By. Brett Greenberg
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama Men's Wheelchair Basketball team was in the midst of preparing for the 2020 NWBA Toyota National Championships before their season was abruptly cut short due to the severity and emergence of COVID-19, or Coronavirus.
The team was reeling toward the end of the season losing two of three but that did not matter. The Crimson Tide already secured a spot in the National Championships, it was just a matter of which seed they were given.
This team accomplished plenty on the court in the regular season, but these coaches and players have a sense of "not completing the job" and not accomplishing their goal.
The goal is the same year in and year out, become National Champions. But this year in particular would of have been that much more special because this team was eyeing a three-peat. Already had been crowned National Champions in 2018 and 2019, 2020 was going to be the third in as many years.
"It is extremely tough anytime you put so much time and effort into something like our season and then it is just taken away from you in a second" said Austin Smith, freshman on the Crimson Tide. "I can only just feel for our seniors and guys who are in their last year with us."
Smith, along with the rest of the team had a season taken away from them and there's nothing anyone can do about it, but move on and begin the fight for another title for the 2020-2021 season.
Although some players will not be back and the team will not look exactly the same, Coach Burttram will still be at the helm and the team will return most of their production.
This team brought a sense of community and good energy with anyone who had the opportunity to go to a game or watch a practice.
"I was a little skeptical at first about this sport, but after going to some games this season I realized how difficult this game is and its not different than any other sport" said Max Wolborsky, a freshman student at the University of Alabama.
That quote exemplifies the way this team played and practiced day in and day out. From the beginning of the season, the Tide had a target on their backs as the number one team to beat. The coaches and players all knew that and embraced it in its entirety.
The 2019-2020 University of Alabama Men's Wheelchair Basketball team might not have had the opportunity to compete for and win yet another NWBA National Champion, but they are champions in everyone else's eyes.
This team is full of wonderful kids and incredible athletes who clearly exemplify the theme of never giving up.
Although COVID-19 cut the season short, this team will be back next year and be instant favorites to win another National Championship.
Defensive Player of the Year: Lindy Bridges #3
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