Please, Kirk, don't go

Dear Kirk Haston,\nYou haven't made an official decision regarding your future at IU. I know you have goals and dreams to fulfill, and the NBA is probably at the forefront of your mind. But please don't go, Kirk. \nI know you were redshirted, and next year would be your fifth on campus. I know you only need eight hours of classes until you graduate. I know you will do well in the NBA. I know you don't need to stay at IU for another year. \nI am asking you as a fan. I am asking you as a guy who grew up in Indiana. I played in the YMCA leagues. I dribbled the ball daily during recess. I watched each and every game on television. \nI am that guy who guys like you stuffed in gym. I am the guy who, after captains had chosen teams, got asked to referee. And their definition of "referee" was to have me stand behind the basket and run after balls that got away. My friends would rather play with "ghost" men then me. You remember ghost men, right? The invisible place holders you used when playing baseball with a few friends. The concept was a great idea for baseball, but it has no use in basketball. It is just a nicer way of saying, "Ron, you're horrible at this game. Go play on the monkey bars, fat boy!"\nScene change: Saturday morning, middle school gym, league game. Everyone has to play half of every quarter. My teammates have already gone through their pregame warm-ups, which consist of making me carry bags, rebounding their missed shots and ridiculing me. \nEven the crowd moans when I enter the game. The YMCA asked me never to sign up again. I was young, but I clearly remember the letter the league officials sent me: "We have sought and won an injunction against your son. He is not allowed within 50 feet of a basketball court or any of our players. He is not to talk, touch or look at any of our players. We fear his awful inability to even resemble playing basketball may be contagious."\nI don't even play video game basketball well -- too many buttons to remember. \nBut I love the sport, and I love the Hoosiers. And that is why I am taking the time to ask you to stay. \nWe have had enough losses this year, personnel- and game-wise. We also have had our share of gains. Stay and lead us forward and back to the national respect that Indiana basketball deserves. No more one-and-out tourneys; take us farther. \nThis is not to discredit the rest of the team. We are talented and have a promising future. We have been ranked as high as seventh by some preseason (Or is it postseason? Or are they the same exact thing?) polls. The team came and turned it on this year at the Big Ten tourney. \nMichigan State lost six of its top nine players. I understand the lure of financial security, the freedom of not being in school and of course the personal fulfillment that making a dream come true brings, but you have always seemed to have a different focus: Work hard, play well, win often, have fun. \nYou can go pro. I know you will do well. If you do, we will miss your fiery bursts of energy, game-winning threes and undeniably old-school hook shots. Your leadership, skills and personality will be truly missed.\nOr you can stay another year. Add a minor, or take some fun classes. Lead this up-and-coming team and deepen your mark on this University and the nation. Increase your draft position by leading this team to a national championship. And have fun. \nIt was always my dream to don the IU basketball uniform and warm-ups, run into Assembly Hall and look into the sea of red that is the fans. But remember, I am no good at basketball. As I wrote this, I crumpled 25 pieces of paper into a ball and tried to shoot them in the trash can. I was 1 for 25 and the only reason one went in was because it bounced off a person walking by the trash can at the moment. \nYou are good at basketball. You have the privilege of playing for IU. Don't give it up if you don't have to.