Ok I’ll admit as a fan of Boise State Athletics I have not been the biggest supporter of Boise State Basketball. It goes without saying that as a fan last night’s loss to the University of Idaho is painful on two levels. A loss is never fun and losing to Idaho is unbearably painful. As painful as losing is to us fans it nowhere measures up to that of the pain the players and coaches are felt and continue to feel.

The Broncos blew an 8 point first half lead, being unable to score for 6 minutes and 17 seconds late in the game, missing a would be winning 3 point basket and disappointing over 10,000 in attendance and those watching or listening at home. Today however the Idaho Statesman’s Brian Murphy decided to twist the knife and pour salt on the wound.

What I don’t get about Murphy’s article, Bronco Men Squander a Big Opportunity, is his verbal attack on the players. Brian asserts that Vandals were “mentally tougher” than the Broncos. I wonder how Murphy you came to this conclusion? Have you administered some sort of “mental toughness” test to both Vandal and Bronco basketball players? Though the Broncos blew a sizable lead, let us not forget that there were 2 very clutch 3 pointers made down the stretch as well as Anthony Thomas making two clutch free throws to tie the game with 27 seconds remaining. If that doesn’t scream “mentally tough” than I was watching a different game than you Brian.

What won the game for the Vandals was they made more clutch plays down the stretch and though I don’t think Coach Graham is a terrible coach, he was simply out coached last night. On the games final score the Broncos defended the play, but failed to capitalize on a rebound, which led to an easy bucket for the Vandals. Needless to say Murphy the Broncos were not standing around as you contend and they too were scrapping and clawing for the win. Your article leaves me to conclude the your belief is the Broncos players are not passionate enough and lack the heart play hard, which is far from the truth.

The other thing that I conclude from your shameful article is that you assert some sort of vested interest in Boise State Basketball. What concern is it of Brian Murphy that the University draw big crowds at Taco Bell Arena for home games. Are you not as a “writer” supposed to take the neutral ground and report the news? Win or loose do you not still have stories to write?

As a reader of the Idaho Statesman it is clear that you Brian Murphy are not a big fan of Boise State Basketball or moreover you are not big fan of Greg Graham. Despite having winning seasons, winning the WAC Championship and getting more than expected out of this current group of kids, you are still far from satisfied and have taken things personal. So personal you have thrown these young student athletes under the bus.

Clearly these kids have talent enough to play basketball on the college level. As players should they execute to the best of their ability what is coached. To say they are not “mentally tough” is simply low class. To imply they have less passion for winning as the opposing team is low class. To rub their noses in it is low class. Attacking the coach is one thing, but to assault these young student athletes like this is simply low class and in bad taste. So please Brian Murphy get over yourself.