A Family Tradition of Following
Steven Fitzgerald is followed by college coaches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. In the the limelight he still manages to attract new followers, while also avoiding the apprehension customary of the modest fame he attracts. These followers…
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Continue ReadingSteven Fitzgerald is followed by college coaches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. In the the limelight he still manages to attract new followers, while also avoiding the apprehension customary of the modest fame he attracts.
These followers are absorbed easily for Fitzgerald who hails from a supportive family…a family that follows its own.
When Steven’s father, Lee Fitzgerald was a young basketball boy his mother, Alice Fitzgerald amassed quite the collection of game stats.
“She would always write down all of my scores,” said Lee. “I had some hot dog folders and she would write the scores (and stats) in them. She is a baller from way back.”
Alice’s husband, Steven’s maternal grandfather played at then-named Middle Tennessee State (now Middle Tennessee). “He started,” said Lee. “We made an unofficial visit down there this summer and took my mother with me. We went in the locker room and they had a picture of my dad.”
Lee’s dad played 1956-1958 for the Middies. He was known as Big O, while Lee was called ‘Little O.’
“A guy came up to me and said, ‘Are you Little O?’,” recounts Lee Fitzgerald about this summer’s visit to campus. “A guy came up to me and said, I am your dad’s roommate.”
He was an 82 year old man. It certainly resonated with the entire family. Alice teared up. She has followed three generations of hoopers with pride, starting with her talented husband.
Carrying on that tradition Lee loves to read and collect stories about the ascending Steven. He can’t get enough of the deserved accolades and ink Steven attracts.
Recruitment
Clemson continues to call. They are tracking Fitzgerald’s junior season.
“We are supposed to make an unofficial to Butler some time soon,” said Mr. Fitzgerald.
Miami (Oh), Toledo, and Middle Tennessee have been up to watch him.
“Vandy has still been contacting him,” said Mr. Fitzgerald. “We hear from them every week. We get a letter every week or call from Xavier.”
Unlike Xavier Head Coach Chris Mack, Vanderbilt Head Coach Bryce Drew is working to plant fresh roots throughout the region.
On Hold
“He fractured his thumb last week,” said Mr. Fitzgerald.
Though a doctor determined 2-3 weeks on the shelf to be appropriate, Steven is itching to return. He will try to play this week.
“He was averaging 33 a game for the first few games,” said Mr. Fitzgerald. “Double-doubles. And then this injury was in a regional game. They undercut his foot and (he) fell on his hand.”
Fortunately the damage was not more significant.
“His wrist is still sore,” said Mr. Fitzgerald. “It fractured his thumb, the fatty part of his hand. It wasn’t broke. He is wearing a hand thing.”
The physical therapy is an ongoing process. According to his father, today was Steven’s first day back to practice.
“He just had trouble handling the ball,” said Mr. Fitzgerald.
“He is not full force yet. Coach (Butch) Pierre is supposed to come in from N.C. State and watch him play. He is waiting until he is back up.”
Then the calling coaches will once again follow.