Taking Timeout is Just a Natural Part of Bears Basketball

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Won-Lost records change week-to-week and season-to-season. Players come and go. Even styles of play are altered depending on the situation.

However, under Mercer University head coach Bob Hoffman, one constant for the men's basketball program has been its willingness – no, eagerness – to be involved in community and civic outreach efforts. Annually, Hoffman and his charges are involved in any number of off-court efforts to represent Bears Basketball. These range from a speaking engagement by Hoffman to groups business leaders, to neighborhood clean-up…or team members doing classroom reading for children, to providing special clinics for young people.

In every case, Hoffman sees these types of efforts as a responsibility for his Bears' players, as well as a privilege.

"To whom much is given much is required," Hoffman reminds. "I am blessed to be a part of Mercer University as a coach. Each player is getting a first-rate education and the chance to play Division I basketball. I believe we have a duty to give back in any way we can, especially considering all we do is ultimately an investment in our own program and ourselves, every bit as much as it is to those with whom we have contact."

This was demonstrated by one of the Bears' most recent outreach efforts, a clinic for Special Olympic athletes from Jones County High School's "Unified P.E." program (which partners special needs students – who are Special Olympic Athletes – with a non-special needs student who serves as their "coach"). The contingent gathered at the University Center – the Bears' home court – for a clinic and great time of interaction.

Mercer's players and staff put the group through some drills and some basketball-related games. That was followed by a live scrimmage with Mercer players coaching the Special Olympics athletes.

"I think participating in activities such as this is just as beneficial for our athletes as it is for the Special Olympics kids," Hoffman said. "It gives you a sense of satisfaction to work with these young people who have such great attitudes and desire in spite of some of the barriers life has thrown at them and, at the same time, makes us all appreciate the physical gifts God has given to us. We are very blessed to be able to be involved with these Special Olympics athletes."