I have never heard so many Kentucky basketball fans stating their fears of playing the number one, over all seed Ohio St. Everwhere I go, on my radio show, Big Blue Nation seems to be afraid of another basketball team. Is this the fan base that I know and sometimes love? Where is your belief in Coach Cal, the players, and the joy of competition?
Could it be that the fans love their team so much, that they are afraid, not of Ohio St. but of just losing? Of course Kentucky could get beat by a better team, of course the fans will be heart broken, but what ever the outcome the fans should approach it with glee. I think there is a chance that Kentucky gets beat Friday night but I also believe there is a real possiblity that they won't. I personally relish the challenge to see one more great basketball game in which my team has a chance to survive and advance. When it's all played out, all glory is fleeting and it's always better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all.
Don't be afraid!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Sweet Sixteen
I attended the first session of the Kentucky High School Boys State Tournament yesterday, as I do just about every year. It's one of those don;t miss events that happens once a year. There are several of those for me, The Kentucky Derby, opening day of Keeneland, UK's first football and basketball games, and the Cincinnati Reds' opening. All of these events have one thing in common, they are all fun. But, when it comes to the Sweet Sixteen, it transcends all the others in fun because of the enthusiasm of the participants. It's not just the players and young people that are there, it's the joy that you see on the faces of the oldsters that help fill Rupp Arena.
I sat beside an elderly man, on oxygen, and attended by his nurse, from Prestonsburg, who was making his 50th straight visit to the tournament. I ask him about it and his eyes glowed with the passion of youth, and he proceeded to tell me about all of the games he had seen for half a century. He said the only thing that would ever keep him from coming was death. Wow! I spoke to another elderly lady, who is the wife of one of Lexington's oldest and most revered sports families, and she told me since 1942 she had only missed one state tournament. That's sixty-nine out of the last seventy years. So, I got to thinking, what is the allure?
Could it be the basketball, maybe, but there sure is an ample amount of that this time of year. Maybe it's the prospect of upsets, there sure are plenty of those as well. Maybe it just feels good to see old friends and renew a common bond that has existed, through basketball, for years. Maybe it's the young people making their first tournament appearance, their wide-eyed wonder, and shear joy of supporting their team. After all those young people have always been the same age since 1918, when the first state tournament started. Maybe that's the real reason all of us continue to enjoy watching high school kids play in the Sweet Sixteen, because for a few hours and days, we are all sixteen again.
I sat beside an elderly man, on oxygen, and attended by his nurse, from Prestonsburg, who was making his 50th straight visit to the tournament. I ask him about it and his eyes glowed with the passion of youth, and he proceeded to tell me about all of the games he had seen for half a century. He said the only thing that would ever keep him from coming was death. Wow! I spoke to another elderly lady, who is the wife of one of Lexington's oldest and most revered sports families, and she told me since 1942 she had only missed one state tournament. That's sixty-nine out of the last seventy years. So, I got to thinking, what is the allure?
Could it be the basketball, maybe, but there sure is an ample amount of that this time of year. Maybe it's the prospect of upsets, there sure are plenty of those as well. Maybe it just feels good to see old friends and renew a common bond that has existed, through basketball, for years. Maybe it's the young people making their first tournament appearance, their wide-eyed wonder, and shear joy of supporting their team. After all those young people have always been the same age since 1918, when the first state tournament started. Maybe that's the real reason all of us continue to enjoy watching high school kids play in the Sweet Sixteen, because for a few hours and days, we are all sixteen again.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Bluegrass Horses and Basketball: Tounament Tradition
Bluegrass Horses and Basketball: Tounament Tradition: "Is there little wonder why Kentucky basketball fans get so upset about seeding in the NCAA basketball tournament? There shouldn't be, ..."
Tounament Tradition
Is there little wonder why Kentucky basketball fans get so upset about seeding in the NCAA basketball tournament? There shouldn't be, considering Kentucky is making their record breaking 51st appearance, playing in their record breaking 147th game, and seeking their 102nd win, which if it occurs, would be a record as well. Since that first win over Illinois back in 1942, Kentucky fans have marked time by what occurs in March. Most fans can tell you where they were, who they were with, and certainly who the Wildcats played, win or loose. So, when it comes to a little thing like seeding, yes, its that important!
In 70 years of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Kentucky has had many glorious moments, not counting the 7 National Championships. It's also safe to say there have been more sad moments[reference Christian Laettner 1992]. But, through it all, the anticipation of another tournament run has made everything worthwhile. The wins the looses, the Final Fours, the great plays, and the heartbreak, makes your heart race a bit faster, and ultimately, is what keeps you watching.
So, when I hear national sports figures, and other fan bases, say, "Oh it's just those "bad" Kentucky fans crying about their placement," it makes me proud that Kentucky fans care enough to complain. Most fans are just happy they get a chance to play in the tournament, Kentucky fans expect to, and expect to win. Is that a little overboard? Perhaps, but that's what tradition is all about, expecting something, and often times getting it. Maybe Kentucky didn't get the seed they deserved, maybe they will have to play the number one over all seed earlier then they expected, and maybe they won;t win. But, if they do, I bet you will remember where you were, who you were with, and that game will live in your memory forever.
In 70 years of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Kentucky has had many glorious moments, not counting the 7 National Championships. It's also safe to say there have been more sad moments[reference Christian Laettner 1992]. But, through it all, the anticipation of another tournament run has made everything worthwhile. The wins the looses, the Final Fours, the great plays, and the heartbreak, makes your heart race a bit faster, and ultimately, is what keeps you watching.
So, when I hear national sports figures, and other fan bases, say, "Oh it's just those "bad" Kentucky fans crying about their placement," it makes me proud that Kentucky fans care enough to complain. Most fans are just happy they get a chance to play in the tournament, Kentucky fans expect to, and expect to win. Is that a little overboard? Perhaps, but that's what tradition is all about, expecting something, and often times getting it. Maybe Kentucky didn't get the seed they deserved, maybe they will have to play the number one over all seed earlier then they expected, and maybe they won;t win. But, if they do, I bet you will remember where you were, who you were with, and that game will live in your memory forever.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Invasion
This week marks the beginning of a curious event that happens every year at this time, the start of March Madness. The SEC tournament in Atlanta, followed by the biggest dance of all, the NCAA Championship. Teams from all around the country, along with their fans, have that little extra step of anticipation. Most will end in sadness, some will behold unbelievable highs, and gut wrenching lows, but all will study over their brackets with the detail of an IRS form.
Which brings me to the dedication of the so called Big Blue Nation, and their unyielding excitement of this magical time of year. Fans from all around the United States are waiting to see where their favorite team will be going, and if they will be able to watch their team play on TV while at work. And, if that favorite team gets to the finals of the conference tournament, can they figure out some way to get there. That's what most of the country is doing. Not the Big Blue Nation. They are hovering in their bunkers, pouring over the brackets, trying to figure out the possibilities of where their beloved Wildcats might be. You see, in Big Blue Nation, they are planning an invasion.
Thousands of road warriors of the Big Blue Nation are at this very moment hovering in their bunkers with maps, contingencies, airline schedules, and a war plan on how to defeat the enemy. They will not let their boys go into action with out the full support of every blue blooded fan that has knelt at the alter of Rupp Arena. No, this is a team effort, a war effort, glories will be told for years to come, because of what is happening in these bunkers, that dot the country side of Big Blue Nation.
As the madness begins work efficiency drops, children are neglected, and the state of Kentucky is pretty much left on its own. Catlanta, and points elsewhere are laying in food and drink supplies, because they know, the siege is upon them. Hotel employees in these far off places are chewing on their finger nails and shaking in their blazers. Scare tactics and intimidation is a big part of any war effort. Big Blue Nation comes to win!
So, Big Blue Nation, send your uniforms to the cleaners, sharpen your noise makers, pull out your flags, and lets get ready to rumble. Those lesser fan bases don't have a chance, Big Blue Nation comes every March with one thing in mind, the total destruction of the college basketball landscape.
Go Big Blue!!
Which brings me to the dedication of the so called Big Blue Nation, and their unyielding excitement of this magical time of year. Fans from all around the United States are waiting to see where their favorite team will be going, and if they will be able to watch their team play on TV while at work. And, if that favorite team gets to the finals of the conference tournament, can they figure out some way to get there. That's what most of the country is doing. Not the Big Blue Nation. They are hovering in their bunkers, pouring over the brackets, trying to figure out the possibilities of where their beloved Wildcats might be. You see, in Big Blue Nation, they are planning an invasion.
Thousands of road warriors of the Big Blue Nation are at this very moment hovering in their bunkers with maps, contingencies, airline schedules, and a war plan on how to defeat the enemy. They will not let their boys go into action with out the full support of every blue blooded fan that has knelt at the alter of Rupp Arena. No, this is a team effort, a war effort, glories will be told for years to come, because of what is happening in these bunkers, that dot the country side of Big Blue Nation.
As the madness begins work efficiency drops, children are neglected, and the state of Kentucky is pretty much left on its own. Catlanta, and points elsewhere are laying in food and drink supplies, because they know, the siege is upon them. Hotel employees in these far off places are chewing on their finger nails and shaking in their blazers. Scare tactics and intimidation is a big part of any war effort. Big Blue Nation comes to win!
So, Big Blue Nation, send your uniforms to the cleaners, sharpen your noise makers, pull out your flags, and lets get ready to rumble. Those lesser fan bases don't have a chance, Big Blue Nation comes every March with one thing in mind, the total destruction of the college basketball landscape.
Go Big Blue!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tennessee Waltz
This weekend is the annual border war in Knoxville with Tennessee. Tennessee has already been to Lexington and fell. This game has the added value of seedings for the upcoming SEC tournament, as well as the regular season finally for both teams.
Since I can remember the sight of Tennessee orange has almost made me sick. When I was a small boy the thought of Ray Mears taunting Kentucky fans, his players flaunting their circus like act of orange and white basketball, being spun while riding unicycles, was more then my young mind could process. So, a great dislike for all things Tennessee basketball was a natural progression. I still remember a t-shirt my little sister wore proclaiming " I'm for Kentucky and whoever is playing Tennessee."
Still it can't be denied that Tennessee is our oldest rival and you must appreciate the history that has lived among these two great fan bases. Even that despicable song Rocky Top was first introduced to the world by a Kentucky group, the Osbornes. If I had to pick one song that I would never want to hear again it would be that one.
Louisville to some extent has surpassed Tennessee as the most hated rival of most Kentucky fans. Florida is probably the fiercest rival for most fans, among the SEC. My partner on the Sports Huddle on ESPN Sports Radio 1300, Chris Cross, hates Billy Donovan and Florida passionately. But, for us older fans I think it will always be Tennessee. To a great extent we have Bruce Pearl to thank for that. Not only did he take up the orange jacket of Ray Mears, he also flaunts the Kentucky fans, and even comes in to our state and steals some pretty good basketball talent.
So, with the Big Orange of Tennessee looming on the horizon, I just felt I had to get this off my chest. These things are what makes basketball so much fun for me, and in way, thank goodness for Tennessee!
Oh, I forgot to tell you. I don't like that dog, either.
Since I can remember the sight of Tennessee orange has almost made me sick. When I was a small boy the thought of Ray Mears taunting Kentucky fans, his players flaunting their circus like act of orange and white basketball, being spun while riding unicycles, was more then my young mind could process. So, a great dislike for all things Tennessee basketball was a natural progression. I still remember a t-shirt my little sister wore proclaiming " I'm for Kentucky and whoever is playing Tennessee."
Still it can't be denied that Tennessee is our oldest rival and you must appreciate the history that has lived among these two great fan bases. Even that despicable song Rocky Top was first introduced to the world by a Kentucky group, the Osbornes. If I had to pick one song that I would never want to hear again it would be that one.
Louisville to some extent has surpassed Tennessee as the most hated rival of most Kentucky fans. Florida is probably the fiercest rival for most fans, among the SEC. My partner on the Sports Huddle on ESPN Sports Radio 1300, Chris Cross, hates Billy Donovan and Florida passionately. But, for us older fans I think it will always be Tennessee. To a great extent we have Bruce Pearl to thank for that. Not only did he take up the orange jacket of Ray Mears, he also flaunts the Kentucky fans, and even comes in to our state and steals some pretty good basketball talent.
So, with the Big Orange of Tennessee looming on the horizon, I just felt I had to get this off my chest. These things are what makes basketball so much fun for me, and in way, thank goodness for Tennessee!
Oh, I forgot to tell you. I don't like that dog, either.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Josh Harrellson's jersey will probably never hang in the rafters at Rupp Arena, that lofty place belongs to ghosts and legends of Kentucky Basketball. In a few years the next generation of Kentucky Basketball fans will have to resort to the record book to find out who he was. Josh will join that multitude of players who came and went without the fanfare that has accompanied those who's banners do hang in Rupp.
Josh Harrellson joins those players who spent just as much time in practice and study, trying to be the best they could, while helping those legends on to riches and glory. We all look on in adoration when our heroes take the floor, and envy the road trips that they take, to sometimes exotic places to play before thousands of fans, and often times huge television audiences. I once had the experience of traveling with the Kentucky Women's Basketball team as their analyst for radio. Let me tell you, each away trip is an ordeal. Every moment is orchestrated, each meal is scheduled, and every player is herded through, with only one thing in mind, give the best you have to win.
When Josh Harrellson gets honored on Senior Night he will have earned it. Playing basketball at the level of Kentucky Basketball is work, plain and simple. It's a job and most could never give the sacrifice that these players have given. Josh has earned his night and just like hundreds before him he will be forgotten in time. But on this night it sure will be fun to remember the great game he had against Louisville, the big smiles he flashed, and the pleasure we got from rooting for him.
Josh Harrellson will probably never play in the NBA and earn millions of dollars. He will never be thought of like those banners of the greats that hang in Rupp Arena, because when it really comes down to it, he's just like us. Nothing wrong with just being good and not great. After all, that's what Josh Harrellson is, just a man of the people, he's just one of us.
Josh Harrellson joins those players who spent just as much time in practice and study, trying to be the best they could, while helping those legends on to riches and glory. We all look on in adoration when our heroes take the floor, and envy the road trips that they take, to sometimes exotic places to play before thousands of fans, and often times huge television audiences. I once had the experience of traveling with the Kentucky Women's Basketball team as their analyst for radio. Let me tell you, each away trip is an ordeal. Every moment is orchestrated, each meal is scheduled, and every player is herded through, with only one thing in mind, give the best you have to win.
When Josh Harrellson gets honored on Senior Night he will have earned it. Playing basketball at the level of Kentucky Basketball is work, plain and simple. It's a job and most could never give the sacrifice that these players have given. Josh has earned his night and just like hundreds before him he will be forgotten in time. But on this night it sure will be fun to remember the great game he had against Louisville, the big smiles he flashed, and the pleasure we got from rooting for him.
Josh Harrellson will probably never play in the NBA and earn millions of dollars. He will never be thought of like those banners of the greats that hang in Rupp Arena, because when it really comes down to it, he's just like us. Nothing wrong with just being good and not great. After all, that's what Josh Harrellson is, just a man of the people, he's just one of us.
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