Arizona’s incredible run through the NCAA tournament ended Saturday in a 65-63 loss to third-seeded UConn. Similar to what some of you must have felt as two open looks fell short and time ran out, I was crushed. I wanted to cry, but then I remembered I’m only allowed two cries a year because emotions are for sissies, so I didn’t. Barely.
Instead of lamenting what could have been, let’s put this loss into perspective: At this time last year, the Arizona roster was eating Cheetos and watching reruns of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This year, the team was a bucket away from reaching the Final Four.
If Sean Miller can pull that off in one season, what will he do in two? With four-star recruits Nick Johnson, Josiah Turner, Angelo Chol and Sidiki Johnson joining the roster of still-young talent next season, who knows? Even if Derrick Williams doesn’t stick around—which he totallydefinitelyabsolutely should—this program has the pieces to live deep in the tournament for years to come.
So, underclassmen, understand this: You’re blessed with something that graduating seniors like me don’t have. Time. You have time to celebrate more last-second thrillers, to gloat about blowout victories and even to be humbled by a loss every once in a while. You have time to chant along with the Ooh Aah Man, to dance with Phyllis and to shriek shamelessly every time Lute pops up on the jumbotron. You have time to line up for games four hours early, to tear up during the introduction video and to lose your voice after 20 minutes in the Zona Zoo.
Take advantage of that time. Soak up everything possible: McKale Center, the players, Sean Miller and campus on game day, because you are witnessing the making of history at one of the most storied programs in the sport.
Arizona basketball is finally Arizona basketball again, and there is nothing more beautiful in the world.