The Legacy of Isaiah ZEKE Dahlman

It isn’t often that you talk about players with the stats and career that Isaiah ZEKE Dahlman had and use the word legacy. In Zeke’s case it is warranted.

It isn’t often that you talk about players with the stats and career that Isaiah ZEKE Dahlman had and use the word legacy. In Zeke’s case it is warranted.

 

Tom Izzo declared of his senior, “Isaiah may not leave here with all the stats, but there isn’t a bigger or more important Spartan. He was the greatest ever locker room guy.” Dahlman’s strong work ethic is matched only with his humility and zeal of life.

 

I remember his freshman year when I was all set to interview him for the first time. He said to me, “I’m not all big time and used to this, are you sure you want to talk to me?” Needless to say he got used to talking and what to say. Some would say he never stopped!

 

This season he was the glue that at times was the only ingredient to hold the team together. When it was clear that Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan were not able to get it done as captains, Zeke was one of the men added to that prestigious list.

 

“I am so proud that they would think of me in that light. It is frustrating not to play, but being a Spartan is a blessing. I just try to make sure that I can do everything else to my best ability and to make everyone else better.”

 

Early in his career when it was evident that he may not develop to a place that would allow him a lot of playing time, Izzo approached him about transferring. Dahlman told me about Izzo’s offer to transfer, “There was not any way. He would have had to kick me out. That wasn’t how I was raised and how I am. I love being a Spartan. Do I want to play more? Of course I do, but I committed to being a Spartan and that is for life. I wasn’t going anywhere.”

 

Izzo appreciated his candor, “He was really honest that he wanted to be here and would do everything else he could. How do you not love that?”

 

As the 2010 season is now over you look at Zeke and you can’t look at the numbers. Instead look at the body of work including two Final Fours a degree and the legacy of being the glue that held this group together. Not once was there even a hint of trouble on or off the court or classroom.

 

He told me in the locker room on Saturday, “It just hurts. I wake up every day as a Spartan basketball player and it’s done. At least I still get to wake up the rest of my life a Spartan.”

 

Thanks Zeke!