Highlighting Team Spirit and Community Support

In a game that was about more than just basketball, fans were out in full force to support Baruch’s team captain, Dylan Minnick. Known affectionately as “Coach Dylan,” Minnick not only leads the Bearcats on the court but also inspires young players through his coaching role in the community-supported Steady Buckets program.

The atmosphere was electric, enhanced by a sizable turnout of young supporters from the Steady Buckets initiative, demonstrating the positive influence of community engagement in sports.

About the Steady Buckets Program

Steady Buckets operates coaching clinics daily, offering free training sessions for children across the city. Minnick, who benefited enormously from the program as a child, now dedicates his time to nurturing the next generation of basketball players.

“All these little kids cheering for him. That was him. Now he’s out there playing at a high level trying to go to the NCAA tournament. He’s got hundreds of kids supporting him. It doesn’t get better than that for a community basketball experience; you can’t beat it,” said Mackey Bergman, Founder and Director of Steady Buckets.

Community Voices: Parents and Players Share Their Thoughts

The strong sense of community was echoed by parents and young players alike. One parent expressed gratitude for Minnick’s impact on their child’s development, stating:

“Coach Dylan of the Bearcats has been coaching my son for like the last two years. It’s amazing. He’s teaching them how to be leaders, and he’s showing himself as a leader on the court.”

Young athletes from the Steady Buckets program also voiced their admiration. One mentioned, “It’s really fun, and he’s our coach, and he always supports us,” while another added, “He’s so inspiring, and he just inspires me so much. I love watching him play, and I’ve learned so much from watching him.”

The Championship Game and Its Significance

Though the Bearcats were unable to secure the victory against John Jay, the essence of the evening transcended the game’s outcome. Baruch, the defending CUNY champions, aimed to solidify their placement in the NCAA tournament while showcasing teamwork and perseverance.

Minnick reflected on the night’s significance, emphasizing the community aspect: “It’s great to know this whole community is just a big family. I’m just really feel like I’m giving back to these kids. I grew up in the program since I was eight years old, and I just feel like I’m giving it back, and I feel amazing to get the love and support from them.”