Mike Bibby after his 1997 title. So you arrive on a Monday night in 2001, and it could be a Monday night in 1971. Duke had its senior leader, Battier, who merely is complete, polite and committed. This is about those who stayed, showing that winning a national championship can mean as much as cashing a monstrous check. Hey, we're not blind here.
College basketball is scuffed with dirt and hypocrisy.
The basketball was mostly excellent. There were athletes and stories everywhere, none more compelling than the tale of Battier, who always knew where he was headed. He got there, and he brought a fine team with him. Bob Wojnowski's column appears regularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Or, have Wojnowski delivered right to your doorstep.