Wrote this today after reflecting on last nights epic game: ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE Russ Smith deserved to hit his last collegiate three point attempt - in another time, another place. As a Kentucky Wildcat fan, I was elated to see the shot come up short and the Cats go on to finish out the game victorious. Yet, on the opposing team a disappointed kid takes the last shot of his college career, a frustration dunk as time expires, and even it rims out. Russ Smith deserves a better ending. Here is a player who made the most of his playing time, thrilling and frustrating Louisville Cardinals fans with his frantic style and his gutsy will to make baskets at all cost. Still, its the kid himself who should have had the game-tying shot, the accolades and the praise. In a day and time where young men are abrasive, rude, crass and lacking in morals Russ goes against the type. He is polite, bright, understanding and classy in victory and defeat. He always made sure to praise the opponent and to thank his teammates, even in victories that were completely his own doing. When his coach, Rick Pitino, grew frustrated and fumed at him, Russ didnt sulk - he listened and found the determination to carry on (usually in winning fashion). As I said before, Im a Wildcat fan. I used to be one of those fans - we all know one and we all know what Im talking about. Then something happened. Life happened. I grew up and realized its just a game. Believe me, a game that tears at my heart and nerves like crazy and leaves me weak the next morning sometimes...yet, Ive learned over time that it really just goes back to the teams and players. Russ Smith deserved a better ending to his college basketball career. The sport needs more kids like him. I would have been proud to have watched him as a Kentucky Wildcat player. Im glad his shot fell short, but in another time, another place the ball sails through the goal and Russ is the hero...a fitting end for a tremendous player.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 17:33:00 +0000