photo via @GotGomes
Passionate fans apparently aren't the only ones willing to tattoo their alma mater's logo onto their body as a sign of eternal support.
On Saturday, former Providence forward Ryan Gomes tweeted a photo of the new tattoo on his right forearm: A Friars logo with the phrases "Self-made" "Never Give In" and Never Give Up" scrawled around it. Gomes indicated the tattoo was done by well-known Hollywood tattoo artist Mark Mahoney.
"Had to represent where my life changed," Gomes wrote. "'PC' memories On/Off the court will never be forgotten."
It's fitting that Gomes has the Friars logo etched in permanent ink on his body because few former Providence players made a greater impact than he did at the school. Gomes scored 18 or more points per game his final three seasons at Providence, leading the Friars to an NIT appearance in 2003 and an NCAA tournament bid in 2004.
Much like it's typically wise to buy a jersey of a former legend who played for your favorite team rather than a young player whose career may flame out, Gomes made a savvy choice getting his tattoo after his Providence career ended.
Just before he enrolled at Drake in 2010, forward Rayvonte Rice got "Drake Bulldogs, No. 24" tattooed on his right calf. Rice had to get that tattoo altered when he transferred to Illinois this offseason, keeping the No. 24 but altering the rest to reflect his newfound allegiance to the Illini.
Gomes won't have to endure anything like that. For better or worse, he's a Providence Friar for life.