Am I disappointed the season is over? Sure, I always am when loftier goals are ahead of us. But I also go into every tournament, Big 12 or NCAA, knowing it's a crap shoot. Monte hits the big shot against Texas, and we move on. UAB hits the big shot yesterday, they move on. The big shot isn't always going to go in for the good guys. The best teams don't always win a tournament.
Who knows, maybe UAB is even better than us.
But Fred and the team certainly have nothing to apologize to me for at the end of this season. I went to Hilton 18 times this winter and was highly entertained each time...even during the loss to Baylor. I don't feel cheated whatsoever.
I tuned in to watch them on TV another 15 times, and was entertained then, too. We didn't win them all, but at the beginning of the season I never expected them to. I knew there would be a clunker or two somewhere along the way. There always is. But did I feel cheated from a loss? Never...maybe it's because I'm older and know there are more pressing problems to deal with the next day than whether the Cyclones played good defense the night before, or BJD looked "pouty".
I look back to November, and these things I WILL remember:
1.) A team of high-flying, highly athletic players that we have rarely seen in Hilton since it opened.
2.) Loud, amazing full-house crowds from the 1st meaningless non-conference game to the final game against Oklahoma.
3.) A first half against tournament-bound Arkansas that was as dominating a half as we have ever had.
4.) A total blistering of tournament-bound Iowa that would leave me embarrassed for years if I was a Hawk fan.
5.) A Game Day experience against Kansas that couldn't have showcased ISU and the team any better.
6.) Two tough-minded road wins against Okie State and Texas in a week when we needed two wins badly.
7.) The comeback for the ages against Oklahoma...might not see that happen again in 50 years.
8.) A frolicking 60 point 2nd half against TCU that was an offensive exhibition.
9.) 3 games in KC that kept ISU fans on the edge of their seats...with the sweet reward of a Big 12 tourney title at the end.
Probably many more memories from this season that I'm forgetting, but those are my highlights off the top of my head.
So disappointed, sure. But do I need an apology from our "guys"? Not in the least. It was a fun, magical ride, and I can't wait until November to start it all over again knowing Coach Hoiberg is at the helm. He has brought us to the point of relevance, and a single loss to UAB doesn't diminish that for me in the slightest.
Who knows, maybe UAB is even better than us.
But Fred and the team certainly have nothing to apologize to me for at the end of this season. I went to Hilton 18 times this winter and was highly entertained each time...even during the loss to Baylor. I don't feel cheated whatsoever.
I tuned in to watch them on TV another 15 times, and was entertained then, too. We didn't win them all, but at the beginning of the season I never expected them to. I knew there would be a clunker or two somewhere along the way. There always is. But did I feel cheated from a loss? Never...maybe it's because I'm older and know there are more pressing problems to deal with the next day than whether the Cyclones played good defense the night before, or BJD looked "pouty".
I look back to November, and these things I WILL remember:
1.) A team of high-flying, highly athletic players that we have rarely seen in Hilton since it opened.
2.) Loud, amazing full-house crowds from the 1st meaningless non-conference game to the final game against Oklahoma.
3.) A first half against tournament-bound Arkansas that was as dominating a half as we have ever had.
4.) A total blistering of tournament-bound Iowa that would leave me embarrassed for years if I was a Hawk fan.
5.) A Game Day experience against Kansas that couldn't have showcased ISU and the team any better.
6.) Two tough-minded road wins against Okie State and Texas in a week when we needed two wins badly.
7.) The comeback for the ages against Oklahoma...might not see that happen again in 50 years.
8.) A frolicking 60 point 2nd half against TCU that was an offensive exhibition.
9.) 3 games in KC that kept ISU fans on the edge of their seats...with the sweet reward of a Big 12 tourney title at the end.
Probably many more memories from this season that I'm forgetting, but those are my highlights off the top of my head.
So disappointed, sure. But do I need an apology from our "guys"? Not in the least. It was a fun, magical ride, and I can't wait until November to start it all over again knowing Coach Hoiberg is at the helm. He has brought us to the point of relevance, and a single loss to UAB doesn't diminish that for me in the slightest.
