Fans rally behind basketball team

Vegas oddsmakers may not believe that the Quakers have a chance of winning the upcoming NCAA Tournament -- but don't tell that to the team's loyal fans. More than 250 members of the University community gathered for a pep rally for the men's basketball team at the Palestra yesterday. The excited crowd, mostly composed of students, came to wish the Quakers luck in the National Collegiate Athletic Association college basketball championship that begins this week. The team plays the University of Alabama tomorrow night in Baltimore. Athletic Director Steve Bilsky, surrounded by cameras and flanked by the 14 varsity players, opened the pep rally. His declaration -- "We're looking forwarding to the next six games!" -- was met with wild applause from the crowd. University President Judith Rodin and Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Dan Debicella, a Wharton junior, were also on hand to wish the team luck. The crowd erupted into cheers when men's basketball head coach Fran Dunphy was introduced. Addressing the frenzied crowd, he thanked them for their "phenomenal" support. "Know full well we are appreciative and that we will do our best," Dunphy added. Team guard Jerome Allen, a Wharton senior, also thanked the University community for its continued support. "We want to see you all in Seattle," he said to the crowd, referring to the final championship game that culminates the 64-team tournament. But many students said that even if the Quakers do not make it to Seattle, they still support the team wholeheartedly. "I came out to support my friends and fellow seniors," Engineering senior Brian Marks said. College freshman Mike Price said he was there to "thank them for a great season." "They're all unselfish, hardworking players and they deserve this," he added. Guard Matt Maloney, a College senior, said the rally was good for the team. "I think it's really given us a boost," he said. Dunphy agreed. "This is a nice send-off for the players," he said.