Tuesday, January 7, 2014

January 7

   Scientifically, I want to hazard a guess that it's still possible to be hungover. From New Years that is. I mean, we as Americans do consume copious amounts of alcohol just seven nights prior. But all of this is beside the point. So we are left with one usually uneventful date. Public schools are back in session and people's bank accounts are still recovering from "Consumeristmas." Oh, I meant Christmas.

   Before I lose you with this extraneous banter, I'll inform you that Andre Nation returns for the JMU Dukes tonight at Charleston. On September 30, just before the start of practice for the 2013-'14 campaign begun, he was suspended for 15 games (half the season) for "violation of athletic department policy." 

   We were left scratching our heads after his standout freshman year where he averaged 9.3 points/game, over a steal per and logged key minutes earning a spot on the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie Team. Zim 'Em Up had been zipped up. 

   His vocal presence on Twitter ignited by changing his handle/name to "Jan7th" (a nod to his eligible return date). He changed his Twitter information to read "A minor setback for a major comeback." So we are halfway through this statement but are left to see whether the comeback will be major. All signs point to yes. He is scrappy, he loud on the court, he walks into practice singing whatever is flowing through his Beats. This team needs his "swag" factor back. The team has won its last four of five so an extra weapon could put JMU right where they need to be as the CAA grind engulfs them. 

   According to Wikipedia, the first American commercial bank opened on this day in 1782. The first transatlantic telephone service was established in 1927. Oh, and Nicholas Cage was born on this day in 1964. Will Nation's return be JMU's national treasure? 

   Today, the Twitter name got swapped once again to "Showtime !!!!!". Yes, indeed it is showtime. YBG is back. 

   Live video of tonight's game can be found here through Charleston. Live audio through MadiZONE can be found here. I suggest Charleston video mixed with the voices of Curt Dudley and Mike Schikman. Game time is 7 p.m.