The impact of Charles Garcia's final four dunk

"Devastating" would be the first word that would to come to mind if you watched Charles Garcia's infamous "Zeus Dunk" over a California State Northridge player Jan. 11.


The next three words would be "did," "not," and "count."

That's right folks, the greatest dunk of Garcia's short career as a Redhawk was a charging foul; no points and no real glory. So doesn't it bother anyone else that an illegal dunk is up for the NCAA dunk of the year? It's in the final four for Chuck's sake!

God-like athleticism can't make up for breaking the rules of the game, son.


Garcia's impact at Seattle University reaches much farther than one thunderous jam. For better or for worse, he became this school's flagship into the Division I ocean. His most tangible contribution was on our men's basketball team, but even that effect is arguable considering his tendency to get into foul trouble, leading to his eventual bench role later in the season.


What Garcia really did for Seattle U was give this school a face, as corny as it sounds. As much as we spotlight our academic programs, our Jesuit values or our focus on community, none of that stuff could have really made this place stand out.


Imagine yourself a high school senior. You're sitting in the stands of that Northridge game as you witness Chuck drop his one-handed tomahawk on a poor child's face. Your jaw drops, but you ask yourself "Who is that man?" and then "Where did he come from?"

That's Charles Garcia, a forward from Seattle University.


Lectures, brochures and student tours just don't have that same effect, the ability to impress prospective students and instantly create a link between Seattle University and something phenomenally impressive and memorable.


My latest NBA mock draft has the Belizean Baller going 58th in the July draft, to the Los Angeles Lakers, no less. It's a far cry from the Top 10 prediction from months ago, at a time when no one from the NCAA March Madness tournament had yet declared for the draft.


Charles Garcia is the vehicle Seattle University has used, and is still using, to ride into D-I. The media attention and coverage he alone has attracted helped to put Seattle University on the map this year.


It's no coincidence that enrollment numbers are going up. Seattle U's name is getting out there and the administration, along with students present and future, will have to deal with the consequences, good or bad.


Try laying it up next time, Chuck.


Fernando may be reached at news@su-spectator.com