LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bellarmine University is Kentucky’s eighth college to have a Division 1 basketball team and the Knights have been playing well in the ASUN, winning 10 straight games.
“The players deserve so much credit, because it’s one thing to make a transition from D2 to D1, we chose to do it during a worldwide pandemic,” said Scott Davenport, Bellarmine University Men’s Basketball head coach.
The Knights, in year one of a four-year transition period from NCAA Division II to Division I are eligible to participate in the ASUN postseason tournament, but are not eligible for the NCAA tournament for four years. They are eligible to play in the NIT this year.
“They read it, they hear it. Social media does that. But, we’ve stayed very consistent,” he said.
The team has gained new experiences in the ASUN conference.
“The excitement has been based on obviously the transition of the highest level of college athletics. But, the other excitement was every city we’ve gone to has been new, every venue we’ve played in is new, every opponent in our league is a new opponent, so there’s been a lot of uncertainty but a lot of excitement,” he added.
Those experiences have had to be enjoyed safely. The program has paused all team activities after an inconclusive COVID-19 test this week. They're looking forward to when they receive the all clear.
“If they can navigate a pandemic, do what they do academically, do what they’re doing athletically, contribute socially then our future is very bright,” said Davenport.
In a state where UofL and UK basketball have strong followings, Davenport hopes Kentuckians can all pull for his team in the ASUN.
“I hope the people understand in this community. I understand Louisville, Kentucky, Indiana, but they can all like Bellarmine,” he said.