Senior Sendoff: Casey Durham
3/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
When Casey Durham took that 20-foot trip from the west baseline in Worthington Arena to the top of the key, everyone in Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at the time knew it was the walk of his lifetime. Durham was born and raised in the Bobcat basketball program, and in spite of the fact that he was told in varying ways by many people - including his father, Mick, the winningest coach in MSU and Big Sky Conference history - that he didn't have the physical tools to play for the Bobcats, he was wrapping up an outstanding career.
Here is a look at the final numbers...
MSU three-point field goals: 2nd, 195
Big Sky three-point field goals: 12th, 195
MSU assists: 7th, 337
MSU steals: 4th, 145
Casey didn't quite finish one of the interesting record chases of the season, falling 25 assists shy of Mick's career total (the elder Durham finished with 362), but he certainly left his mark on the Bobcat record book. He also carries forward a Big Sky Player of the Week award, and also earned the Sportsmanship Award at this year's Wyoming Shootout, when MSU beat Wyoming for the first time in over four decades.
Two moments stand as the best metaphors to Durham's career. The first was in 2005, when the precocious freshman scored 18 points to lead the Bobcats to a win over the Grizzlies. While sitting next to his father in the post-game press conference, observers marveled at how Casey had come from nowhere to make such an impact. Nowhere may have been an exaggeration, but the path he traveled to that point was certainly littered with obstacles.
That occasion was bookended perfectly with the game-winning jumper Durham hit in earlier this season against Boise State, a team that would share the WAC regular season championship, win its league tournament, and advance to the NCAA Championships. After hitting the shot, Durham collapsed with cramps, and had to be carried from the floor by his teammates. On that night, as was the case throughout his career, Durham left it all on the floor.
From MSU Coach Brad Huse: "Playing basketball for the Bobcats meant so much for Casey, and it was great to be part of his career. He got the most out of his ability."
Here is a look at the final numbers...
MSU three-point field goals: 2nd, 195
Big Sky three-point field goals: 12th, 195
MSU assists: 7th, 337
MSU steals: 4th, 145
Casey didn't quite finish one of the interesting record chases of the season, falling 25 assists shy of Mick's career total (the elder Durham finished with 362), but he certainly left his mark on the Bobcat record book. He also carries forward a Big Sky Player of the Week award, and also earned the Sportsmanship Award at this year's Wyoming Shootout, when MSU beat Wyoming for the first time in over four decades.
Two moments stand as the best metaphors to Durham's career. The first was in 2005, when the precocious freshman scored 18 points to lead the Bobcats to a win over the Grizzlies. While sitting next to his father in the post-game press conference, observers marveled at how Casey had come from nowhere to make such an impact. Nowhere may have been an exaggeration, but the path he traveled to that point was certainly littered with obstacles.
That occasion was bookended perfectly with the game-winning jumper Durham hit in earlier this season against Boise State, a team that would share the WAC regular season championship, win its league tournament, and advance to the NCAA Championships. After hitting the shot, Durham collapsed with cramps, and had to be carried from the floor by his teammates. On that night, as was the case throughout his career, Durham left it all on the floor.
From MSU Coach Brad Huse: "Playing basketball for the Bobcats meant so much for Casey, and it was great to be part of his career. He got the most out of his ability."
WBB - Montana State vs Portland - Behind the Mic
Friday, March 27
2025 Code of a Champion
Monday, March 23
Spring Football Preview Press Conference
Friday, March 13
WBB - #2 Montana State vs #1 Idaho - Behind the Mic
Thursday, March 12
