I am writing in response to the Letter to the Editor in Thursday’s paper regarding columnist Ben Gross’s article on Jordan Threloff’s decision to attend ISU in lieu of NIU. Being a student at Northern and a regular reader of the Northern Star, I feel that Ben Gross was unfairly condemned by Mr. VanLandegen. Rather than reading the piece for what it is, an article rallying support for a young man with a bright future, Mr. VanLandegen accused Gross of belittling NIU and its academic program. If one were to go back and read the original article it is glaringly obvious that Gross’s critique of NIU is strictly related to its athletic program, basketball in particular. What Mr. VanLandegen misread was Gross’s metaphor regarding a four year university versus a liberal arts college. Gross never insinuated that NIU’s academic program was equal to that of a liberal arts college, rather it was a comparison of two basketball programs Jordan was considering. I do not feel that Mr. Gross was bashing NIU, rather he was standing up against voices claiming Jordan is being disloyal to DeKalb. As for those who believe that I want to point out the fact that NIU and ISU are only two of sixteen schools in total that Jordan was choosing from. It absolutely was not a black and white decision, NIU vs. ISU, and the final decision was not that ISU is terrific and NIU isn’t. Jordan was simply making the best choice from all of the options given to him. There are a few things that the average reader does not know, such as the fact that Jordan’s decision was motivated by a desire to do what he loves, play ball, and to do it well. If Jordan were to have decided on NIU he would have forfeited a chance to play in a larger conference with lots of time on the court and a good chance at forwarding his career. Would you withhold that from him just for loyalties sake? Jordan does not have any lack of respect for NIU, I know, I have spoken to him personally, and NIU was a major competitor in the race for Jordan’s acceptance. Jordan has been a friend of the family for almost two years now and I have had a front-row seat during his struggle to decide on a university. It’s not just a choice for today, it could be the springboard for his future. I would like to applaud Mr. Gross for his sentiments in his article about Jordan. Too many people can’t see past the loyalty aspect of Jordan’s decision and put too much stress on a young man with a lot on his plate as it is. Honestly, how many students at NIU went to college in their hometown? Very few, I am sure. Instead of condemning Jordan for leaving, DeKalb should be proud to see the product of their sports program continue on toward a promising future outside of his hometown.

Briana Caldwell, Sophomore

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