But like all things, life goes on. Named the Interim Head Basketball Coach of the Hoos was assistant coach Ron Sanchez who previously had Head coaching experience at Charlotte. He also served nine seasons under Bennett so he’s familiar with his philosophy on coaching a team – should he decide to follow it.

If the first half of the Hoos season proved anything, it was their inability to consistently play at the same level of their competition – namely Tennessee, St Johns, Florida, SMU, and Memphis. All nationally ranked teams. They were outscored on average 72 – 56, a sixteen-point difference.

There’s No Place Like Home

It would have been nice if the Cavs played all their games within the confines of John Paul Jones Arena because they compiled a 6 -1 record there.

Overall, the Hoos did manage to finish the first half of their season with a 7 – 5 record heading into Conference play.

Defensively, they remain solid, giving up only 60 pts per game which is par for them.

But offensively, they need to score more points if they are going to be competitive against ACC opponents.

One area of concern are the turnovers. They averaged twelve per game in the first half of this season – four more than their average last year.

Go Hoos!

Now that they’ve had a dozen games under their belt, let’s hope the Cavs can build off that experience and be a contender rather than play a spoiler’s role in their Conference. 

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The Secret Religious History of Thanksgiving

The “first Thanksgiving” is often traced back to Plymouth in 1621, but the history of giving thanks for the harvest runs much, much deeper. 

Most people think of Thanksgiving as an entirely secular holiday – free of both the religious connections held by holidays like Christmas and Easter, and the patriotic ties that come with events like the 4th of July and Veteran’s Day.

It’s just a day for feasting, giving thanks, and spending time with loved ones. Nothing else to see here… right?

Well, not exactly. In fact, Thanksgiving has religious roots that run deep – so deep that they’re easy to miss at first glance.

This is the story of how the pagans held the original Thanksgiving, how the Christian Church eventually coopted the holiday as its own, and how the symbolic evidence survives to this day.

Here’s everything you didn’t know about the (real) history of Thanksgiving.

Feasting With the Old Gods

Before the rise of Christianity in the western world, the holiday calendar looked a lot different than it does today. Across Europe, the pre-Christian pagans held all manner of seasonal celebrations – marking the coming of spring, for example, as well as the summer and winter solstices.

But some of the biggest festivals occurred around harvest time.

This was a time to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest and to celebrate the success of another growing season.

There were many different types of harvest festivals, but the biggest three were Lammas, Mabon, and Samhain – each honoring different gods and celebrating different parts of the harvest and the changing of the seasons.  

Christians Capitalize on Pagan Festivals

All holidays adapt and evolve as time passes – it’s only natural.

However, pagan holidays have a remarkable track record of (unwillingly) becoming the basis for Christian celebrations. Again and again throughout history, the Christian Church has coopted pagan festivals for its benefit.

From Christmas to Easter, Christians who sought to supplant the pagan faith with their own mastered the technique of incorporating pagan symbols, traditions, and lore into newly-created Christian holidays – thus making it easier to convert more people to the Church.

As you may have suspected, harvest festivals are no different.

The Rise of Harvest Home

As Christianity overtook the pagan faith as the most popular religion in Europe, the celebrations of the harvest were bound to evolve, too.  

In England and Ireland, what emerged was a three-day festival called Harvest Home that featured a great feast to mark the last of the grain getting safely stored for the winter.

This modified tradition incorporated elements of pagan customs, but also had some heavily Christian influences (the festival began with a special church service, for example).  

It was this Christianized harvest festival that provided the basis for the American holiday of Thanksgiving.

And yet, there is another twist to the story.

Puritans Shun Pagan Roots

Here’s the thing: the Puritans – the first English settlers in North America – weren’t big on celebrating Harvest Home.   

In fact, they rejected this harvest festival entirely (as well as other holidays like Christmas and Easter) due to their pagan roots.

The Puritans recognized that pagan celebrations had been merged with Christian beliefs with the goal of converting people to the faith, and thus they weren’t comfortable participating.

But there were good reasons to celebrate the harvest. Starvation was a real threat for early European settlers in North America, and especially in New England, where the winter climate was fierce and unforgiving.

The First Thanksgiving

The “first Thanksgiving” is widely traced back to Plymouth in 1621, when members of the Wampanoag tribe gathered with the Pilgrims for a harvest feast (which perhaps saved the newcomers from starvation). 

We put that in quotes because this certainly wasn’t the first harvest festival ever recorded, nor the first to take place in North America.

Further, many don’t view the first Thanksgiving as an event worth celebrating at all. For people of Native American ancestry, this event marks the beginning of centuries of turmoil, death, and destruction of their lands at the hands of white settlers.  

Native American Harvest Festivals

Like the pagans of Europe, for thousands of years, Native American tribes had been holding harvest celebrations to thank their gods and spirits for the bounty of the season.

Although harvest deities varied from tribe to tribe, many Native American cultures paid homage to “creator gods” that were believed to have helped the Great Spirit complete the earth in its physical form. One such creator god was the Earth Mother, who some tribes believed was the one to bring corn – a harvest staple – to the Native peoples. 

One major celebration occurred around the Harvest Moon in September, when tribes would gather for a harvest feast and give thanks to the crops that brought life to the community. Festivities would often involve dancing, drumming circles, and different types of games.

Tradition Spreads Far and Wide

European settlers in North America continued this ancient tradition of giving thanks, creating their own harvest holidays to celebrate the season’s bounty (though any praise in their versions would go to the Christian God).

Different regions and religious denominations across the U.S. would develop unique versions of this seasonal celebration. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the country rallied around a unified national holiday that was officially named “Thanksgiving.”

But even in this modern version of the ancient harvest celebration – many centuries removed from its pre-Christian roots – we can still see prominent symbols from other religions.

Thanksgiving Religious Symbolism

The Cornucopia is also referred to as the “horn of plenty.”

1) Cornucopia

Among the images closely associated with Thanksgiving is the Cornucopia – a horn-shaped basket that is typically depicted overflowing with foods of the fall harvest like squash, corn, and apples.

Far from a Thanksgiving creation, the Cornucopia (also referred to as the “horn of plenty”) actually traces its roots back to ancient Greek mythology.

According to myth, the she-goat Amalthea nursed a baby Zeus in a cave on the island of Crete. One day, Zeus accidentally broke off her horn. As a sign of gratitude, Zeus made sure the horn was always full of whatever goods the owner desired.

The Cornucopia later became a sacred symbol of the harvest in Celtic pagan tradition.

And today, this symbol of plenty lives on as part of the Thanksgiving holiday – in artwork, decorations, and centerpieces.

2) Turkey

It would be hard to find a more ubiquitous symbol of modern Thanksgiving than the turkey, which studies show is eaten by 90% of American households on Thanksgiving. 

But did you know its origin at the Thanksgiving dinner table likely stems from Native American tradition?

Many tribes view the turkey as a symbol of fertility and abundance. Turkey is a totem animal, and turkey feathers also carry special importance and are used in certain Native American rituals. 

Although experts disagree on whether the “first Thanksgiving” included turkey, that this large bird has become so prominently featured at Thanksgiving tables is no accident.

3) Football

Football on Thanksgiving is also a deeply rooted tradition.

And some experts suggest there’s an ancient explanation for that. 

In addition to large feasts, Celtic pagan harvest festivals often featured some sort of sporting event or athletic competition. 

One such festival was the Irish celebration of Lughnasadh, during which people would compete in events like wrestling and archery. 

In that sense, football on Thanksgiving is the continuation of a centuries-old harvest festival tradition. 

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It’s pigskin season right now but hoop season is just around the corner.

The Caveliers are scheduled to open their regular season on November 6 against Campbell followed by Coppin State on November 11.

This year’s roster is a mixed bag. There are returning players, transfer portal players, recruits, and even a homegrown walk-on in Carter Lang. So it’s anyone’s guess on how this season will materialize.

One thing is for sure though, Bennett will have them ready for the opening tip-off.

A game that UVA fans are looking forward to will be played in Baltimore on November 15 against perennial powerhouse Villanova.

Then, on November 21, they travel to the Bahamas for the Bahamas Mar Hoops Championship where they will face either Tennessee, St Johns or Baylor. Hopefully, they return home with the Championship Trophy.

In all, the Wahoos will have a busy November having seven games on their schedule.

I’m looking forward to the opening game tip-off not only because last season is behind us but I’m anxious to see who Bennett will have as his starting five.

Go Hoos!

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For more information, please visit our website at Shortwave Information of Interest – International Christian Temple Church (ictchurch.org)

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NIL:

The NIL policy, which allows college athletes to profit from their personal brands, was implemented in July 2021, fundamentally altering the relationship between athletes and institutions. This change has empowered athletes, providing opportunities for them to monetize their fame through endorsements, social media, and other ventures. Players can now earn significant income while still in school, addressing a long-standing grievance about the NCAA’s strict amateurism rules.

The NIL era has also introduced new dynamics that complicate the collegiate sports landscape.

1.Recruitment Imbalances:
  NIL deals have amplified the existing disparities between programs.
Wealthier schools, particularly those with strong alumni networks and larger
media markets, can offer recruits lucrative endorsement opportunities. This
worsens the competitive imbalance, as top-tier programs can now leverage
financial incentives more openly to attract the best talent.

2. Shift in Player Priorities:
  The focus on marketability and a players own “Brand” may shift
players’ priorities away from team success and development. Athletes might
prioritize individual exposure over collegiate achievements, potentially
disrupting team cohesion and the traditional emphasis on team goals.

3. Potential for Exploitation:
  While NIL is designed to benefit athletes, it also opens the door
for potential exploitation by unscrupulous agents and sponsors. Young athletes,
many of whom lack experience in business negotiations, might fall prey to
unfavorable deals that do not adequately compensate them or align with their
best interests.

The Transfer Portal:

The change to the transfer portal has also damaged college basketball by providing players greater freedom to transfer between schools without having to sit out a year, as was previously required. This change has led to a huge level of player movement, with thousands of athletes entering the portal each year in search of better opportunities and NIL money.

While the portal offers athletes more control over their careers, it has introduced several challenges.

1. Coaches now face the constant threat of losing key players, creating turmoil in their roster management. Teams that invest in developing young talent may see their efforts wasted if those players transfer to other programs, disrupting continuity, long-term planning and program building

2. The ease of transferring has also led to a less stable environment. Players who don’t immediately receive playing time or the role they desire may quickly seek other options, which can foster a culture of impatience and short-term thinking. This undermines the traditional model of athletes developing and growing within a program over several years, building cohesion and loyalty.

3. Players have lost sight of the main purpose of college which is to use the abilities they were given to get an education and help prepare them for success after school. Very few have the elite abilities to have success playing basketball beyond college.

Conclusion:

Together, NIL and the transfer portal are creating a college basketball landscape where money and mobility dominate. Schools with strong financial backing and marketable platforms will likely attract top talent, further entrenching their dominance. Meanwhile, smaller programs may struggle to compete, both in terms of retaining players and attracting new ones.

For fans, these changes might lead to a less predictable and more fragmented sport. The excitement of watching a young team grow and mature over several seasons could be replaced by a more transient, mercenary model where rosters are overhauled annually. While this new reality might bring short-term excitement with high-profile transfers and star-studded lineups, it risks eroding the deep-seated traditions and loyalties that have long been the bedrock of college basketball.

by Franklin N. Gibson

Sports Analyst for Dr E C Fulcher Jr, LLC

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The Wahoo’s began February on a Rocky Mountain high by winning their first three conference games.

They were now in contention for the ACC top spot. But then the unthinkable happened – their offense began to unravel.

In the next four games they averaged just 49 points per game which resulted in three loses.

For the month, they finished 5-3 chasing both North Carolina and Duke in the Conference.

There are two more regular/ conference games left in March before the league playoffs begin.

Although the Cav’s overall record stands at 21-8 – as of this writing – they took their defeats on the chin. Some of their eight loses were frustrating to watch because they were uncharacteristic blowouts.

This team is too good to have these kinds of lapses so it is a concern for Bennett going forward.

Let’s hope they can play winning basketball throughout March because March is when the men from the boys get separated.

Go Hoos!!

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January proved to be a successful month for the Hoos.

After two consecutive losses they showed their prowess by reeling off five straight wins which is no easy feat in the ACC.

Entering February, the Cavs find themselves tied for second place with Duke – both 1 1/2  games behind North Carolina in the conference. Overall, they possess a respectable 16-5 record.

The ACC is arguably the premier conference in the country. To date, twelve of the fifteen teams have winning records, and two (North Carolina & Duke) are ranked in the top ten in the country.

Reece Beekman continues to be the glue on Bennett’s team and one of the consummate players in college basketball.

If January was any indication of what to look for in February and March it must be the Cavs bench. When called upon, each of them fulfilled their roles to their expectation which is a sign of maturity.

At this point, it seems like Bennett has found the rotation he was searching for. With that being said, the road to the conference title looks promising.

As always, Let’s go Hoos!

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If the Hoos are going to be competitive in the ACC, they are going to have to play better basketball, both offensively and defensively, because the heart of the competition awaits them for the next two months.

With that being said, the Cavaliers finished the first half of their season 10-3, having lost to Wisconsin, Memphis, and Notre Dame.

Statistically, Reese Beekman continues to be the anchor of the team averaging 13.1 ppg. He is followed by Isaac McNeely with 10.8 ppg. This should be an area of concern for Bennett going into the second half of the season because, at this point, the other members of the team are not contributing enough for them to be successful against ACC teams.

Collectively, they are averaging 65.8 ppg while surrendering 56.2 ppg. One area that requires improvement is at the free throw line where they are only converting 65% of their attempts.

Let’s hope Bennett can better prepare his team for conference play.

Go Hoos!!

Jerry Corsaletti

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The Wahoos opened their season with four straight victories, which helped them crack the top twenty-five teams in the nation being voted number twenty-four.

Needless to say, expectations began to rise after they had their way with Tarelton State; beat a quality University of Florida team in the Hall of Fame series, and then manhandled both North Carolina A&T and Texas Southern.

During this four game stretch, UVA averaged seventy-four points per game while the defense allowed just fifty-one points per game.

Next on their schedule was the Fort Myers tip-off tournament. Their first opponent was the Wisconsin bagers from the Big Ten.

Basketball being basketball, Bennett’s team did not fair well and were handed a disappointing and uncharacteristic defeat. However, they did return to beat a scrappy West Virginia team 56 – 54.

The Wahoos did finish November on a high note with a very impressive win over then 14th  ranked Texas A&M.

Beekman, McKneely, and Dunn continue to be the pillars of the team. But portal transfers Groves, Buchanan, and Rohde made their presence felt as did Leon Bond III, and Dante Harris.

Also looking to play more minutes is Elijah Gertrude, Jordan Minor, Taine Murray, Bryce Walker, and Tristan How who are all talented players.

This team may very well be one of the better teams that Bennett has coached in recent years.

Looking forward to watching the progression of this Wahoo team.

Jerry Corsaletti

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College basketball season will soon be upon us, and we look forward to seeing our Hoos back on the court beginning November 6th against Tarleton State.

This season promises to be an interesting one because of several unknown factors.

The pivotal players will be Beekman, Dunn, and McKneely. Then there are several transfers who Bennett hopes will make an immediate impact on the court. 

Beekman is one of the better defensive players in the country notwithstanding his overall contribution to the team.

McKneely, who is only a sophmore, as is Dunn,  is already being compared (statistically) to Kyle Guy while one writer has Dunn being a second coming of De’Andre Hunter. 

Off the bench, there is an experienced junior in Taine Murray. If he plays up to his potential he can most certainly earn a spot on the starting five. 

With that being said, Bennett has to find playing time for those who transferred into his program as well as Leon Bond III, a red-shirted freshman, and true freshman Elijah Gertrude.

As we know, Tony Bennett’s side of the ball is defense. If this year’s team can limit their opponents to under 55 points a game, they may very well contend for the ACC title.

Let’s go Wahoo’s and surprise the critics. 

Jerry Corsaletti

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