“I’m really happy with my guys and proud of the way they’ve represented the college,” said SUNY Old Westbury’s Basketball Head Coach Bernard Tomlin, as he reflected on the end of the 2021-22 season. The team he points out didn’t have the opportunity to play last year, due to COVID restrictions, and this year, they were required to practice and play on a borrowed court. The players were forced to practice and play at Farmingdale State College, as the Athletic Center at SOW is being used as a state-run COVID mass vaccination site.
While the coach and his players are happy to be back on any court this year, he admitted that not being able to play on their own court at SUNY OW put a damper on the season, “not just for us but for everybody.” Coach Tomlin, who just marked his 21st season at OW, said it makes a difference being able to play on a home court, “it adds excitement to the game, your fans are there, family…” While it might have been possible for fans and family to travel to the Farmingdale Court, due to COVID restrictions, spectators were not allowed. Despite all the obstacles they faced this season he reiterated that the team remained dedicated to each other and the school. He said the team was required to travel to the Farmingdale Courts and practice as early as 6am daily because of competition for court time from other schools. They followed guidelines mandated by the school and New York State “So again, our guys made a strong commitment this season.”
When asked about some standout players, Coach Tomlin didn’t hesitate to list an extensive roster including, Junior Zachary Cummings, Senior Charles Wingate, Sophomore Jonathan Jamieson, Junior Jordan Johnson-Rader and Senior Nigel Carter.
Regarding the possibility of returning to the OW home court for next season, which officially starts on October 15, 2022, Coach Tomlin remains optimistic saying, “We have heard that it is possible that we could be back in the near future, but nothing has been said definite as far as a timetable.”
