Congrats on a good season

[hifigator]

I remember the feelings I felt in 94 after our very first Final Four, where we lost in the semifinals to Duke. I still insist it was a bad call. We were down a bucket in the last minute and were called for a charge. Even back then Duke got all the calls. It weeks, even months before we got over it somewhat.

In 2000, we went one game further, only to lose in the title game. At the time it seemed to hurt that much more and I will never admit that Mich St. was that much better than we were. Still, the next 5 years helped put it all in perspective. 5 straight years of not making it out of the first weekend helps you appreciate the successes you do have all the more. Last year of course we won it all, but I remember heading into Indy that I was going to enjoy the ride and anything beyond that was icing on the cake. In all honesty were it not for a very unusual turn of events where our role players -- Humphrey and Richard -- were both Juniors and our star players all made the unprecedented decision to return to school, then we would in all likelihood, be just another casualty in this event known as March Madness.

I want to win tonight, but I am bound and determined to not let a loss tonight ruin what has been a great year, and I urge you all to do the same.

Final Fours are THAT special. I know that should Green and Hibbs return next season, with the addition of Wright and Freeman that expectations will be off the charts and that is fine, but don't let the posititve of raising the bar overshadow the accomplishments of a BE Title, BE Tourny Title and a Final Four appearance.

[EasyEd]

Yes, you do sound patronizing this time. Not the right time for you to post on this board.

[YB]

Here we go....

I still dislike OSU fans more- MUCH more- than Florida fans. But don't push it buddy. You guys are dangerously close to becoming the Yankees of college athletics.

[SoCalHoya]

I don't think hifi sounds too patronizing. Though I agree, give us a little distance, would ya? We are all proud of our team, our coaches, and our students for making this year so special. But give us some time to get our house in order. Thanks.

[RDF]

Depends on your outlook--I tend to be a fan who thinks Hoya fans know what it's like to get to Final Four and the journey--and it's a helluva lot different when you are getting beat by Michael Jordan/James Worthy and facing Aaron Afflalo and the gang who can't shoot.

I grew up in Golden Era of CBB and while Magic-Bird get credit for "creating March Madness" all I can say is that the 1982 Final Four changed CBB to what you see today--huge event, Dome stadium, and a team that made people watch--be it for reasons of liking them or hating them. So for someone to come over here and tell us to "enjoy the season" as if were some FB school who has no care in world if they win or lose due to Spring Football game being a week away--I take some offense.

All I can say is that during UF's run--and they are a great team--they will be responsible for me not watching the National Title game for only the 2nd time in my lifetime--and last year was the other. I don't find it fun to watch them play--and this is despite them being a great team. I like Brewer's game, I think Humphrey/Green are as good as it gets in CBB, but I just don't enjoy watching them play. I fully expect them to throttle Ohio State and be celebrated--and it's deserved but it's not interesting basketball to watch due to nobody accepting the challenge and pushing them. It's in part due to their excellence as a team and part due to matchups--where nobody they've faced has even had a shot to beat them in past 2 years minus Georgetown. I really don't think Ohio State comes within 15 points of this team if they play how they did on Saturday--it's going to take a great game from Buckeyes and 30+ minutes from Oden--who will be in foul trouble in about 4/5 minutes as he's been in every big game it seems.

Why watch when outcome is predictable? I saw the only game where Gators were challenged and it was last year from team I support. If I want to watch a team I don't follow win easily--I can watch November cupcake games, not the Final Four or National Title game.

So while Gainesville will be happy--it's euphoria is going to be higher when Gators have Orange/Blue Spring FB game and Two A Days come in August--as that is what is king in South and Gainesville. Just a different feel when teams like this make it to Final Four and win. Success should be commended for their AD for great hires and running a great program but count me as not being a second interested in tonight which is same as last year which I believe to be the Worst Final Four I've ever watched-and led me to skip the Championship Game. Same for tonight. Good luck to Buckeyes--but feel bad that this will be 2nd straight major sport title game you'll likely be getting destroyed in.

[hifigator]

I really meant no harm at all. I hope the edited/shortened words are more understanding.

RDF, thanks for the kind words ... I think. But that is for another thread.

[Filo]

Thanks HiFi. I don't doubt your sincerity. We're disappointed because we thought the Hoyas could have given the Gators a run for their money, but we're very proud of our team. The program has come a long way in a short time.

I won't wish the Gators luck tonight, 'cause I don't think they are going to need it. But OSU hasn't gotten the respect it deserves and has managed to just keep on winning, so I hope it is a good game.

[KHoyaNYC]

I'm sick to death of Florida. Go Buckeyes.

[aggypryd]

Good luck tonight, Hifi.

I will not be cheering for Florida because I'm not a Billy Donovan fan, but Florida took on all-comers this season, and didn't flinch. Gotta respect that.

Just don't gotta like it...

Win or lose, make sure you come back and holla' at us.

[mapei]

Thanks HiFi.

[kghoya]

i was in section 341 on saturday and the EDITED in front of me with orange pants and a blue and orange bow tie made me a buckeye fan for the night....

the osu fans on the marta after the game were unbearable as well but nothing beats that EDITED in front of me...

[edstimes]

hifigator said:

I remember the feelings I...

Avoid repetitive posts.

[hoyarooter]

Michigan St. WAS that much better than Florida in 2000. Florida made a nice run to get to the finals that year.

I expect Florida to win tonight. And while I am an ardent Hoya AND Bruin fan, I don't begrudge Florida in any respect. Florida is just better than UCLA. They punished the Bruins twice the way the Bruins used to punish everyone back in the day. A team that establishes its dominance and proves it in the tournament deserves plaudits.

[miracles87]

All due respect to the Gators. All season long, I felt we were the team to stop them. We fell short, and I ain't about hard feelings. Congrats to hifi.

Enjoy...

[bubbrubbhoya]

HiFi, when you wave to people, do you cup your hand and rotate your wrist, all without moving your arm?

[YB]

Congrats Hifi- enjoy it, bc you guys wont be too good next year. This is your shining moment... I'm envious but enjoy your moment and thanks for sending the Red Sox, er, Tree Nuts back home empty handed yet again!

Brutus sucks!

[hoyatables]

Congrats, HiFi. There is naught but joy in Gainesville, for mighty Noah has won out.

[hoyadestroya]

Congrats HiFi. The Gators played a solid game and had a solid year. I'm hoping by having the players come back and win it all again will keep some talent in the college ranks instead of wasting away in the NBA.

And for those hating on the Yankees, jealousy gets you nowheres.

[njcoach]

hoyadestroya said:

Congrats HiFi. The Gators played a solid game and had a solid year. I'm hoping by having the players come back and win it all again will keep some talent in the college ranks instead of wasting away in the NBA.

And for those hating on the Yankees, jealousy gets you nowheres.

Damn right. And great job by the Gators. They were flat out the best team in the nation from my vantage point. Next year will be a different story, especially if BD decides to graze on some blue grass.

[rhman]

Appreciate the perspective Hifi... congrats on the Gators win.