They seem like an unlikely pair: the seasoned veteran and the eager rookie who have arrived early for practice. They shoot around and talk casually before their teammates arrive, and it is obvious that senior guard Jason Dowling and freshman guard Bret Gladstone have a bond beyond being teammates. Both fill the role of walk-on players on the Virginia men's basketball team; one nearing the end of his Virginia career, the other just beginning to delve into his.
Unlike many of their teammates, neither Dowling nor Gladstone arrived at Virginia amid recruitment hype or huge college expectations, but instead came with the knowledge that their role would be pushing the starters in practice, while working their way off the bench and onto the court. They often miss out on the recognition and personal glory their teammates enjoy, but they - along with their coach - appreciate the value of their role.
Dowling "is a tireless worker and he really pushes the other players in practice with his tough defense and his quickness on offense," Virginia coach Pete Gillen told the media before this season.
And over the years, Dowling has earned the respect of those teammates along with more court time. While his effort and positive attitude serve as an example for the team as a whole, particular note is taken by the walk-on stepping in behind him.
"I have a lot of respect for J.D.," Gladstone said of Dowling. "I won't tell you that sitting on the bench is a great experience, because that wouldn't be the truth. But the thing about Jason Dowling is that he's always practicing to play, to get minutes."
Surely, it is difficult to make such a huge commitment to a Division I program without the reward of the limelight. After all, Gladstone came from Connecticut where his 2,468 high school career points made him the third all-time leading scorer in state history. Dowling was named an outstanding athlete at his high school, earning three letters at small forward and shooting guard. Now, Dowling and Gladstone play minimal roles during games.
Even so, both men stay for a pure love of the game. "I love basketball," Dowling said. "It's always been a part of my life."
Gladstone seconded the sentiment, saying that when he stops having fun, "that's when I'm going to stop playing basketball."
Clearly, the Cavalier squad keeps this love alive, as Dowling and Gladstone also share a fierce commitment to their team and to the University. Dowling spoke with fondness of the season so far, and for the players whom he will leave behind.
"This year has been really special with these guys," he said. "All of them are like little brothers to me. I want to help teach them to succeed as people as well as basketball players."
Those lessons particularly apply to his younger counterpart, Gladstone, who is balancing his competitive nature and desire for a bigger role on the team with a practical outlook for the future. Both Gladstone and Dowling entertain dreams of playing in Europe after college, but also are preparing for other career possibilities. Gladstone plans to declare an English major, while Dowling says his alternative to basketball would be the financial trade market. "They're both lucrative options," he said with a smile.
It is this balance between life on and off the court that typifies the Virginia experience for Dowling and Gladstone. While they love their sport, they also appreciate the quality of the education they are receiving and what it can do for them.
When asked why he was at Virginia, Dowling did not hesitate to answer that it is "mainly because of the academic opportunities." "I couldn't turn down a top school like this," he said. "I love basketball, but academics always come first"
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