I would have to say that the way this season ended for UK was far more sweet than bitter. Sure, you hate to drop a game in the national semifinals under some horrid shooting circumstances. It could have been different for Kentucky with a couple more free throws here, some better offensive execution there. It was a tough Saturday for putting the ball in the basket, and Monday night's final with UConn defeating Butler only seemed to underscore how stifling the defenses were in H-town.
Oh yes, H-town. How cool was it to have a Final Four right here in my hometown of the last 10 years? Very cool. The only problem was I had no time to collect my blog-tastic thoughts and pixellate them for you.
There was lots of buzz around town, an honest-to-goodness media interview for yours truly, even a visit from brother JC, who came all the way down from Olathe with his wife for the spectacle in Space City. And I have to give a shout out to PA as well, who scored the 12th row tickets and flew in from Atlanta on a quick turnaround just so we could see our alma mater slug it out with the Huskies. Come back soon, buddy.
But alas, the Huskies were just too much to handle. Since it's been a good 5 days now, we will skip any in-depth game summary, and just go with the old chestnut: Kentucky simply didn't shoot it well enough to win. I think our point guard got a little carried away looking to score it himself, and sure, DeAndre might have taken the ball to the hole rather than settling for a long three on the deciding possession. Yet the fact remains that Big Blue would have had a tough time throwing it in the ocean at Reliant Stadium vs. UConn.
That shouldn't take anything away from what a beautiful, surprising jaunt through March that this team took its fan base on. Jeez, I had a blast with these guys. The "Jorts" phenomenon swept the nation. The three goggles getting displayed. Jarrod Polson teaching us how to Dougie. I sound like some geriatric aunt to put it this way... but it was just a real treat. A treat, I say.
There's plenty of time to talk about next year, but I hope that when I look back on the '10-'11 season, the memories become only fond. Let's forget the unfond stuff, okay? Keep it fond around here. Good times. Kentucky made the Final Four, and it's been a very long thirteen years since we could say that. They got themselves a conference tournament title, and a couple of really nice scalps in the Big Dance in knocking off the Buckeyes and Tar Heels.
Best of luck to Josh Harrellson-- I hope you find a great place to play professionally and you have a productive, lucrative career. And to the rest of the team, as far as I'm concerned, bring it on back. Every one of you. To paraphrase Bum Phillips: This year we knocked on the door, and next year, we're kicking it down.
New Orleans, 2012. You heard it here first. Thanks for reading.
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