FAU fans being whipped into a frenzy
By Marcus Nelson
Earlier in the week, FAU coach Mike Jarvis told the assembled media at his weekly press conference that he hoped not much would be of the possible rude welcome for FIU coach Isiah Thomas in the days leading up to Saturday's game.
He even went as far as to say that the more it was brought up in the media, the worse the reaction would be.
However, immediately following FAU's 70-59 victory at South Alabama on Thursday, it was Jarvis himself who seemed to be taking a preemptive strike at possible rowdy behavior on his post-game radio show with ESPN 760s Ken LaVicka.
You can here the interview here, but here is what Jarvis told LaVicka.
“I hope that the people come and are very active and very vocal, but I hope they do it with class. All I am asking the Owl fans is to do it with class. If I have to make an announcement over the PA system I will do that. I do not want our fans to embarrass our university or to embarrass themselves.”
Not sure what prompted the change of heart, but since then there has been more talk about the crowd's reaction to Thomas than the game itself - a real shame.
Does Jarvis get a sense the crowd wasn't going to be vocal enough?
I'm sure the crowd will be plenty fired up, but I'm sure Thomas, who has played in front of some of the loudest crowds in the nation, will be able to handle it.
It's a home game against San Francisco or SMU that I would like to see how an FAU Arena crowd reacts.
Donations for earthquake victims: The American Red Cross will be accepting monetary donations for the earthquake victims in Haiti in the lobby of FAU Arena from 5-8 p.m.
Owl LinksWhat's being written about the OwlsWe had our first recruiting chat on Friday at FAUOwlAccess.com and if you missed the fun, we have
the questions and answers archived.We also talked to FAU's newest commitment,
Lafayette Co. QB Nick Bracewell.After the busy day on the recruiting front, we posted our preview of
today's basketball game.Others...
Palm Beach Post: Mike Jarvis, Isiah Thomas reunite Saturday as FAU basketball hosts FIU
Sun-Sentinel: Jarvis concerned about how fans will treat Isiah Thomas as he brings FIU to FAU Arena
Gainesville Sun: Lafayette Co. QB Bracewell commits to FAU
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5 p.m. Women's Hoops: FIU at FAU, FAU Arena
7 p.m. Hoops: FIU at FAU, FAU Arena