True forgiveness. You know if you have experienced it. It's a soul cleansing you can physically feel on your face, your chest and your shoulders.
That's why last year's Hawks will always be one of the most interesting, surprising, and special teams in Kansas History.
Jayhawk fans, in no way, were due any contrition's last year. At least not in reality. But fans do not live in reality. Fans are fans so they can escape their reality. With that understood, many Kansas fans were smarting going into last year's season.
KU's losses to NIU and VCU the two years prior were avoidable and awkward. In a way, those losses seemed to take away from 2008's National Championship. It was like someone drew a moustache on our Mona Lisa. When spoken of nationally, it was not KU's amazing string of conference championships and recent National Championship that was spoken of. It was an ongoing choke theme, belabored.
KU had player of the year candidate, Thomas Robinson. KU also had the most frustrating player in years running the team. Tyshawn Taylor.
Everyone wanted Tyshawn to change. For 3 years, we all wanted him to be something he was not. Some just wanted him gone.
There will never be another Jayhawk who's name brings up so many different types of emotions.
He didn't change. He played his game. He made more shots than he should have, and sliced through traffic, and turned the ball over, and hit clutch free throws. He played awesome defense. He thrilled, and he frustrated. He was a Bill Shakespeare hero in high tops.
Then he leads the Jayhawks to another conference championship. Then he leads them to a Final 4, and all the way to the Championship Game. KU over achieved fin the big dance for the first time in decades.
Once the Tournament started, KU played excellent defense, but stopped hitting outside shots. The games were painfully close. I have never been to a NCAA Tournament win and had less fun that the win over North Carolina State. Shame on me. I didn't get it. It was horribly beautiful.
Forgiven.
NCAA tournament upsets
Tyshawn Taylor
Myself (for being such an idiot fan the last few years)
Roy ( about time Ed)
I am quite certain this year's team will play great defense, but beyond that, I have no strong opinions and even less expectations. I like this new approach.
I think the development and contributions from Tharpe and McLemore will be key, but it's just a hunch. Happy to say, I don't care. It's time to enjoy the play.
Thanks for the lesson Tyshawn.
