When it comes to NCAA basketball, the 2017-18 Mercer Bears men's team is a beacon of competitive audacity in a world too often marred by politically correct moderation. The Mercer Bears, hailing from the historic grounds of Macon, Georgia, charged into their 2017-18 season ready to set the court ablaze. Led by the no-nonsense head coach Bob Hoffman, who served from 2008 to 2019, this team was hell-bent on carving out their piece of hardwood glory in the Southern Conference (SoCon). Fasten your seat belts, the journey was anything but a comfortable ride for those who think sports should play second fiddle to social justice.
The Bears embarked on their campaign on November 11, 2017, against Central Florida—a perfect way to say "bring it on" as they challenged stereotypes by daring to play rather than preach. Their roster was a testament to fighting spirit and skill. The list of players included seniors like Ria'n Holland, a sharp-shooting guard whose performances were more electrifying than a summer storm. Holland, a transfer from Fresno State, epitomized the very essence of the American dream—a relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of the odds.
Then came the sensational Jordan Strawberry, whose basketball heritage thrummed in his veins. As the son of MLB legend Darryl Strawberry, he was a fortress of discipline and talent. Jordan brought leadership that echoed conservative values by placing the team above all. This was a squad that understood winning doesn't simply belong to those who shout the loudest or virtue signal the hardest.
The Bears' season, though not leading to the NCAA tournament, was an emphatic success in leading by example. They ended with a respectable season record of 19 wins and 15 losses, demonstrating steely determination. In a world hampered by excuses, they made none.
Home games took place at Hawkins Arena, celebrated not only for its engaging atmosphere filled with passionate fans but as a symbol of a vibrant community undistracted by external narratives. Mercer Bears knew their path—led by strategy, skill, and gall—against some formidable opponents like North Carolina who have always been college basketball elites.
With players like Stephon Jelks, the Bears continually presented a brand of basketball that mirrored personal accountability and grit. Jelks was a forward whose on-court tenacity was a reflection of classic American values of hard work and devotion to craft, never allowing himself to be swayed from the exhilarating roar of victory's pursuit.
While some teams are dazzled by the mainstream media's fixation on the politically-correct narratives overshadowing the game itself, the Mercer Bears staunchly focused on their game plan. In the Southern Conference, they faced rivalries on and off the court that demanded a fortitude that can't be measured in rhetoric but is evidenced in turnovers, rebounds, and three-pointers.
The defensive prowess of this team—think of them as the metaphorical stonewall of The South—was anything but surprising. Coach Hoffman instilled a defensive mindset that acknowledged that points on the scoreboard are the ultimate equalizer. The team boasted commendable defensive plays, evoking an indelible desire to ensure that victories are earned in the most transparent fashion.
As the season unfolded, the Bears met challenges head-on, with decisive victories steadfastly molding their legacy in NCAA mid-major basketball. While they didn’t make hoops headlines, they personified the undeterred spirit of American sports that those within our borders recognize but many outsiders fail to understand.
Their time in the Southern Conference Tournament showcased their ability to compete beyond expected limits, as they reached the semi-finals. Here, they faced East Tennessee State but didn't quite clinch the title. However, their performance—testament to their dedication and sportsmanship—remained untainted by claims made by those who choose to politicize every aspect of life, including sports.
In the afterglow of their season, these athletes portrayed an embodiment of the American heartland spirit, not fleshed out by political correctness. Winning games meant executing plays with precision, a pursuit beyond measure on scales tilted by trends appealing to sensational narratives. Hence, the 2017-18 Mercer Bears men's basketball team holds a chapter in sports history: one without embellishment, yet colorful in their embodiment of basketball practiced with zeal balanced with humility.
Irrespective of their more publicized counterparts, the Bears' story resonates with those who prize earnest competition over contentious conversations. They were the team for the everyman, for those who yearn for stories about sports that transcend the echoes of interviews cluttered with scripted pieties. Here's to the athletes, the bearers of unwavering tenacity—individuals the Mercer Bears proudly represent, one layup at a time.