Charting his own course

An exhausted Richard "Tabby" Cunningham collapses after a grueling practice session last Thursday.

The La Salle point guard eventually lifts his tired body from the Tom Gola Arena floor and smiles, apparently pleased by his intensity.

Despite his lethargy, the mild-mannered freshman beams at the chance to discuss his transition from high-school superstar to full-fledged Division I athlete.

"It’s very, very different," said Cunningham, a 2004 St. John Neumann High graduate. "In high school, practice started at 4. You’d walk in the gym at 3:50 to 3:55. Here, if practice starts at 4, you better be here at 3:20, with some extra shots and some sweat on you."

With his glory days at Neumann behind him, Cunningham continues adjusting to college life — and adulthood. The 19-year-old has moved from his family’s home at 21st and Moore streets to an on-campus townhouse he shares with teammates Darnell Harris and Jermaine Thomas.

Cunningham is proud of the role he is playing in his first season as a La Salle Explorer. He has started in 13 of 18 games, averaging 31 minutes of court time.

"I’m on a Division I level, doing what I love to do, which is play basketball," said the 5-foot-8 athlete. "I’m just appreciative of this opportunity."

But at La Salle, Cunningham has had to adjust to more than the college level of play. At Neumann, the three-time First Team All-Catholic was unaccustomed to losing games. This season, his Explorers are struggling mightily with a 5-13 record.

Cunningham attributes the mark to a hard-working yet youthful starting lineup.

"We don’t have a bad team," the athlete said. "Every game, we’re right there. We’re just still young. We don’t know how to win down the stretch, myself included."

Aside from Cunningham, La Salle has three other rookies.

"We’re just trying to figure out how to win at this level," the player said. "However, we come here and give it all we got."

There have been high points for La Salle this season. Cunningham particularly cherished the razor-thin Jan. 1 victory over Florida International. Cunningham, who averages six points per game, scored seven points in overtime and 17 points overall. The Explorers eventually beat the Golden Panthers 74-72.

The La Salle coaching staff has enhanced Cunningham’s work ethic, the player said. He added that he believes the drive for success distinguishes the good players from the great ones.

"At this level, everyone can play," Cunningham said. "Everyone has talent. What separates it is the work ethic with that talent."

Carl Arrigale, who coached Cunningham at Neumann and is now the boys’ basketball coach at Neumann-Goretti, said he had no doubts about the athlete’s potential.

"He had Division I abilities the day I met him," he said.

Arrigale said he regularly speaks to Cunningham’s head coach at La Salle, John Giannini, to "keep tabs" on his former player.

"I’m happy with the progress he’s making and would like to see his turnovers cut down a bit, but I’m aware he’s the primary guy with the ball," said Arrigale.

Cunningham’s bond with Arrigale and his alma mater remains strong. Asked to rate his experience at Neumann, his face breaks into a huge smile.

"I will remember those guys for the rest of my life," he said. "I’ll always be a part of that family."

The athlete said the highlight of his senior year was defeating Roman Catholic High in the playoffs. Roman had defeated Neumann twice during the regular season.

Cunningham still takes pride in his former team. Whenever he gets the chance, he brags to his La Salle teammates about Neumann-Goretti’s current 8-0 record.

The athlete, who is attending La Salle on full scholarship, plans to pursue a major in accounting. He’s hoping for a trip to the NCAA tournament before graduation.

"There’s nothing like it," Cunningham said.

But judging by the support the player enjoys, his qualities extend beyond the court.

"He’s still a part of my family, regardless if he doesn’t score another point," said Arrigale.