The Latest One…on the Short List of the Most Gut Wrenching Card Losses of All Time…

It’s 1:30a.  I can’t sleep.

I could not  stomach watching another basketball game today.

I’m 56 yrs old, a professional–and yeah, 18-21 yr olds playing a simple game of BBall can still tear my heart and soul out.

I’m never figured out how to truly, quickly  get over a shot to the gut quite like this one.

I have always cared too much for my Cards.

As U of L fans , we’ve tasted the very peaks of success…and like any team, the deepest valleys.

This one was in a 1000′ sink hold in the deepest valley of my heart….

This team deserved to be remembered… on a lasting basis in our  memories… for opening the new arena in style….for much more than just  the Marquette Miracle.

But , that  truly horrible exit–a punchline for UK fans for yrs to come– will  unfortunately be remembered long after  any of the positives.

Remember U. S Reed’s dagger from past mid-court that ended that great team’s run and high expectations?  Do u remember much else about that great team?

Or the last second upset  loss to Ball State…when we again had a great yr.  What team was that again… :-(

I was praying for a victory today…a little run to a Sweet Sixteen even.  But…This team won nothing this year…except our hearts–and a renewed joy in college bball.  Unselfish, no ego, over-achieving, FUN bball.

God…I enjoyed this year and this team.  I’m just  so, so sorry for them…

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

As I sit and sip some soothing Woodford …at now 2:43a

I am consoling myself with

1) my anticipation of Charlie Strong and this football season

and

2) the juggernauts that Pitino SHOULD have at his disposal , given future top 10 classes (courtesy of Mr. Tim Fuller—thank god) and this group of maturing talented 4 yr players.

But, my heart still aches for another ring…god, how I took those two championship years and all of Denny’s 6 (!) Final 4’s for granted…

Guys…cherish EVERY one.   Every Elite 8, every  Final 4—and god , yes, any championship.

There’s over well over 300 college bball teams today— and we are always in that top 5-10% —or higher.

Don’t take that for granted…and never take shit from anyone on our bball…

Just so you know…I remember and cherish the 80’s…but I want NEW heroes.

I want NEW champions….

For me , yes…but mostly for all the fans under 40 who….just do not know….