Expect big things from Kevin Anderson and the University of Delaware this year. The former St. John Neumann Regional Academy superstar and the Blue Hens are just getting the season started. Anderson is now a junior, and he was recently named as an ALL Colonial Athletic Conference preseason selection. The 6 foot 5 starting point looks lean and fit. Kevin averaged 10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds last year and led the team with 83 assists. Anderson spent a lot of time on the court. His 35.2 minutes per game was sixth in the entire CAA. He is also very solid when it comes to taking care of the ball. Kevin gives the Blue Hens what all college teams treasure- a savvy point who is adept at passing but can also get to the rim himself or drain the three-ball.

Anderson and I go back a few years. He played for me when he was in the 8th grade. I always knew he was something special. He had one of those smiles, and Kevin was never seen without a ball. Our relationship continued as he got older. Kevin never lost a regular-season game while at St. John Neumann. Say what? The kid could play, and he brought out the very best in all of his teammates. Kevin was a stud, and he was named the PA Small School Player of the Year his senior season. I always enjoy seeing him on one of the smaller networks. Kevin and the Blue Hens gave the University of Notre Dame all they could handle a few years back. He scored 22 points and might have been the best player on the floor.

Jensen and I had the chance to sneak away. The Blue Hens were heading to Penn State to play in an exhibition game. This might be the only chance to see Kevin do his thing. It has been a few years since I have been to the Bryce Jordan Center. It was Jensen’s very first time. He marveled at the size. We tried to get there a few minutes early. I wanted to say hello to Kevin before the game actually started. Jensen and I parked close to the Beaver stadium. I shook a few hands and then made our way inside. The BJC was empty. Both teams were on the court doing their pregame warmups. We walked all the way to the bottom of the stairs and ran into a group of security and ushers.

CAN WE HELP YOU GUYS?

Hi. We just wanted to say a quick hello to one of the Delaware players. I am one of his former coaches, and my son knows him.

OK. GO AHEAD. PLEASE STAY OFF OF THE COURT AND COME ON BACK WHEN YOU ARE DONE.

Jensen and I slipped through, and we were now standing behind the University of Delaware’s basket. We yelled to Kevin, and he came over real quick and gave us each a fist bump. He went back to his stretching and ball-handling drills. We were standing all alone and looked lost. Jensen then asked where our seats were. I told him that this game was different, and it was general seating. We could basically go wherever we wanted. He pointed to the row that was directly behind us. I don’t know, bud, but I guess. We can always move if they threaten to arrest us. We sat down courtside and tried to act like we belonged. The usher who told us to come back was now gone.

Jensen and I both had huge smiles on our faces for the entire pregame introductions. It was truly amazing to be this close to the action. These guys were huge. Especially Penn State’s 6’10” Mike Watkins. He was standing right in front of us. Look at the size of those arms J. There were plenty of seats still available. Very unfortunate. It seemed like Penn State had more assistant coaches than actual fans. It also reminded me of the debate involving the County Commissioners. Sorry.

About three minutes in, a well-dressed lady sat right next to us. You could tell she was important. She was busy on the phone and took many calls. Several folks kept coming up and introducing her to their friends. I had no clue until my phone buzzed. It was a text from another chum who was also in the stands. He asked if I knew who that was? I played dumb, and he then told me. That’s Sandy Barbour. She is the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. Dude?

I immediately reached out and told her our story. She shook Jensen’s hand, and we engaged in a great conversation. I mentioned that we were normally big Penn State fans, but we were here to support Kevin and Delaware. WE ARE. Of course, I told her that I did some part-time scribing. Sandy never heard of the Webb Weekly, but I plan on sending her several signed copies. She was very nice, and hopefully, we both made a lasting impression. Perhaps she will invite us to sit with her at another game. Jensen- she is big time.

I was extremely proud of Kevin, but he didn’t have his best game. He was pressing against a very decent Power 5 squad. Anderson finished with 7 points and a few dimes. Penn State is very long and athletic, and the Blue Hens were outgunned. They were without one of the best players in Ryan Allen. Delaware is still searching, but this was a great opportunity. The Nittany Lions were in control from the opening tip. Penn State 75. Delaware 49.

Both Jensen and I really enjoyed this experience. Thanks to our new friend Sandy and we wish Kevin Anderson well on his junior season. I always get a kick out seeing our local boys and girls make it. Tune in next week as I plan on giving some Division 1 footballers some major love. WE ARE… Here to See Kevin. Cheers.