CORTLAND, N.Y. — The final buzzer of a season usually signals the end of a game. For a senior class, it signals the end of something far bigger—years of routines, relationships, and moments that don’t always show up in a box score.

For Isaiah, Gaige, and Kendall, the conclusion of their careers with the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons has brought reflection not just on championships, but on everything that came in between—early morning practices, long bus rides, and the small moments that built the foundation of a winning program.

Instead of separate conversations, the same set of questions shaped each reflection: how they feel about their careers, what they might change, and what advice they leave behind.

How do you feel about your career?

“We knew if staying composed, everything would fall into place. Experience in those moments made all the difference,” Isaiah said. “Looking back, it’s really about how much growth happened from the beginning until now.”

That growth wasn’t always immediate. Early adjustments to the speed of the college game eventually turned into confidence in big moments.

For Kendall, the reflection centered less on performance and more on connection.

“The basketball part matters, but the people are what stays with you,” Kendall said. “The biggest thing is just being part of a group that built something together.”

Gaige described the experience as a process that unfolded over time.

“Confidence changed everything,” Gaige said. “There were moments early where things felt fast, and by senior year everything slowed down. That’s something you don’t really understand until you go through it.”

Is there anything you would change?

Looking back always brings a different perspective.

“Probably trusting my voice earlier,” Isaiah said. “Leadership takes time to figure out, and that’s something that grows every year.”

Kendall pointed to something many athletes realize too late.

“You always think there’s more time,” Kendall said. “You don’t realize how important the small moments are until they’re gone.”

Gaige shared a similar reflection.

“I would have just enjoyed everything a little more while it was happening,” Gaige said. “The season moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next instead of what’s happening right now.”

What memory stands out the most?

The answers shifted from reflection to vivid moments.

“Cutting down the net after winning the conference championship again,” Isaiah said. “That’s something you picture, but actually being there with your teammates makes it different.”

Kendall’s memory didn’t come from the court itself.

“Being in the locker room after big wins,” Kendall said. “Music playing, everyone laughing—that’s the stuff that sticks.”

Gaige pointed to a moment most fans never see.

“One of the bus rides back after a win,” Gaige said. “Everyone’s tired, joking around, just enjoying being around each other. That’s when it really hits you what the team means.”

What advice would you give the younger players?

Each answer reflected lessons learned over time.

“Stay consistent every day,” Isaiah said. “The small details matter more than anything.”

“Bring the same energy every day,” Kendall said. “That’s what people notice, and that’s what builds trust.”

“Don’t hesitate,” Gaige said. “Confidence comes from the work you put in, so trust it.”