Don't Even Worry, We Gonna Make It...

Last week, I was hoping to find the time and motivation to write a comprehensive preview of the college basketball season. A day spent on the national storylines, a day on the ACC, and a day on the Heels. Needless to say, this did not happen, as the crossover of football and hoops seasons here in Blacksburg has made for a pretty hectic time. Then, on Monday night, I was planning to just go ahead and put up a Carolina preview anyway, just in time for the loyal readership of The Blue Team to scan prior to the Kentucky game. However, something told me to hold off. And then This happened (great look from the courtside camera behind our basket, you can hear his frustration as he gets up).

So now our glorious season is done. All the hopes and dreams of the Carolina Family have been dashed. The season-long coronation of college basketball's best team will now be a battle just to make the NCAA Tournament. Injuries include Marcus and Tyler x2. We're toast.

Not exactly.

Back away slowly from that ledge, ye young Tar Heel enthusiast. Put down the sharp instruments o backer of the Baby Blue. And put away the AK-47 intended for Ramon Harris my fellow rooters of Roy (it was a hard foul, but not at all intentional or dirty, he's not named Gerald). This season is not over, the championship aspirations still remain. To quote Papa David Noel, "don't even worry, we gonna make it..."

As I watched the Kentucky game, I was extremely frustrated. The team was incredibly discombobulated, as evidenced by sloppy passes, poor decisions, and the lack of defensive rotation. We could not have won a national title down at the local YMCA, in my opinion. Lawson, in particular, did not have a good game, driving too far into the lane on numerous occasions, a mistake that frequently ended in a turnover. Suffice to say that, prior to Zeller going down with his wrist injury, I was not too pleased with what I was watching. But yesterday, even knowing that we were about to get news of Zeller's significant injury, the season came back into perspective.

The reason everyone seems so upset right now is the bad karma of three major injuries. Zeller's broken wrist finally brought to the surface what a lot of people were quietly whispering: this team is jinxed already. Too many injuries, too much bad karma to win a national title. But I got news for you: winning a national title is not just about karma. It's about perseverence, improving as a basketball team, and focusing on a goal together. Marcus is going to get healthy (eventually) and Psycho T will be dominating before too long. Before you know it, this team will play a complete game and run somebody decent out of the gym.

Of course, there will be some bad games. There will be a few losses I am sure. And if for some reason there are two more huge injuries (Ty Lawson anybody?) or Hansbrough cannot get healthy, then forget I ever wrote this post and keep me away from the utinsel drawer.

I am just asking that this season, the Carolina Family keeps the big picture in mind and manages to enjoy the ride along the way. The big picture is March - ultimately, that will determine the success of the season in the minds of most, as it normally does at Chapel Hill. So a loss next week in Maui or in mid-January is not the end of the world. But the ride is important too - enjoy watching the talented student-athletes, the highlight-reel plays, the blowouts, and the close victories. There is too much to be marveled at to just waste away an entire season expecting more or giving in the "bad karma". Besides, if you are feeling down, just watch this.

Don't even worry, we gonna make it...cause this year, we are bringing some more banners to the dome.