2008 Woodie Awards
Experiencing basketball's finest in the heart of Texas
Robbie Lehman/Staff Writer
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Perspectives
March and April are my favorite months of the year for one reason and one reason only--the climax of the college basketball season.
During these months, my emotions take a 180 degree turn at the snap of a finger. As I watched the Kansas Jayhawks defeat the Memphis Tigers to win the 2008 NCAA National Championship in San Antonio from my dorm room in Indianola, I was nearly brought to tears with the playing of "One Shining Moment," CBS's annual tribute to the tournament.
I experienced these jumbled emotions less than 24 hours after being in the same city as the Final Four took place. From Thursday through Saturday I was in the center of the basketball universe around some of the brightest minds and most talented athletes the game has to offer. I had the privilege to be somewhat up close and personal with All-American characters like 'Gody,' 'Psycho' and 'B-Easy,' and shake the hands of superb coaches such as 'Keno,' 'Roy' and 'JTIII.'
As a veteran of the last five Final Fours, I have noticed three distinct classifications of people who attend. There are the fans. Then there are the coaches from hundreds of schools wearing their appropriately-logoed mesh polo shirts. Then we have the media. One of my favorite parts of going to the Final Four is watching ESPN's College GameDay filmed live. I have a supreme interest in either coaching or becoming a member of the media in the future.
I have gone the last five years with my cousins and my uncle, a former head coach for the University of Nebraska-Omaha and still-active member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
We go to events like the NABC All-Star Game and Slam Dunk/3 Point Shootout. The practices for all four teams are also open to the public. However, for those non-hoops diehards, there are other activities such as concerts which were showcased this year by Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy.
Because of the various activities going on-basketball and otherwise- and the general atmosphere, I believe the Final Four is the best event in all of sports. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.
Sometimes I feel silly for getting so worked up over a game. It still bothers me that when people ask me why I love the game so much, I can't give them a straight answer. For some reason I have a burning passion for college basketball. It's extremely difficult to explain or understand, but, oh boy, is it there. There is just something about it that gives me a thrill, especially this time of year.
So as I watched my Jayhawks win the chip, one of my final two college choices--I think you know what the other one was)--I went through some mixed emotions. There was joy and sadness, and uncertainty about my future. The only thing certain is that I will be involved in basketball somehow, some way. And, oh yeah, that I will be in Motown next year for the best sporting event there is.
During these months, my emotions take a 180 degree turn at the snap of a finger. As I watched the Kansas Jayhawks defeat the Memphis Tigers to win the 2008 NCAA National Championship in San Antonio from my dorm room in Indianola, I was nearly brought to tears with the playing of "One Shining Moment," CBS's annual tribute to the tournament.
I experienced these jumbled emotions less than 24 hours after being in the same city as the Final Four took place. From Thursday through Saturday I was in the center of the basketball universe around some of the brightest minds and most talented athletes the game has to offer. I had the privilege to be somewhat up close and personal with All-American characters like 'Gody,' 'Psycho' and 'B-Easy,' and shake the hands of superb coaches such as 'Keno,' 'Roy' and 'JTIII.'
As a veteran of the last five Final Fours, I have noticed three distinct classifications of people who attend. There are the fans. Then there are the coaches from hundreds of schools wearing their appropriately-logoed mesh polo shirts. Then we have the media. One of my favorite parts of going to the Final Four is watching ESPN's College GameDay filmed live. I have a supreme interest in either coaching or becoming a member of the media in the future.
I have gone the last five years with my cousins and my uncle, a former head coach for the University of Nebraska-Omaha and still-active member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
We go to events like the NABC All-Star Game and Slam Dunk/3 Point Shootout. The practices for all four teams are also open to the public. However, for those non-hoops diehards, there are other activities such as concerts which were showcased this year by Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy.
Because of the various activities going on-basketball and otherwise- and the general atmosphere, I believe the Final Four is the best event in all of sports. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.
Sometimes I feel silly for getting so worked up over a game. It still bothers me that when people ask me why I love the game so much, I can't give them a straight answer. For some reason I have a burning passion for college basketball. It's extremely difficult to explain or understand, but, oh boy, is it there. There is just something about it that gives me a thrill, especially this time of year.
So as I watched my Jayhawks win the chip, one of my final two college choices--I think you know what the other one was)--I went through some mixed emotions. There was joy and sadness, and uncertainty about my future. The only thing certain is that I will be involved in basketball somehow, some way. And, oh yeah, that I will be in Motown next year for the best sporting event there is.
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