Any given day in the life of an NYU student athlete is an exercise in time management. With practice up to six days a week, a full course load, and additional workouts and meetings, success requires discipline, top-notch organizational skills, and, of course, a genuine love of the game. For a behind-the-scenes perspective on that balancing act, NYU News photographer Tracey Friedman embedded with NYU men’s basketball co-captain Zay Freeney (SPS ’25) and his teammates on the day of their historic first game (against Manhattanville College) in the Paulson Center. That Wednesday, November 8, began with a 9:30 am class on the lower level of Bobst and ended with a 77-60 victory in the season opener.