Courtesy of Morgan State Athletic Communications
This is the first in a series of interviews with Morgan State senior student-athletes regarding the impact amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and what the future holds for Morgan.
The NCAA canceled all winter and spring sports for the remainder of the academic calendar year.
The first student-athlete is men's basketball senior forward David Syfax Jr.
The Detroit, Mich., native was a fan favorite of the Bear faithful. During his four seasons at Morgan State, he appeared in 118 games, which ranks No. 6 on the school's all-time games played list. He scored 818 points, had 73 blocked shots while shooting 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from beyond the arc. Syfax concluded his senior campaign averaging 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and was second on the team in blocked shots with 20. He finished the season just six boards away from reaching 500 rebounds for his career.
Syfax discussed some of the impact of the coronavirus, the MEAC Tournament and plans for the future.
Questions are in bold, and the are followed by Syfax's responses, which have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Q: What was the emotion of having your postseason cut short due to the coronavirus?
A: It was pretty heartbreaking. I was really ready to play and I was so focused on the game to go beat Bethune-Cookman. It was definitely disappointing for me and my teammates.
Q: What was it like getting the news from Coach Kevin Broadus?
A: We found out about two hours before our game was scheduled to tip-off. Coach Broadus delivered the message during our pregame meal.
Q: What were your thoughts after seeing the women's team advance to the semifinals, only to find out it was going to be the last game of not only the MEAC Tournament, but the last game held in the country.
A: I thought there was no point in stopping them… they were already in pregame warmups getting ready for their game. I really felt for them because I thought they could've won the whole thing [championship] to be honest. But it is a good thing that they got a chance to end their season with a win.
Q: What will you do in the meantime?
A: I'm at home in Detroit and just recovering, working out and doing what I can do. They told us that if you're not on campus you need to stay off campus for precautionary measures and basically take this time to make sure you stay in shape and stay ready for anything.
Q: How would you describe this season?
A: It's almost like it was a waste. We didn't even get a chance to compete for our final goal… a championship.
Q: You guys were picked 8th in the preseason polls and finished 5th … How should this team be remembered?
A: We did finish three spots ahead of where we were predicted to finish but that's not really something to celebrate, because I wanted to be a champion.
Q: As a departing senior, how would you like to be remembered?
A: I want to be remembered as a guy who always gave it his all. I always played as hard as I could.
Q: How do you feel the coronavirus will affect the team heading into the 2020-21 season?
A: I believe this virus is going to blow over once they find out how to treat it…or get around it. I feel that by the time the summer comes everything should be back to normal, that's just my opinion.
Q: Outside of the disappointment of not playing in the MEAC Tournament, Is there one game or one moment that stood out to you that you can share regarding the season?
A: I can't really give you one moment that stood out. It has been a great year. I took advantage of the opportunity to form meaningful relationships that were mutually beneficial in ways I had not expected. I met some good people and made some solid contacts.
Q: What are your thoughts regarding the University's response to the coronavirus?
A: They've actually been doing a really good job. They've been sending a lot of e-mails out and I feel that shutting down the campus was good because I see no need of us being there away from our families in this time of crises.
Q: How has your family been impacted? And thoughts regarding the limited travel on airlines etc.?
A: I actually drove back home. My family is good. We're all at home and enjoying each other's company and I got a chance to hear from a lot of good friends.
Q: What's your message for fellow Morganites while they're away from campus during this pandemic?
A: My message would be to enjoy your family because we don't know what's going to happen next. I'd also remind them not to forget that we are still taking classes online, so try not to fall behind because of this epidemic. We're all in this together. Go Bears!