Beyond the box score, there are intangibles that tell stories better than numbers. And for senior guard Will Gaskins, his numbers don’t quite resonate with the impact he has had on his team.

Gaskins, who has been with the men’s basketball team for the past four years, had never even started a game before this weekend. But this all changed when he was announced in the starting lineup against Elmira College on Sunday for the final home game of his career at Ben Light Gymnasium.

While Gaskins may not put up significant statistical numbers like some of his fellow teammates, Head Coach Jim Mullins said his unselfish attitude has been an asset to the team.

“Will has been one of the most selfless kids I’ve ever coached in my career,” Mullins said.  “It’s very difficult to play on a team for four years and get limited playing time and not have that affect you. He’s been a tremendous leader.”

This season, Gaskins has seen action in 16 of the team’s 24 games, averaging just one rebound and 2.6 points per game. With 16 appearances in his senior season, he has played in more games this year than in each of the previous three seasons. But as starting freshman point guard Sean Rossi said, Gaskins, who is one of just two seniors on this year’s team, has made a significant impact on this relatively young squad.

“Right from the beginning in preseason training, he was the one pushing everyone,” Rossi said. “He got everyone out running on the track and was always going the hardest, encouraging everyone the most in drills. He has helped everyone keep their composure when anything goes wrong. Every team needs a kid like Will.”

Instead of worrying about individual statistics and personal goals, Gaskins has kept his focus on team goals throughout his tenure as a Bomber.

Gaskins remained humble about the positive impact he has had on his coach and fellow teammates, but he said he hoped he would leave a lasting impression on the younger players once his Bomber career is over.

“Whether you are in the game or not, you can always have an impact on your team,” Gaskins said. “This team has been everything to me for the last four years.”

In Sunday’s 29-point win over the Soaring Eagles, Gaskins joined fellow senior Tom Brown at center court for their recognition as four-year seniors in the Bombers’ program. Brown made it a finish to remember, scoring a career-high 19 points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds to put together his third career double-double and his first since his freshman season.

Gaskins completed the afternoon with five points, two rebounds and a steal in 13 minutes. But perhaps what was most impressive was the gratitude he received from his teammates after being taken out of the game. Every player on the Bombers’ bench made it a point to stand up, congratulate and show their appreciation for the contributions Gaskins has made to the Bomber program in his four years.

But Gaskins and Brown made it clear that there was still some unfinished business in their final season. With the win, the Bombers secured a spot in the Empire 8 Championship tournament, and both seniors expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make a run.

“We are a really young, really talented team,” Gaskins said. “We have the ability to come out and put the hammer down on people.”

 

Box Score - Elmira vs Ithaca (02/14/10 4 p.m. at Ben Light Gymnasium; Ithaca, N.Y.)