and Nikki’s faces when they relay answered and told him abruptly that he would call him back.

Tobi’s greatest ability was his way of bringing people to him anecdotes about what made their son so unique. They unroll “I’m reading my devotional,” Tobi told his father. and leading them by example. a 20-foot-long sheet of paper on which students from Bellaire He loved gospel music and playing guitar. He loved his family “For his age — he wasn’t even 18 — to touch as many lives wrote to Tobi after the accident. They show letters from people and friends. Without fail, coaches and teammates alike spoke of as he touched … Tobi was one of those kids, at a very diverse across the nation whose faith and lives Tobi impacted, whether high school, who got or not they knew him. along with the popular “He influenced people without much effort, just by bepeople, got along with ing himself,” Mike says. “The legacy he left behind is already [everyone],” Turgeon spreading.” said. “If he had ran for Clark nodded knowingly at the mention of the Facebook class president I’m sure posters. he would’ve gotten it.

“It’s tragic any time a young person is taken from the world, He made everyone feel but Tobi was special, because of the people that he impacted,” so special. There’s a he said. “They saw the way that he lived his life. He didn’t have story about a freshman to say anything to you and he made you want to be a better girl who dropped her person.” books and was so nerAn older woman approached Nikki the day of Tobi’s death to vous and he bent down ask if she was his mother. When she replied yes, the woman told and picked them up and her she had raised a wonderful boy. She had nothing else to say. made her feel like a mil‘Only the good die young’ lion bucks. There are a Crying on that lonely bench, Turner puts his head in his ton of stories like that. hands and waits for the words to come. The seconds pass as And that was just Tobi. though hours; life slows to a halt in a quiet hallway. What was I remember seeing a kid, when I went by the and what could have been drift through the air. Time does not school that day, who was seem to flow.

Turgeon referenced Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young” just torn up, a freshman days prior while struggling for an explanation. Turner bows his or sophomore who was about a foot smaller than head when it’s mentioned.

He looks at a world without this 17-year-old whose giant everyone else, and you just know Tobi made smile, outgoing personality, unwavering faith and unmistakable him feel so good every talent infected those he came in contact with. Somehow, he day when he talked to gives voice to what hundreds of friends, family and fans, hunhim. I don’t think he dreds of those whose lives will never be the same, are left to had any enemies. I don’t ponder hollowly.

Courtesy Photo “I think that’s true, because he was too good,” he chokes out. think he ever cursed in From left to right: Aaron Hafer, Christina Noblett, Megan Stewart, Haley Sorensen and his life. He just touched Silence.

John Nowotny, all class of 2014 and Bellaire High School graduates, stand with jerseys in a lot of people in a posiThen: “I know that’s true. He was called, and he came. memory of Tobi Oyedeji at the A&M men’s basketball team’s exhibition game Nov. 2. tive way.” “… But I wish he would’ve stayed.”

THE BATTALION 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

T 2010 campaign. “[Colson] is such a fun person to play with, to coach and to be with off the court,” Head Coach Gary Blair said at Big 12 Media Day. “She is just quick with the ball. She makes things happen.”

In her third year as captain, Colson is putting the finishing touches on becoming a leader, working on the balance between constructive criticism and attacking, she said. She knows that pushing her teammates in her final season as an Aggie is a must.

“Usually, I’m really positive out there on the court and I’m usually not the one to get on [my teammates], but I’m telling them this year that I can’t really be worried about their emotions,” Colson said. “You can’t be sensitive out there on the court, you know. I just really try to be a vocal leader as much as I can. It’s definitely

Colson and Carter, shown posing together, play with tenacity on the court but are jovial and friendly off it. The duo is setting its sights high in 2010, aiming for an appearance in the Elite Eight — or better.

But off the court? Without trying, the two soon turn a professional interview into a friendly discussion about Carter’s personality, which is “bubbly…like Colbie Caillat,” Colson said.

This answer, and the subsequent discussion afterward, leads to a look from Carter — one that can only be described as a face that says: “...The heck?” It’s a mix of amusement, annoyance and sheer confusion; it’s the face that, day in and day out, Colson strives to provoke.

“I like to get that face actually because it makes me laugh,” Colson said.

“If ever I feel like I need a laugh, even if she’s in a bad mood, I’ll do something just to, like, annoy her.”

Colson, a five foot eight inch senior from the Houston area, led the Aggies in assists in 2009-2010 with 129. She was one of three Texas A&M players to accumulate 100 assists in the 2009-

A whole lot in common

11/10/10 7:45 PM

not something I perfected but it’s something I’m constantly working on.”

Carter, Colson and the women’s basketball team stayed in College Station over the summer to work at the annual A&M basketball camp for young girls, where the two were coaches of their own teams and players.

Carter was the vocal coach while Colson wanted to get a win even if it meant her staying silent. Victory was still the target for both, but the path to it could not have been more different for the two guards.

“I don’t know, I’m just so competitive,” Carter said.

“When we’re going up against other players on our team that are coaching, I’m just always yelling and everything just to Photos by Tyler Hosea — THE BATTALION make sure I don’t lose. It’s kind of like a competition thing in- The A&M women’s squad’s leaders, senior guard Sydney Colson and between with the players being junior guard Sydney Carter, each averaged seven points a game in 2009. coaches.”

Colson described her style “Whenever we had some Allyear,” Colson said. “I’m not going to as “just go win and do whatever you go too far into the future, but we defi- American guards we were going up have to do.” She prefers to be laid back nitely want to go to the Elite Eight this against, she was always holding them as a coach and just wants five players to year. As far as non-conference stuff, I and doing a mighty fine job,” Colson go out and be good. really want us to go undefeated non- said. “She’s definitely our top defender That’s the goal for the 2010 season conference. We have a tough sched- and she’s always going to go out there as well — go out there and be good. ule, but I think if we do that then and work hard all the time. I appreIn 2009, the Aggies went 26-8 — their that’ll really prepare us for the Big 12.” ciate that aspect of her game because fifth-straight season of 20 or more wins Both Sydneys offer a different talent she’s somebody that will get out there — but were unable to get into the to the team. With the junior Carter, and run with me all the time and I can Sweet Sixteen after a second-round it’s her shooting. She has rotated at count on her to go hard and handle upset by seventh-seeded Gonzaga. the point guard position for two years, her own.”

In Colson’s freshman year Texas but will move into the shooting guard A lot of expectations exist for the A&M went to the Elite Eight, and she role, which she feels is her “comfort Texas A&M women’s basketball team wants to finish in that rarified air again, zone,” when she wants to. in the 2010 season. And by the end of if not higher. That isn’t the only goal But for Colson, the quiet strength it, the Sydney duo wants to put the for the season, however. in Carter’s game lies in her steady de- confused “...The heck?” look on every “We have a lot of goals for this fensive prowess. team they beat.

he first thing you notice about Sydney Colson and Sydney Carter: there are more similarities between them than just the spellings of their first names. Colson and Carter have easygoing personalities that do not coincide with their games whatsoever; Carter is the scrappy one that hits the floor and will do whatever it takes to win the ball, while Colson is the quiet leader who passes the ball and credit on to her teammates.

By Kyle Cunningham | The Battalion

The Sydneys

CHANGING OF THE GUARD PAGE 5

T hey’re still there.

The wishes and prayers and the sadness, all of it’s still there. People call out to him; they come to leave letters of friendship, grief and love. He lingers in their hearts, his time on Earth an ephemeral testament to joy and pain and the frustrating mystery that is life.

Oct. 16: five months after he departed, there were four messages to him posted on the Facebook page that, like the untold numbers whose lives he touched, he left behind. Five more the next day. There’s always something new, someone who still searches for a way to cope without such a positive force in their life.

Michael “Tobi” Oyedeji, 17, died May 16 after sustaining grevious injuries in a head-on car collision, but they’re still there.

One would imagine that he is, too.

Beyond his years It’s the summer of 2009 and the gangly teenager gallops along a basketball court with the world in front of him.

Years of recruitment, months of deliberation and countless prayers and discussions with his parents have carried the young man — six feet and eight inches of roaring enthusiasm and boundless potential — to the most monumental decision of his life. The arms that make up his seven foot four inch wingspan churn alongside him. His booming voice rings out across the floor.

His smile lights up the room.

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THE BATTALION 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Man can’t control

The school counselor once told his parents that if everyone was like Tobi her job would be so easy. Tobi knew, as his father assured him, that if his grades slipped there would be no basketball.

Still, he worked his way to academic success with little prodding or intervention. He intended to take full advantage of his time at Texas A&M; during his recruiting visit, he insisted on meeting with advisers from the college of engineering.

The High School Academic All-American Game invited him to join the American roster after his senior year based on meeting qualifications that included GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strength of high school curriculum, college selection and other extracurricular activities. He flew to Azusa, Calif. for the game.

He returned with the Player of the Game trophy.

“He was a very intelligent kid, very bright,” A&M Head Coach Mark Turgeon said. “He loved basketball. He was very passionate about

Courtesy photos

my destiny

By Beau Holder | The Battalion

in the Houston Independent School District. DeBakey did not have an athletic program. With acceptance considered an honor, a student declining an invitation to attend was unthinkable.

Yet Bellaire High School called the Oyedejis to offer Tobi a spot. Citing the school’s academic profile — while not quite DeBakey’s — alongside an opportunity to play basketball, he made the decision to switch to Bellaire.

He loved basketball, but academics were just as important to Tobi. Those close to him ada-

Above: Tobi Oyedeji the night of his senior prom.

Right: Oyedeji poses for a photo for a basketball profile. As a power forward he was ranked in the top 100 recruits in the 2010 high school class and was Texas A&M’s top recruit.

“From the first time that I’d ever met Tobi, the first time he ever came to this campus — it was probably as an eighth-grader — he was different,” said A&M Athletic Assistant Dustin Clark.

“His basketball skills notwithstanding, he was a big-time kid. His personality shone through.

The day he committed, he was so excited to be an Aggie … I remember him just running across the gym floor saying, ‘Hey Coach, I did it! I did it! I did it!’ and I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ He said, ‘I committed, I’m going to be an Aggie!’”

Oyedeji, born May 21, 1992, was the only child of Mike and Nikki, both Nigerian-Americans. As a middle schooler, he played the saxo-

mantly referenced his priorities.

“So self-motivated,” Michael Oyedeji said of his son. “He was up late many nights studying and doing homework. He drew his own line with basketball and high school.”

“He would’ve left here with a degree. He wanted to play [in the] NBA, but Tobi was going to be very successful in life with or without basketball.” phone before letting it go to focus on schoolwork and basketball. Before his freshman year of high school, he was selected from a pool of more than 1,000 applicants to attend Michael E. DeBakey High School, the No. 1 public school

TOBI OYEDEJI PAGE 7

basketball. Always had loved it. Played harder booth followed food and games. They agreed they became friends in the travel team circuit out of surgery and we’ve done everything we every day, more than any player I’ve ever re- to take their dates home at about 2 a.m. when and during the recruiting process. Alexander sits can do, and his chances of survival are very low.’” across from Turner, shaking his head. cruited. You knew one thing when you went to the two fatefully parted ways.

“I just cried for a couple hours without talkThe small contingent moved together into watch Tobi: that he was going to play hard. And “I know he was [with his date] for a while, he did that consistently. Because of how hard he then he left from there around 4 or 5 a.m. on ing to anybody,” he murmurs. “It didn’t seem the ward where Tobi was housed and stood like there was any reason for it. Hard worker, al- with him for nearly 10 minutes as the last sands ways gave the glory where it was due and played of the hourglass slipped away. to contribute for his team, not for himself. He Turgeon was mired in flights between Cali“I knew he was in bad shape and he might not never did anything stupid, never put himself or fornia and Dallas throughout the day but said, others in danger. It made me ask, ‘Why him? Of “I left [the family] a message again, tried to call ever play basketball again — and I was fine with all people?’ I still struggle with that.” them again that night, didn’t get through to All eyes trail to the floor. that. I was OK with that as long as he was OK.” them, planned a trip to go see them the next A tearful Turner rocks slowly on the seat, day. It happened quick. You don’t ever expect whispering to himself. it, and when you’re dealing with a guy like Tobi “He should still be here.” played and how driven he was with basketball, his way home,” Turner said. you’re like, ‘Yeah, he’s in an accident, but he’s a he was really just starting to scratch the surface Disbelief Tobi did not drive often; Mike and Nikki big strong kid, he’s gonna survive.’ It was tough. of where he was going to be as a player. weren’t planning on giving him a car until after It’s been five months and Clark sits in his of- It’s still tough. It’s still really hard for us.”

“I think he would’ve left here with a degree. his first semester at A&M. They didn’t feel right With his hands covering his eyes, a quiet fice with solemn eyes trailing to the ceiling.

He wanted to play [in the] NBA, like all kids about letting the night of their son’s prom pass “I’ll never forget, I got a call Sunday morn- Clark leans back in his chair and concurs. do, but Tobi was going to be very successful in without him being able to go where he pleased, “I still didn’t think we were going to lose ing, the 16th, from his high school coach, and life with or without basketball.” and still insist they feel letting him borrow a car he said, ‘Tobi’s been in a car wreck,’” he says.

See Tobi on page 8 was the right decision. When he left his date’s “And I said, ‘Is he OK?’ He The time of their lives It’s noon on May 15; the sun sits high over- house and went out into the world for a final said, ‘Well, he’s in the hospihead and Ray Turner is grinning ear to ear as time, he sent his father a text around 5:55 a.m. tal.’ I jumped in the car and he meets Nikki Oyedeji outside a fabric shop in to check in. drove to Houston and I had “Dad, I’m on my way home.”

Bellaire. As a fellow post player from Houston heard that his injuries were Just after 6 a.m., the car he was driving lurched [bad], that he had some inand a cog in the Aggie program, he has grown to be a surrogate older brother to Tobi while across a median when — it’s assumed — he fell ternal bleeding and he was in his recruitment plays out. Prom approaches asleep at the wheel. The head-on collision killed surgery and had some broken quickly, littering every youth’s mind with the 52-year-old Gertha Augustin, an MD Anderson bones. At that point in time I euphoria only a night that seems as though it nurse, at the scene and sent Tobi to Ben Taub knew he was in bad shape and General Hospital with severe injuries. Through will last forever brings. the thought crossed my mind The Aggies’ then-freshman forward embrac- Bruce Glover, the coach at Bellaire, Tur- that he might not ever play the es her, envisioning just that. It will be the time geon, Clark and the other A&M coaches were game of basketball again — and of their lives — before the responsibility. Before notified of the accident and immediately headed I was fine with that. to Houston. the worries.

“I was OK with that; I just “Tobi’s so excited!” she says. “When you get Of all people wanted him to be able to come together, you will have so much fun. I want you to Texas A&M and have a Turner pauses, hunching forlornly on a to have fun.” normal college career just like bench in the Cox-McFerrin Center for Aggie Turner smiles again. every other college-bound stuBasketball.

“We will,” he responds. “I’m gonna make “I’m on my way home. That was the last dent and go forward from that. sure Tobi has a wonderful prom and take care of message he sent to his father,” he says. “That I was OK with that as long as him and make sure everything’s alright.”

‘On my way home’ Turner departed shortly afHe loved God. His favorite catchphrase, which he ter to pick up his girlfriend and doodled everywhere and which still hangs above meet Tobi. The two friends laughed and played that night, his bed, was “Man can’t control my destiny.” danced and sang and joked beneath the lights. They talked about life and love and colhe was OK.” lege. They posed for pictures. Turner thought was just a big sign for me.”

Clark joined Mike and Nikki Tobi’s parents nod with a faint smile when about his plans for surprising Tobi on his birthday, which was six days away, and about playing asked about the text. It’s still so hard for them in the ICU waiting room. Together they prayed and hoped. to revisit, but there are no doubts. with him at A&M. “When he sent that, he wasn’t talking to us They embraced. They waited.

“He was just so excited he didn’t know what “The surgeon came in to say,” Turner said. “He was just like, ‘Man, anymore,” Nikki says. “We know that at that I so cannot wait.’ It was wonderful. I’ll never point, he was beyond us. We know who he was and said, ‘Where are the forget that night.” parents?’” he recalls. “And talking to.”

At the prom’s conclusion, they left with their he said what you never Oyedeji stands with close friend Erica Perme. Support for That doesn’t make it any easier. dates to visit Dave & Buster’s for the after-prom Tobi planned to room with freshman Daniel expect you’ll hear in your life- the Oyedeji family poured in from his many friends and festivities. A duel at the basketball-shooting Alexander during the first year of school after time. He said, ‘We’ve got Tobi others around the country after his death.

11/10/10 7:40 PM