Everything they've got.

[rgoode57]

I don't know if MU will be a 2 seed or a 3 seed or who their opponent will be in the first round of the NCAA. I don't know if they will make it out of the first weekend or end up in the Final Four. I don't know if they can continue to play defense like they did last night against X or if Tyler Kolek can continue his masterful guidance of the offense. And I don't know if they can now handle the pressure of being the hunted instead of being the hunter.

But, there is one thing I do know after watching the team over the past couple of months.

These guys will give everything they have to give every single game. They will leave everything they have out on the court.

No matter how the NCAA tournament works out, I am extremely proud of Shaka Smart and this group of players. They are a special group. They may not be the most talented individuals in the country, but, together, they are certainly one of the best teams. And every time I see one of the players interviewed, I am proud of the fact that they are all well-spoken, polite, and very pleasant young men.

This team has given me great pleasure this season, and I am grateful for the way they have re-ignited MU basketball tradition. I hope future MU players realize that this is the team that laid a strong foundation for rebuilding a proud program.

Every now and then, things just seem to fall into place. Shaka is perfect for MU, MU is perfect for him, and Shaka and this group of players are perfect for each other.

Who knows how the NCAA games will work out. But, I am going to enjoy watching these guys play their asses off for as long as the ride lasts.

[Goose]

rgoode

Great post. My only addition, I believe last year's team set the process in motion. Those guys were cobbled together and gave a glimpse of the future would look like. I believe that last year was an extremely important year in MU history. Enough success to create excitement, yet enough disappointment to learn from. The way last year ended was a big catalyst for this years success, imo.

[rgoode57]

Very good point, Goose.

[YaBlueIt]

And every time I see one of the players interviewed, I am proud of the fact that they are all well-spoken, polite, and very pleasant young men.

I really feel this as well. This interaction between Oso and OMax last night makes me smile every time I see it:

https://twitter.com/muwiresports/status/1634764906246332416?s=46&t=T4Jh61bDu-_vWMuJVDqDiQ

Shaka has cultivated a brotherhood in this team and they truly play for each other. How could you not be proud?

[PointWarrior]

I really feel this as well. This interaction between Oso and OMax last night makes me smile every time I see it:

https://twitter.com/muwiresports/status/1634764906246332416?s=46&t=T4Jh61bDu-_vWMuJVDqDiQ

Shaka has cultivated a brotherhood in this team and they truly play for each other. How could you not be proud?

That video is so awesome.