Hope you all had a fun and safe holiday vacation.
During the break I didn't get a chance to go home and be with loved ones, but some of my teammates did. I did spend time with my roommate's family; I really appreciated that.
The life of a Lobo athlete has its ups and down, and I can safely say that we have had our share of both. For the pre-conference schedule we went 10-4. The record looks fine, but we are not satisfied with it.
We have had some tough losses, most recently to Gonzaga University. Those who watched the game knew what happened, and for those who didn't, let them fill you in.
Our team has come along way, but we are not done yet; we are only at the halfway point. We are making positive strides. This is a crucial part of the season.
I say this because a lot of teams get knocked off at this time of the year. For example, who thought Duke University would lose to Florida State University and Stanford University to the University of Oregon?
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This is an integral part of the season and these games weigh heavily in deciding whether you make the NCAA Tournament.
Last year, Gonzaga was just above .500 before heading into conference play and they ended up losing one or two games in conference, getting themselves into the tournament and eventually to the Sweet 16. With that said, we can now move on to conference play.
It is said that conference play is the second part of the season and often the toughest. Conference play is challenging because every team knows your strengths and weaknesses.
The Mountain West looks to be rough this year because it is filled with talented teams. San Diego State University is no cupcake - it has changed its program around.
And you always have to worry about the University of Utah, which now has coach Rick Majerus back on the sidelines.
The University of Wyoming is athletic and talented and there is a well coached Brigham Young University team, which beat Stanford over the break.
Our chances going into league play are great. We have an opportunity to make a lot of noise in conference play. The key will be our consistency.
When I say consistency, I mean we need to play to our potential every game, both at home or on the road in a hostile environment.
One thing that has to be a must is protecting your home court. If we do that, everything else will fall into place.
Tonight we open conference play with the Air Force Academy.
The Falcons are not the most athletic team, but they play well within the confines of their abilities. Their offense consists of a lot of back cutting and trying to outsmart the opponent. They can not be taken lightly.
We have to come out with great focus and execute what we practiced to win the way we want and are capable of.
If you are unable to attend the game, it is showing on ESPN.
