"When you don’t see it go in but you’re getting that confidence from the people around you, it makes hooping so much easier," Fernandes said. "One thing I love about Rutgers is the people, man. There are such great people here, and in my particular situation with everything going on, it was great to have them in my corner."
Don't forget that Fernandes is a new father. Imagine having a newborn coupled with the demands and microscope of high-major college ball.
"We can get caught up in what we’re going through, but I’ve got a son and I try to be the best role model that I can," Fernandes said. "It makes it a lot easier when you come into the gym and it’s a great vibe; that’s so much better than when there’s negative energy."
The underlying point: You don’t give up on someone as accomplished as Fernandes was at UMass. He didn’t forget how to play. He was slumping bad, his coaches and teammates stuck with him, he embraced his new role, and Wisconsin paid the price.
"In basketball and in life, you can’t just quit," he said. "You’ve got to keep pushing. A real shooter, a real player, a real person isn’t just going to quit."
When Fernandes checked out to a sustained standing ovation late in the second half, he dropped the tunnel-vision focus and allowed himself to soak it in.
"This is my fifth year, my final season, there aren't that many games left, and I want to enjoy it," he said. "That was one of those moments."
Don't forget that Fernandes is a new father. Imagine having a newborn coupled with the demands and microscope of high-major college ball.
"We can get caught up in what we’re going through, but I’ve got a son and I try to be the best role model that I can," Fernandes said. "It makes it a lot easier when you come into the gym and it’s a great vibe; that’s so much better than when there’s negative energy."
The underlying point: You don’t give up on someone as accomplished as Fernandes was at UMass. He didn’t forget how to play. He was slumping bad, his coaches and teammates stuck with him, he embraced his new role, and Wisconsin paid the price.
"In basketball and in life, you can’t just quit," he said. "You’ve got to keep pushing. A real shooter, a real player, a real person isn’t just going to quit."
When Fernandes checked out to a sustained standing ovation late in the second half, he dropped the tunnel-vision focus and allowed himself to soak it in.
"This is my fifth year, my final season, there aren't that many games left, and I want to enjoy it," he said. "That was one of those moments."
