If basketball player Sea (pronounced 'Shay') Lonergan '97 had been told that after two years at Dartmouth he would establish himself as the top preseason pick for the top Ivy League player, he most likely would have laughed.
Lonergan is far from laughing at that idea now as he sits poised to lead the Big Green this winter on a journey they hope will end in an Ivy League Championship.
"It's been like a dream," Lonergan said. "I almost didn't come here. I actually waited until the last day and then thought I would just go for it. I'm so glad I did because I've been loving it here."
After going through the recruiting process relatively unnoticed, the 6'6" guard from Dallas, Texas can best be described as a diamond in the rough.
"When he came in here, in no way, shape or form did we anticipate the success or achievements he has accomplished so far," Coach Dave Faucher said. "He was not highly recruited out of high school. He went from being relatively unnoticed to most likely being the Ivy League preseason pick for player of the year."
In his decision process, Lonergan was choosing between Dartmouth, virtually the only Division I school to recruit him, and Division III Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn.
"In the end basketball was a major part of my decision and I liked both of the coaches at these two schools," Lonergan said. "Because I wasn't highly recruited, I was kind of scared coming here. I didn't know if I could make it."
Making it has been the furthest worry from Lonergan's mind as he established himself as the League's leading scorer last year after being named Ivy League Rookie of the Year as a freshman.
"Every once in a while you have a kid like this, and it is really special. Right now Sea is that type of kid," basketball coach Dave Faucher said.
"Sea has bought into everything we've tried to do," Faucher continued. "He was a budding basketball player and with a little help from coaching and the increased level in competition, he has really blossomed."
Indeed, blossomed is exactly what Lonergan has done. As a unanimous All-Ivy selection last season, he has proven himself worthy of recognition.
"Clearly the recognition he has achieved is so well deserved," Faucher said. "He is just a special player and person. To make such a mark on the League as only a sophomore is remarkable. He was the leading scorer in among a group of top level players. That is unique."
An even more remarkable quality about Lonergan's game is his ability to play defense. Game in and game out, Lonergan is counted on to lead the team's defensive attack.
"In today's game where stats are so publicized, it is rare when your best offensive player is also your best defender," Faucher said. "Sea draws the toughest defensive assignments though."
"He puts both sides together and does a great job of both," Faucher added. "In every game he plays I know he will make an effect defensively and offensively."
"That's special from a coach's standpoint," he said.
Tenacity and leadership are two words that exemplify Lonergan's efforts on the basketball court.
"Sea is the type of player that in the toughest of games, he'll be the one to take the ball," Faucher said. "His approach to the game is clearly unique. He puts it all together and doesn't fear competing. At the same time it is fun for him."
The basketball court is not the only place Lonergan has grown the past two years. Lonergan, a chemistry major, has maintained a remarkable 3.8 GPA as he prepares for medical school.
"He has achieved such excellence," Faucher said. "The drive he has on the court, he carries into the classroom. His excellence is just accomplished from the way he goes about it."
Lonergan exemplifies this excellence not only in game situations but also in everyday practices, making him a leader to his friends and teammates.
"He has worked hard to accomplish so many goals so far and is a leader on the floor," teammate Chris Butler '97 said. "As a friend, he is a great guy. He is the type of person that you can count on for anything."
Balancing schoolwork, athletics and friendships is difficult for any Dartmouth athlete, but Lonergan has found a way to deal with the pressure.
"It's hard," Lonergan said. "I have to be that more efficient with my work. I've come to realize that it's quality not quantity. When I sit down and study, there are no distractions. I just sit there and pound it out -- much like I do on the basketball court."
This dedicated attitude shows up every day at practice with Lonergan and has not only helped him in his efforts to reach perfection but has also played a major role in the success of the Big Green team as a whole.
"They have the opportunity to watch the best player practice and play," Faucher said. "Because of his examples, the others just fall into line. He makes it easier on the coach because others just follow his leadership. He means so much to the team because of how he goes about it every day."
The team is what Lonergan is playing for and for that reason he can be seen daily practicing for the upcoming season.
"I think our goal is to win an Ivy championship," Lonergan said. "I think where it will be determined is this summer and fall though. The Ivy League is so competitive that you need to be ready right when the season starts."
"I think we need to keep it light though," Lonergan added. "My goal is to win an Ivy league championship, but I want to have fun doing it."
Keeping the game fun is something Lonergan has had success in doing his coaches and teammates said.
"He is just a relentless player," Faucher said. "Every practice, every game he plays with exuberance and enthusiasm. He puts it all together, and he doesn't fear competing. The game is just fun for him."
Though Lonergan doesn't dwell on games, he said he will never forget his first start for the Big Green.
"It was the fifth game into the season and we were at Harvard. I played the game of my life," Lonergan said. "I wasn't even thinking.Everything just flowed. I try not to dwell on specific moments though. I like to take the whole experience as a whole."
So far, that experience has been a dream for both Lonergan and the Big Green basketball squad. How far that experience will continue to grow is still a question though.
"I still think he is far from reaching his potential," Faucher said. "I don't know how far he can go. I think he just needs to enjoy what he has right now. I wouldn't want to limit him on the accomplishments he could achieve. He just needs to work day to day and enjoy the time he has here at Dartmouth."
Lonergan plans to take his coach's advice and despite added pressure next year, he looks to remember the main reason he decided to come to Dartmouth in the beginning.
"I think I will have a little extra pressure, but I'm not going to change what I've been doing," Lonergan said. "I just want to work hard and give it everything I've got in practice and games. I love to play basketball. That's why I came here. I'm not playing for the awards or recognition."
