It’s not every day that you get to face off against the reigning Division I champions. As I lace up my shoes for our upcoming game against the UConn Men's Basketball Team, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement, reflection, and determination. For me and my teammates, this is more than just a non-conference game—it’s a moment that represents how far we’ve come and how much more we can grow.

For me, this game holds a deep meaning. The last time I stepped onto UConn’s court was during the NCAA camp the summer before my senior year of high school. Back then, I was just a kid hoping to prove himself, and that summer turned out to be life-changing. I walked away from that camp with several Division I scholarship offers—opportunities that allowed me to play the sport I love at the collegiate level. Now, as a senior in my final season of college basketball, it feels like things have come full circle. I’m returning to where it all began, but this time with the experience, growth, and friendships I’ve built over the years.

We know that facing UConn, the defending national champions, is a challenge. The odds might not be in our favor, and many people don’t see us as competition. But that doesn’t matter. My teammates and I are pumped for this opportunity, and we’re ready to play our hearts out. We have so much to learn from games like this—about ourselves, about how we work as a unit, and about how we handle pressure and push our limits.

This game is about more than just the final score. It’s about testing ourselves against the best and using the experience to prepare for what’s ahead in our season. It’s about taking on the challenge and not backing down. It’s about showing that we belong on the same court as any team, even if they are the Division I champs. As someone who’s been through the ups and downs of college basketball, I’m not scared to face UConn. I’m grateful for the chance to compete against such a strong team, to push myself and my teammates, and to take in every moment of this incredible journey. And who knows? Maybe we’ll surprise a few people along the way.