Tompkins shines despite team's woeful season

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Dave Tompkins, SY '99, has been a key player for the Elis on the court and in the locker room.

When men's basketball captain Charlie Petit, DC '99, broke his foot at the beginning of the season, the team was left searching for senior leadership. As the season has progressed, one player in particular has stepped in to fill the void. Dave Tompkins, SY '99, has been an inspiration amidst an undeniably disappointing season.

Although Yale, with two games to go, has amassed only four wins in its first 24 games--and only two league wins--Tompkins himself has put up impressive numbers. He is likely to finish the season with the league lead in shooting percentage and take second in rebounds. He has scored over a quarter of Yale's points (16 per game) and dominated the boards by averaging nearly 10 rebounds per game.

After playing a total of 17 minutes in his first two years as a Bulldog, Tompkins exploded last year to break a 20-year-old Ivy League record by shooting 72.4 percent from the field. There is little doubt in his teammates' minds as to how Tompkins accomplishes these feats. "Dave gives 110 percent every time he goes out into the court," guard Onaje Woodbine, BK '02, said. Tompkins plays nearly every minute of every game, but he still dives for loose balls with 30 seconds remaining. At 6' 6", his height is not a disadvantage, but it is his tremendous hustle that gives him an edge in rebounding over taller players. Tompkins is modest: "I have always tried as hard as I possibly could," he said.

Two weeks ago, in Yale's thrilling victory over Princeton in double overtime, the immense emotion and effort with which Tompkins led the team to victory was impossible to ignore. He was visibly disturbed after missing shots and pumped his fists after scoring. Tompkins was obviously the leader on the court.

"All the younger guys look to him for leadership and guidance," Isaiah Cavaco, JE '01, said. According to Cavaco, although Petit has done a superb job as captain, especially off the court, Tompkins has led by example. "[He] has pretty much been the captain on the floor."

Tompkins complements his outstanding effort and level of play with an enthusiastic presence off the court. Woodbine, a freshman playing under the pressure of high expectations, acknowledged Tompkins' supportive attitude. "Dave is a great guy," he said. "Off the court, I could talk to him about anything." Cavaco labeled Tompkins "a great role model who has definitely left a positive influence on the underclassmen."

Tompkins acknowledges that he has made an effort to be a mentor to younger players. "That means a lot to me that guys would say that," he said of Cavaco and Woodbine's praise. "I've tried to take the younger guys under my wing."

Next year, the Elis will have to attempt the unenviable task of finding a replacement for Tompkins. Center Neil Yanke, MC '01, will have to become a dominant force on the boards. Guards Woodbine and Cavaco, along with Yanke, will be expected to increase their point totals. But it is the leadership role that will be hardest to fill for the Bulldogs.

"The seniors have the leadership position by right," Woodbine said. "But we are a very young team with lots of freshmen and sophomores, so no one is really sure who will step up and be the leaders next year."

When the season comes to a close on Sat., Feb. 27, against Harvard, Tompkins will have to come to terms with what it means to be finished with Yale basketball. Right now, he has mixed emotions. This year's disappointing season is a chapter most Elis will be glad to close. "It has been a long, frustrating season," Tompkins admitted. "My body is worn." He ultimately fell short of his goal of winning an Ivy League championship, but Tompkins is satisfied with his efforts. "Although winning the title was something I wanted to do, I can take pride in the fact I have given my all," he said. "I can get some satisfaction that I have given my heart and soul to Yale basketball."

Tompkins did not mention his shooting percentage. He did not mention his point total. He did not mention his rebounds. To Tompkins, his most important contributions to the team have been his constant effort and dedication--on and off the court.

Back to Sports...