Redshirt-junior Eliel Nsoseme has felt nearly every emotion possible over the last 10 months. The day the sports world came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic also happened to be the last day of the 2019-20 season for the Panthers – a season that Nsoseme had to redshirt after transferring from Cincinnati.
So on the day the world stopped, was the start of a process for Nsoseme that would see him enter the starting line-up when a new season would tip off but when and how that season would begin was a long way off as the pandemic surged.
Forever thankful, the 2020-21 season did get underway a couple weeks late and although it has been far from "normal" whether on the court, in the classroom, or traveling to games, it has not deterred Nsoseme for what his goals and the team goals are this season.
"It really has been challenging and hard," Nsoseme said. "We have had to take more precautions to stay in the hotel room and make sure everybody safe. Also, we have not had a chance to go do things has a team on the road.
"However, I believe that practice this year has helped us improve individual skills because some days we didn't have everybody. I feel that all of this has created a special bond between players and coaches because we all are going through it and had to share our feelings about this crazy situation."
Sitting out a year taught Nsoseme a great deal about himself and the challenges he and his teammates have faced this year has only enhanced that. Although the team has only played 12 games this year, it has still been a blessing for him to be back on the court.
"It is a blessing man! It felt amazing to be out there after a year and just be myself," Nsoseme said. "Last year was a tough one for me to not be able to help my team. Being on the court is a safe place for me. It is where I can just forget about everything and play ball. I love everything about it - the adrenaline, teamwork, pushing yourself, the pressure, and more…"
The struggle for the world has been felt close to home for the Panthers who have played only one home game since Dec. 21, due to COVID-19 and COVID-19 protocols, but that has not deterred Nsoseme.
"Last year went well as I needed to improve in certain areas of my game," Nsoseme said. "Winning or losing is a lot of learning and I think that as a guy who played in the big game, I have the responsibility to lead by example and show the young guys that we constantly need to get better.
"It is not about me but about us. We set some goals as a team at the beginning of the season, and I will do anything to put my team in the position to accomplish those goals. I just want to win and go to the NCAA tournament with this group of guys."
One thing Nsoseme knows is that regardless of whether the team is practicing or playing, he is responsible to bring an energy to the game that he is proud of and hopes rubs off on his teammates.
"It (energy) came from God for sure," Nsoseme said. "I believed that God put this fire in my heart. My parents told me that I need to use the talent that God gives me to the fullest. So, every time I step on the court, I go hard to thank God and for my family. It is a blessing that I have this opportunity to do what I love because a lot of people where I come from do not have this chance."
The next time the Panthers tip it up, there is no doubt that Nsoseme will bring an energy and a huge smile to the court as he is thankful just for the opportunities given him. It is a reminder to all of us that every day is precious and to not take any opportunity for granted.
Our weekly 'Behind the Mask' segment is presented by Ford. Visit buyfordnow.com to learn more.
