There is a difference between caring and worrying. I care, but I assume that they are going to be a good team until proven otherwise.
You're right about this, chickadee.
In addition, there's the "not making myself crazy about what I can't control" factor.
I care deeply about the Warriors, I want us to play well and coach well and win. And yes, while watching a game, I get frustrated and overjoyed and upset and exhilarated.
But once the game ends (or the season ends), I move on. I can't influence a single thing the boys do, and I refuse to get worked up about any of it. I'm happy when I hear we sign a heralded recruit, but I don't get overly bummed when we miss one; that's college basketball.
All of that doesn't mean I love the Warriors any more or any less than others here. I guess it just means I'm wired a little differently from some who live, eat, sleep and breathe it.
At this time of year, I see absolutely no reason to be anything other than optimistic. I'm also pragmatic; I'm not predicting a Final Four run. But if some things break right, I believe the NCAAs are very possible.
Sure, if things go bad, we could miss both the NCAAs and NIT again. That would be disappointing but again, I'll just wish we did better and go on with my life.
There are plenty of folks here who think 2015-16 was a "wasted" season because we didn't make the tourney. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the season. My wife and I went to Brooklyn and had a blast watching the lads win the title, we enjoyed several outings with the local MU club, and I thought the team made progress in Wojo's second season. To me, it wasn't a waste at all.
Hey, as much as I love the Warriors, there are too many other "real" things in this real world of ours to focus on - including some I actually can control.
Caring but not worrying ... excellent statement, chickadee!