The saying "that's why they play the game" is apt here. Of all team sports, college BB has grown in parity since the days of Sampson, as reflected in more bids from mid-major conferences and more competitive games. And we all love a Cinderella (Loyola-Chicago 2018!!). So it was only a matter of time before a 16 prevailed. There have been many losses over the years for highly ranked teams as 2seeds (Duke, Syracuse, Michigan State), 3seeds (Kansas, NC, GTown, Villanova) and on down. Yesterday three of the 16 games were decided by 5 points or less. Which is what makes this tournament so exciting ... sometimes the better team does not prevail. Go Hoos!!!
5
The great thing about college basketball is that it takes only one or two really good players and a smart coach that can get the entire team to execute a plan, to have a chance to knock off a basketball power. That's what happened last year to UVA, and ultimately there should be no shame in it.
I'm glad to see UVA has moved on from last year's tournament. Their coach Tony Bennett is a class act that develops players well, keeping most until they graduate. Contrast that with some of the top basketball schools that perennially stock up with "one and done" draft picks that move on to the NBA, e.g. Duke, UNC, Kentucky, etc.
10
Last year's loss was totally devastating and basically was a gift to all other teams and fans since they will never ever have to go through that nightmare. It's already been done. The fans and team have talked about it all year and in context of everything great about being a college basketball fan everyone has enjoyed the season and is looking forward to this next game. I'm sure there might be some stomach aches today with some flash back worries, but the team is ready for this next opportunity. Winning against NC State in Charlotte last week was a great! Let the competition begin!!
2
One of the best things about sports, particularly at college level, is that next year is always another story. The combo of one loss and done plus the three point shot makes the NCAA Tournament a place to find a champion, but often not the best team. The NBA process, really a second season, almost always ensures the best team will take the hardware. Consequently, a loss in the Tournament, while bad for career rewards and coaches’ salaries, should not mean you do much deep soul searching.
2
I’m a ‘73 UVA grad. Barry Parkhill was the big dog on the BB team back in that day.
Then came Sampson, then came Tony Bennet etc etc.
UVA BB has been a source of continuing frustration over the years.
No matter how good UVA stats out to be pre tournament they always seem to find a way to snap defeat from victory as they did when they lost to Syracuse a couple of tournaments ago when they couldn’t score an easy lay up to win the game.
Or when key players become injured right before the big dance as with the last couple of years.
I don’t expect them to get past the sweet 16 this year despite their pedigree.
If past (50 years) is prologue, they will find a way to underachieve i.e. choke, again this year.
@winthropo muchacho
As as fellow alum, (B.Arch '70) I agree with this statement. It seems to be in the DNA for football and basketball. But, nobody ever went to UVA for great athletic teams.
@Fla Joe
Ignoring the past UVA national championships in baseball, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, etc. that's true. Those aren't athletic teams?
3
@Holden Caulfield
Touché Holden.
I was in Cary, NC for all UVA soccer games when they won their 2009 soccer national championship in a PK shootout in the rain against Akron.
After the game I sang :
Ole, ole, ole UVA, UVA
with our team and fans with tears streaming uncontrollably and unabashedly down my face.
4