The most admirable characteristics about this team are chemistry and unselfishness. Scholarship limits, freshman eligibility and NBA money make it difficult for teams to play well together. Blue chip recruits have unrealistic expectations. Stars don't want to give up the ball. Freshmen become disillusioned if they don't start or play a lot.
Happy teams are scarce.
Tim Gill, ORU's best player, came from across the street at Victory Christian because he wanted to attend a Christian school. McClellan walked on from Providence, R.I., for the same reason after meeting Self in a Subway Restaurant. Kruse walked on from Everett, Mass., after his mother made a telephone appeal to Self. The other Eagles were local, state and area sleepers, unspoiled by recruiting and hype, and happy for an opportunity to play. They played like happy, selfless warriors who liked each other.