Post by ForeverBigBlue on Nov 14, 2012 0:26:31 GMT -5
Expectations. We all have them and when those expectations are not met, our reaction can be anything from mild disappointment to utter despair.
On the heels of the exciting 2011-12 season culminating in UK's 8th National Championship and yet another #1 recruiting class, expectations were sky high for the 2012-13 Cats. But after the season opener against Maryland with the Cats barely squeaking out the win at the end, you could hear Cat fans far and wide already sinking into the "utter despair" category. Meanwhile, this writer is holding firm in the "mild disappointment" category. Here is why it is far too soon for utter despair:
I haven't even had to mention Noel or Cauley Stein as you simply cannot be True Blue and not recognize how talented these 2 young players are. They will come into their own and will do so quickly and will be men among boys come March.
Yes, expectations. We are filled with them. I had expectations about this season, but part of my expectations were to share the season with someone that I had shared the previous 14 seasons with....dissecting plays from the games, texting one another during games to cheer a play or gripe about a bad call, and making sure both of us had access to all the great articles about our beloved Cats. Those expectations crashed to the ground on October 26, 2012 when charter Maniac member TexasBlue passed away unexpectedly.
TexasBlue (aka Stan) became a Wildcat fan later in life, but he was no less passionate than those of us who are lifelong blue bloods. He would have been laughing at those fans who got angry at the loss against dUKe tonight, shaking his head saying, "it's WAY too early to get this tore up over a game! Wait until March!" Even though Stan and I were unable to save our marriage, we did manage to salvage our friendship and our commitment to our beautiful daughter (who turned 13 the day after Stan's funeral). My life is forever changed and UK games, while still being a passion, won't be quite the same any more.
So maybe my personal loss has given me perspective on my expectations, not only for this UK team, but for my life in general. We Kentucky fans often say that UK Basketball is a matter of life and death. Well dear friends, it really is NOT that serious. Important, perhaps. Passion, for sure. But life and death it is not. I've experienced the death and one lost game can't come close to the emptiness you feel from the loss of a friend.
My expectations are now modified. The Cats WILL have a great season. The Cats WILL be a very real contender for the National Championship. And the Cats will have a few stumbles along the way. In the end, though, should they fail to reach my expectations, I shall not fall into utter despair. Instead, I shall hear that familiar voice in my head telling me "it will all be OK in March!" and carry on with the season, my heart a little heavier and my life a little emptier. But I will forever bleed blue....at least that's how I see it Behind My Big Blue Shades.
On the heels of the exciting 2011-12 season culminating in UK's 8th National Championship and yet another #1 recruiting class, expectations were sky high for the 2012-13 Cats. But after the season opener against Maryland with the Cats barely squeaking out the win at the end, you could hear Cat fans far and wide already sinking into the "utter despair" category. Meanwhile, this writer is holding firm in the "mild disappointment" category. Here is why it is far too soon for utter despair:
I haven't even had to mention Noel or Cauley Stein as you simply cannot be True Blue and not recognize how talented these 2 young players are. They will come into their own and will do so quickly and will be men among boys come March.
Yes, expectations. We are filled with them. I had expectations about this season, but part of my expectations were to share the season with someone that I had shared the previous 14 seasons with....dissecting plays from the games, texting one another during games to cheer a play or gripe about a bad call, and making sure both of us had access to all the great articles about our beloved Cats. Those expectations crashed to the ground on October 26, 2012 when charter Maniac member TexasBlue passed away unexpectedly.
TexasBlue (aka Stan) became a Wildcat fan later in life, but he was no less passionate than those of us who are lifelong blue bloods. He would have been laughing at those fans who got angry at the loss against dUKe tonight, shaking his head saying, "it's WAY too early to get this tore up over a game! Wait until March!" Even though Stan and I were unable to save our marriage, we did manage to salvage our friendship and our commitment to our beautiful daughter (who turned 13 the day after Stan's funeral). My life is forever changed and UK games, while still being a passion, won't be quite the same any more.
So maybe my personal loss has given me perspective on my expectations, not only for this UK team, but for my life in general. We Kentucky fans often say that UK Basketball is a matter of life and death. Well dear friends, it really is NOT that serious. Important, perhaps. Passion, for sure. But life and death it is not. I've experienced the death and one lost game can't come close to the emptiness you feel from the loss of a friend.
My expectations are now modified. The Cats WILL have a great season. The Cats WILL be a very real contender for the National Championship. And the Cats will have a few stumbles along the way. In the end, though, should they fail to reach my expectations, I shall not fall into utter despair. Instead, I shall hear that familiar voice in my head telling me "it will all be OK in March!" and carry on with the season, my heart a little heavier and my life a little emptier. But I will forever bleed blue....at least that's how I see it Behind My Big Blue Shades.
