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.
