Having marinated in Tar Heels basketball since November, having invested imaginative energy into that particular group of players, it is only now, a little over 24 hours since their defeat by Kansas, that Harrogate finds the fortitude to blog this farewell. Of course, one can only be used to such cruel endings. The National Championship is an elusive prize that it would be foolhardy to expect, regardless of the team in question.
How such things end. They rolled into San Antonio with seemingly everything going for them--seemingly that is, because one had no idea as to the actual health level of their point guard, Lawson, who sat the bench at the crucial midway point of the second half, with Carolina only four points down and with Kansas staggering on the ropes. Not that Lawson's absence on the floor is to be given excessive weight. But that long riding of the pine haunts Harrogate still, filling him with questions, what ifs, and inexpressible longing.
But, at the beginning of the game and at the end when it counted the most, Kansas was absolutely awesome. At times it looked as though Carolina was only moving, and jumping, at half speed against those guys. You have to give them their props. And so now the Showdown tonight, with Memphis, who will likely be favored. A defensive grind out this game shall not be. Threes, dunks, flying bodies aplenty await all who tune in this evening.
Harrogate, at this point, harbors no preference. Heartbroken, he will watch. But, he will not neglect this opportunity to thank Carolina for one of the most exciting seasons they have ever mustered. And already, he is open to "hot-stove" Discourses regarding next season.
Until then, Carolina, Harrogate has three words for ya: "Buenas Tardes Amigo."
1 comment:
It was very sad to watch our Tarheels lose...
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