|
As a KU Alum who resides in Lawrence, KS, I gotta tell you about the mixed bag of emotions that came from me and everyone around me as we watched this game in a local downtown bar. It was pretty evident that most folks at KU wanted Illini to win, partially as a result of them being Bill Self's recruits and former team, and mostly because of an ailing heartbreak and bitterness feeling that never quite left when Roy grabbed his stuff and ran back to his alma mater.
He left an unbelievable impression on his fans and alumni here at KU. The guy had more fucking power than the damn governor for Christ's sakes. This entire state wanted to have him win just one championship so badly here at KU, not just for themselves, but really for him since he was so close so many times. We truly absolutely loved the guy here. And for that, I can't help but feel so happy that he finally won. I'm also so very proud of him for turning around those selfish players and got them to play team ball. It was quite a sight to watch UNC this year runnin' and gunnin' like the days of old here at KU with Hinrich, Collison, Miles and Langford. It's just downright great basketball and very fun to watch a team play like that.
But undeniably there's also a real feeling of resentment watching that team celebrate and cut down the nets instead of our KU team doing it under Roy. I think the feeling would have been very different had he won just 1 championship here, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. It honestly felt a little bit like watchin' your girlfriend go to the dance with another guy. He may be a great guy and ultimately may be what's right for her, but damn does it sting watching them hold hands!
And by no means is this a knock on our current coach, Bill Self. Despite his first round loss, he is so incredibly well respected here, and brings such a wonderful positive, affable persona everywhere he goes. I met him at the beginning of this season outside of Allen Field House. 2 months later I was running by Allen and he called out my name to me and waved "hi". And Coach Self does this with EVERYONE he sees. Not only that, but his recruiting ability is second to none - witness those Illini players this year, as well as Chalmers, Micah Downs, and Julian Wright from the McDonalds All-American game coming in next year. Self will have his day in the spotlight soon, I do not doubt that for a second. We would be absolutely crazy not to be happy with him.
But the bittersweet feeling is undeniable. I am truly so happy for Roy, truly so envious of UNC, and I highly suspect that we'll all be seeing a good slew of more Final Fours and Championships coming out of Chapel Hill.
Good for you, Roy.
___________________
Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...
|
.. no matter how many years removed dean smith is from north carolina, he will always represent unc in some shape or fortune .. his name is everywhere on the campus) ..
..
