BY: ANGELO RESTIVO; STAFF WRITER
St. Bonaventure men’s basketball coach Mike MacDonald appeared on WSBU 88.3 FM The Buzz’s “The Benched News Network” on Monday, Sept. 14, emphasizing the importance of student involvement and increased attendance at home games this season.
“We want to try and let the students know how important you guys are to the success of the Bonnies,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald also reflected on his time as a student at Bonaventure. Students attended games, win or lose, no matter the opponent.
“I think we have to get back to that where the students are coming to every game,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald’s resume includes multiple NCAA Division II Tournament appearances and a 61-3 record over the past two seasons. However, Bonaventure’s community brought him back.
MacDonald discussed the difficulty of building an affinity for teams when players move from school to school. He wants his players to understand the community’s passion for Bonaventure and what that means to the program.
“I think when we get people to realize, our guys to realize how much people care about St. Bonaventure and how special this place is, and they realize that the care factor is the thing that really draws them back to the Bonnies,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald also discussed how the Reilly Center is one of the hardest arenas in the country for opposing teams and the role the student body can play in creating that atmosphere.
MacDonald’s arrival has generated optimism across campus, with phrases such as “because it’s Bonaventure” and “we will win” becoming part of the program’s message.
The team also connects with the community beyond athletics. MacDonald has delivered pizza to students, while players have attended Bible study, providing opportunities to engage with students.
MacDonald closed by discussing his personal goals for the program.
“I don’t want one day to go by, an hour to go by, a minute to go by where I’m not doing everything I can to make the St. Bonaventure Bonnies as good as they can be,” said MacDonald.
Bonaventure will face The Pennsylvania State University in the Greenlight Preseason Showcase at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, Oct. 17.
