“In time we hate that which we often fear.” —William Shakespeare
This year the NCAA Final Four will once again visit Indianapolis, specifically, the not-so-friendly confines of Lucas Oil Stadium. (Pardon my angst, but I believe hoops should be played in arenas and not stadiums.)
More than likely, one of the four vying for the crown will be the University of Kentucky, and absolutely nothing could irritate the local faithful more than that.
Yes, UK and their ongoing trek to perfection really doesn’t sit that well with a lot of folks and despite trying to look at all the reasons the haters have supplied me with, I really cannot fathom just what all the disdain is about.
Sure, there is the Indiana University faction that does not want their archrivals from the Bluegrass State reaching a similar undefeated season status, crying out, “We did it first!”
There are also those who point to Kentucky’s success under Coach John Calipari as simply being a by-product of utilizing athletes who are often dubbed “one and done” decrying their propensity to enter the NBA rather than spend four years in college, and in the process, begrudging them the money they quite honestly have earned.
I have stopped asking folks why these young men shouldn’t reap the rewards that go along with a championship, and in the process have grown weary in my efforts to understand their troubling views pertaining to the hypocrisy they are promoting.
Somehow it seems reasonable to me when we allow a young man to enter the ranks of professional basketball and get paid handsomely after generating millions and millions of dollars for both the NCAA and the college on the front of his jersey.
My personal pet peeve aside, are you curious about the real reason so many literally despise the Wildcats from Lexington? That’s easy. Jealousy, plain and simple.
Every game they win that brings them closer to the tournament title causes great discomfort for all of the aforementioned and in the process obliterates the myth that says you cannot win without upperclassmen and a structured program, both of which I feel are as outdated as my wardrobe.
How ironic is it that the State of Indiana, the self proclaimed Mecca of basketball, is hosting the Final Four, and more than likely will have to eat crow and wash it down with tears as Kentucky graces the big stage? Uh, very.
Here is a suggestion for all you Kentucky detractors: Give these young men their due as one of the greatest teams in NCAA history and simply enjoy their exploits as a fan of the game. Take off your blinders and set aside your school sweater (no doubt a red one) and have a good time watching them play.
Sure, root for one of the five Indiana schools in the tourney, but when it comes down to UK and whomever is left in the title game, tune in with an open mind and watch how this phenomenally talented group of young men play both ends of the court as good as any in the modern era. More than likely when it is all said and done, UK will win the National Championship but many of you will place an asterisk beside their accomplishments in your own mind.
Everything ranging from they should win with all that talent, to the system is broken, to “I bet they bent some rules along the way.” Yeah, go ahead and disrespect them all you want, but they are the best team you’ve seen in quite sometime, and that really stokes the unnecessary hatred that goes way beyond the boundaries of a heated rivalry.
Forget the fact that their highly underrated coach has done a masterful job blending this group into a powerhouse, and please do not forget to dismiss the fact that these young men are also doing fine in the classroom. Why let insignificant details get in the way of your hate?
Then again, there is always a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, so please do keep the faith. Perhaps one of these talented UK players will someday play at a high level for your favorite NBA team, and then of course all their “transgressions” as a member of the team you hated in college will be completely forgiven. Yeah, probably so.
Danny Bridges, an NBA junkie who normally does not like college basketball, but looks forward to watching UK at the Final Four, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
