Greg Nero has a Lasting Impact

When a student is recruited to play at the collegiate level, they hope to give the school everything that they want: a good character, a clutch performer, and a legendary hero. For five years, Fairfield Stags fans had the pleasure to watch an athlete who gave his program everything that they could hope for. He only stood 6 foot 7 weighing 215 pounds but his contribution for the team far exceeded his duty to perform on the court. His true image to the Stags will be shown as his extreme dedication off the court.

When Greg Nero first donned the #44 Fairfield jersey, he began his collegiate career with the fastest start in Stag history. He led the team scoring in each of his first 6 games, the first Fairfield rookie ever to do so. The streak was highlighted by a performance against the state benchmark UCONN Huskies in Hartford. That game is by most fans considered his most memorable moment. The early success wasn't a surprise for Nero. He came to the Stags after a successful career in Red Hook, New York when he led his team to four Section 9 championships after comiling a 92-8 overall record.

He continued his freshmen success ending the year 6th among MAAC rookies in scoring. He was also one block shy of the team lead and second in free throws.

2007 was a new year for Nero and he was gaining some conference attention. His sophomore year was the first time in his career he was named to an all-MAAC team and his season was one of the most consistent among the squad. Along with Jon Han, they were the only Stags to score a point in every game on the season. He played in 2 less games than his rookie campaign but managed to raise his rebound average by a board a game.

The effects of 2008, would change his entire career and his life. The forward set career bests in almost every offensive category scoring over 13 points per game. He would never dip below double figures at any point in 2008, and tallied 10+ points in 20 of the 28 games that he competed in. Midway through the year he seemed a step slower. He missed a few games for a back injury he sustained throughout the year, but he was able to return for the MAAC tournament.

The game was against Manhattan. After participating in the first tournament win he ever experienced as a Stag, he was unable to recall even playing in it. The Stags entered the first round match-up limping to the finish line. They lost Jon Han afetr the guard left the team, and their future star forward Anthony Johnson was battling for his life with a blood clot on his lung. However, Nero did not want to be another Stag victim. Playing through a case of mono and back pain, he led Fairfield to their first playoff victory in years. However, after that game he did no remember playing in it. He went to the hospital after the contest but was able to return the next day against eventual champion, Siena.

The next summer was filled with hope. Fans were preparing for the return of all the players who fell last season, which included a healthy Greg Nero. However, his desire of playing that year would fall short. Unable to move from his bedside for nearly a year, his basketball play would not be the only aspect on his mind. Instead now he was fighting for his life. He did not have the strength to arise from his bed, nevermind fighting for a loose board. He didn't have the short term memory to recollect a movie he just watched, nevermind memorizing a playbook, or the focus to have a conversation, nevermind playing a complete 40 minutes. Instead he would watch the team or listen to the games on the radio not even able to pick up a basketball.

Until a time when he felt healthy enough to attend a Stag's game. He sat on the bench looking at his teammates when a ball rolled his way. After he picked up the ball he said that it was the first time he touched a basketball in months.

He tried to make a comeback. Risking a relapse he fought to play as a fifth year senior. His teammates raved that during practice it looked like he did not miss a beat. When he first jogged on to the court in the exhibition game against the University of Bridgeport, it was a feel good moment for all. The few fans in attendance gave him the applause that he deserved. From where he was to where he was at that point on the court of the now Webster Bank Arena, a place where he must have felt at home, gave even more hope to one of the most promising years in history. He would play in 8 games in the regular season.

It feel appropiate that his final game for the Stags would come in front of his home crowd on campus at Alumni Hall. It gave his fans a final time to cheer on an athlete that was one of the most dedicated athletes ever to roam the Fairfield campus. He would end his Fairfield career with 945 points, 463 rebounds, 96 assists, and 80 blocks. If he were to finish the year there is no doubt he would have reached his milestones such as 1,000 points scored. He would have his name forever etched on the banner at Alumni Hall. He would be remembered forever. However, he does not need that accomplishment for his character to be remembered. He was one of the most personable and nicest athletes on the team who literally gave the team 110 percent, his entire body.

Whatever he decides to do after he graduates, all he has to remember is that he has changed the character of the Fairfield University basketball program.