I think I’m experiencing what many in this thread have already experienced or may be going through right now: Impending apathy towards this program.
This is such a lovable team. The stars really shine. The way they pull for each other. The apparent selflessness. My son absolutely worships Rob and Reed (in that order btw). He was as pissed as any of us last night. Punching his seat. Cussing just loud enough for his parents not to hear. He was crushed. I was sitting there silently seething so as not to set a poor example.
Everyone in our section knew the story. Knowledgeable fans. Fans that care about the prestige of the program. Encouraging players. Silently questioning and grumbling poor calls. Shrugging and scoffing at substitutions. Laughing at A&M’s playmaking. Accepting our fate as classy as we could.
And during that last minute it hit me: What’s the point? Why get this worked up? Well, it’s because of this group of guys. They are a joy. I can see why my son is so enamored with those guys. Hell, I’ve coached AGAINST Reed. He’s a star! It would be easy enough to love these guys if they were in a different uniform. But they’re here! They are Kentucky!
Meanwhile, a washed up DUNCE of a basketball coach sits over there and ruins what could be/should be. And that’s when you realize, any and all success on behalf of the University of Kentucky basketball program is gone. It will not return until Coach Cal and his entire brand is washed clean of this place. And if he does get lucky enough to win a couple more games this year (spoiler, he won’t), it won’t be UK’s or BBN’s success. It will be his, his brand, and certain player’s draft potential. That’s the measuring stick. BBN and the University of Kentucky are nothing more than a hindrance to him and his brand.
Well, Cal is a hindrance to my attachment to this program. Im just going to be a casual observer after this season. I’m pulling for them and always will, but Cal is no longer going to get my money, my emotional investment, or my spare time. I’m out.
I’ll take anyone over him. At least maybe they’ll respect the program, the job, and the people that help make it what it is.
Happy St. Patty’s everyone! Selection Sunday is tomorrow! May your brackets be full of good fortune and monetary success!
F this gay earth.