I’m not sure where to start. I barely have the propensity to make clear, coherent thoughts at the moment. It’s been said ad nauseum about this year’s team, but what a group of players we have this year. Just the complete disregard of individual success for team glory has been the hallmark of this year’s squad and carried them to a win away from Xavier’s first ever Final Four. There is no doubt this is Xavier’s best ever team.
The ’04 squad was special, but this year’s team has been great from day one until now. They’ve represented the school with class (see BJ Raymond’s interview today on ESPN’s “First Take”) and truly epitomize what Xavier is all about. I hope the players took last night to celebrate and relish in what they have accomplished. However, Friday means coming back down to Earth and preparing for UCLA. I have complete faith in Sean and the rest of the coaching staff to be able to get the players as ready as possible by 6:40 early Saturday evening.
We Xavier fans are incredibly proud of Xavier’s basketball tradition. But let’s face it; Xavier is not even in the same stratosphere of UCLA as far as past success goes. Of course, not many programs are. They have 11 national titles and 17 final fours appearances. I doubt I need to remind anyone here that a win Saturday would be our first Final Four appearance ever. But the great thing about basketball and sports in general is none of that matters. There’s a reason they don’t play the games on paper folks.
One of the best and worst things about being a die-hard Xavier fan is how anonymous we as a school and program are. With the exception of maybe Purdue, all of our opponents thus far probably know nothing of the school, where it’s located, and/or our recent basketball history. I mean it’s not like we are just some unknown commodity in the world of college basketball. If you consider yourself a college basketball fan and don’t know anything about Xavier, then I have to discount your fanhood. Sorry. This is our seventh NCAA tournament of the past eight years. We made the Elite Eight five years ago. We’ve been in the top 15 the past two months.
Yet, no one knows anything about us. It’s like we are in this weird middle ground. Not a mid-major or Cinderella, but not a big powerhouse from a BCS conference. I was asked by random people on five different occasions during my five days in DC, “Where is Xavier located?” Of course I tell them, but as soon as they walk away I roll my eyes and want to scream out in general disgust. And don’t get me started on pronunciation.
However, there are not very many feelings in sports more gratifying than pulling out a victory in the role of the underdog. Apparently, we were the underdog last night, which makes sense since we were the three seed playing the seven seed. But whatever, who cares right? When BJ hit his second three to put us up by four I started jumping up down at the bar like a maniac. I mean, you just don’t get to experience that kind of unbridled joy much in life and I think that’s why so many people gravitate towards sports. It’s an outlet from everything else in life that allows us to act like little kids. And who doesn’t want to do that? Luckily, I didn’t have much beer left in my glass at that moment or it would have gone anywhere and everywhere.
I’ve seen UCLA play a few times off and on this year. Hopefully, that can work to our favor. Cuz I highly doubt any of the UCLA players know anything about us. Although, I can’t imagine they will take us lightly. Their players are too good. Their coaches are too good. Once again, there is a Pittsburgh connection. Ben Howland was Pitt’s previous coach before he left to take over UCLA. And ya know, Sean played for Pitt. So maybe that’s worth something. What exactly? I have no idea.
Everyone is in love with Kevin Love. And for good reason, he’s one of the best players in the country. Neutralizing him will be a major key to the game. I would imagine Josh will get the assignment on him to start the game. Drew on Darren Collison, Stan on Russel Westbrook and CJ on Josh Shipp. The talking heads keep talking about UCLA’s offensive struggles, but they are so good defensively I take absolutely nothing for granted. As frequent commenter yankeekilla23 has said, “There will be Love on Love crime.”
I really think we have a shot against the Bruins. Although, I am convinced their cheerleaders are paid models. Here is a great blog concerning all things UCLA.
We are officially one win away from the Final Four. I’ll be going up to Cincy tomorrow to watch the game at yankeekilla’s apartment with a few other friends. This is way too important a game to not watch with my Xavier friends.
Come on boys! We can do this!
Let’s go X!
