Today at 2:00 the University of Louisville Cardinals will take on the University of Minnesota sweet darling Golden Gophers in Phoenix, Arizona. To most of the world, this is an out-of-conference game. The educated fan may realize that a mentor is facing his former assistant. In our little pocket of the Big Blue Nation, where basketball always reigns, this game has great meaning, though little to no importance. And to my amazement, great controversy has arisen over who should win: Tubby or Pitino. Dear readers, I am farmisht!
I guess I understand the reasoning. The argument is as follows: When Rick Pitino left Kentucky in 1997, our program was at the very pinnacle of college basketball. When Tubby left 10 years later we were fighting to maintain our foothold as an elite program. So they say. Okay, whatever.
I am slightly biased in that I know Tubby personally. I cheer for the Gophers no matter who they play. But putting aside the two coaches, it's Minnesota v. Louisville. Minnesota, the land of lakes, cold weather, and Sarah Palin accents, just does not pose a threat to me. I remember beating them en route to the '97 Championship Game. (Yes, I remember who our coach was.) Tubby coaching the Golden Gophers does not upset me in the least.
But, Louisville! As should be patently obvious by now, Louisville is a different case entirely. I want devastating, humiliating defeat. I want wearing of sackcloth and gnashing of teeth. Tubby, you were so successful in this endeavor during your last gig. Just bring it one more time!
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ReplyDeleteAndre,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the enlightening commentary,if only I could read it. I doubt however that it has anything to do with the Pitino-Tubby debate.