Here we are.
Finally, we are at the moment we have been looking forward to since last season's heartbreak against the UCLA Bruins. A win this afternoon will mean we are heading to the greatest place on Earth. The Final Four.
We are a spoiled fan base, bemoaning the fact that we haven't been to the Final Four since 2003. 2003. That is five years this season. We have won at least a part of four consecutive conference championships, and six of seven. We've won the Big 12 Conference Tournament three years running. But we still feel we have been deprived in recent years, because we haven't made it all the way to the Final Four.
We, as a fan base, could really use this Final Four. It would be nice and I would savor every second. I have been dying to get back ever since Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara knocked us out way back in 2003.
But more important than our spoiled selves getting what we want, a trip to basketball's Promised Land, Bill Self and the team need it. Bill Self has been categorized as a choker, a coach that can't win the big one. The best active coach never to make it to a Final Four. It would be really nice to get all of the monkeys off his back.
But this game is especially for our seniors. The five men who have gave their all to this program, who were there for the two consecutive first round bow-outs. They were the first true members of the Bill Self era, the coach-defining players used as the foundation for better things to come. They deserve a Final four. All of the players do.
So, today when you are watching the game, think of them. And remember, this game is for them. This is their last time to shine on the college basketball shine, most likely the final moments for Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur as well, and they are what is most important.
And seriously, I really want this Final Four.
Really, really bad.
ROCK CHALK!